The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra has announced its 2026-27 season under Music Director Cristian Măcelaru, his second at the helm of the orchestra. The season opens October 2 with a performance of Wynton Marsalis’s “Symphony No. 5, ‘Liberty,'” a work co-commissioned with the orchestra. Pianist Lang Lang, violinist Nicola Benedetti (appearing in a week-long residency), and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra are among the featured guest artists.

Conductor Măcelaru has programmed several notable premieres, including the U.S. premiere of Mark Simpson’s Piano Concerto with pianist Víkingur Ólafsson. The season will also include the American premiere of George Enescu’s Symphony No. 3, a work that has not been performed in the United States in more than a century. Măcelaru, a recognized interpreter of Enescu’s music, will conduct nine subscription weekends across the season. Music Director Laureate Louis Langrée will return for two programs.

The season continues a programming direction that balances standard orchestral repertoire with contemporary works and significant guest residencies. Full season details and subscription information are available through the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra.

Source: League of American Orchestras / Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra