The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and Cincinnati Pops unveiled programming details for their 2026-27 season on February 26, 2026, marking Music Director Cristian Măcelaru’s second season at the helm of the orchestra. The announcement included a significant extension of Pops Conductor John Morris Russell’s contract through the end of the 2027-28 season.
The CSO season opens in October 2026 with a residency featuring Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis and violinist Nicola Benedetti. The engagement is described as one of Marsalis’ final appearances as Jazz at Lincoln Center’s artistic director following nearly 40 years in that role. The broader CSO season emphasizes new and recent works, including world premieres of Errollyn Wallen’s Concerto for Orchestra in March 2027 and the U.S. premiere of Mark Simpson’s Piano Concerto in January 2027. Măcelaru will also lead what is believed to be the first U.S. performance in nearly a century of George Enescu’s Symphony No. 3. Featured soloists include pianists Lang Lang, Víkingur Ólafsson, and Conrad Tao, and cellist Alisa Weilerstein.
The Cincinnati Pops season focuses on the breadth of American music, spanning Broadway, bluegrass, hip-hop, and Hollywood scores. Highlights include Tony Award-winning vocalist Lea Salonga in September 2026, a Grammy-winning holiday guest, and a program pairing Stravinsky with Kendrick Lamar in January 2027. Films presented live in concert include La La Land, Psycho, and Hook.
Individual tickets for most CSO programs go on sale to the public June 3, 2026. Season subscriptions are available now at cincinnatisymphony.org or by calling 513.381.3300. Music Hall is located at 1241 Elm Street in Cincinnati.
Source: Behind the Curtain Cincinnati