PHOENIX (September 11, 2026) – The Phoenix Symphony announces that single tickets are on sale for its 2026/27 Season, the organization’s 79th anniversary season, featuring an exciting new chapter in the Symphony’s history with newly appointed Virginia G. Piper Music Director Designate Paolo Bortolameolli.
Bortolameolli, who was announced as the Symphony’s new Virginia G. Piper Music Director Designate in March 2026, brings an international perspective and dynamic artistic vision to the orchestra as it begins this new era.
The 2026/27 Season offers more than 35 performances spanning beloved classical masterworks, acclaimed guest artists, Phoenix Pops® favorites, blockbuster films with live orchestra, holiday traditions, chamber music, family programming and special experiences throughout the Valley.
“This season represents an extraordinary moment for The Phoenix Symphony as we begin a new chapter with Music Director Designate Paolo Bortolameolli,” said Peter Kjome, President and CEO of The Phoenix Symphony. “This season offers something for everyone, from the great composers and masterworks that define the symphonic tradition to the films, artists and contemporary experiences that bring new audiences to the orchestra. We invite our community to experience this season with us.”
A New Chapter Begins
The 2026/27 Season opens with newly appointed Virginia G. Piper Music Director Designate Paolo Bortolameolli, who leads The Phoenix Symphony in Paolo Conducts Rachmaninoff & Prokofiev, October 9–11 at Symphony Hall. The program features Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3 performed by celebrated pianist Olga Kern, a Gold Medalist of the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, and Prokofiev’s powerful Symphony No. 5. The program opens with Glinka’s dazzling Overture to Russlan and Ludmilla.
Among the season’s other Classics highlights are Beethoven’s 7th Symphony and Chopin’s 2nd Piano Concerto; Schumann and Barber; Bruch and Mendelssohn with concertmaster Rolf Haas; a celebration of John Williams’ 95th birthday; Bortolameolli leading The Rite of Spring; Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No. 3 with pianist Joyce Yang; and Mahler’s 5th Symphony.
Guest conductors and artists throughout the season bring additional perspectives and extraordinary talent to the Symphony stage, including Joyce Yang, Michelle Cann and Bella Hristova.
Phoenix Pops®
The 2026/27 Phoenix Pops season welcomes Stuart Chafetz as the Symphony’s new Principal Pops Conductor, making official a relationship with Phoenix audiences that has become a favorite over the years.
The Pops lineup offers an eclectic mix of legendary music, contemporary favorites and spectacular live experiences, beginning with Music of the Knights: Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber, Sir Elton John & Sir Paul McCartney.
Additional highlights include the Holiday Pops Spectacular, The Music of Paul Simon, Cirque Adventure with Troupe Vertigo, The Taylor Swift Symphonic Experience, Mandy Gonzalez Sings Lin-Manuel Miranda, and Symphonic Genesis & Phil Collins.
Photo by Jaron Quach for Tavit’s Photography
Films, Special Performances and New Experiences
The Symphony’s popular film concerts return with some of cinema’s most memorable scores performed live by The Phoenix Symphony.
The season includes Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl™ in Concert, Elf™ in Concert, E.T.™ in Concert, Top Gun: Maverick™ in Concert, and Raiders of the Lost Ark™ in Concert.
The season also features special performances including Final Symphony: Music from Final Fantasy, bringing the music of the iconic video game series to Symphony Hall; Fleetwood Mac: A Symphonic Tribute, celebrating the legendary band’s timeless music; and SYMPHONYFUSE: MAHLER X NOTORIOUS B.I.G X 2PAC, continuing the Symphony’s exploration of innovative musical fusions.
Holiday Performances
The Phoenix Symphony’s beloved holiday traditions return with performances designed to bring audiences together throughout the season.
Elf™ in Concert kicks off the holiday season, followed by the Holiday Pops Spectacular, December 4–6, featuring festive music and beloved seasonal favorites with guest conductor Daniel Wiley, The Phoenix Symphony Chorus and featured vocalists.
The Symphony also presents Handel’s Messiah, December 9–13, and Holiday Baroque, December 18–20, offering audiences multiple ways to celebrate the season with live music.
Chamber and Family Performances
The Symphony’s Chamber Series offers intimate performances and a closer connection to the musicians and music, with programs including Mendelssohn and Beethoven, Brahms, Warlock, Charles and Elfman, Mendelssohn, Mozart and Haydn, Viviana Performs Mozart, and Mozart, Glass and Grieg.
The Family Series invites younger audiences and families to experience the orchestra through engaging programs including Heroes & Villains: Music in Motion, Carnival of Creatures: Past & Present, Clap, Count, Play! A Symphony Rhythm Party, and Music of the Stars: Cosmic Connections.
Tickets
Single tickets for the 2026/27 Season are on sale now. Audiences can choose from more than 35 performances across Classics, Phoenix Pops, Films, Chamber, Family and Special Performances.
For those who want flexibility, the new Symphony Flex Pass offers six vouchers that can be used for eligible performances throughout the season, allowing concertgoers to choose the concerts that fit their schedules and interests.
Traditional subscription packages and Create Your Own options also provide savings and benefits for audiences who want to experience multiple performances throughout the season.
To explore the complete 2026/27 Season and purchase tickets, visit phoenixsymphony.org or call Patron Services at (602) 495-1999.
####
About The Phoenix Symphony
The Phoenix Symphony has been at the center of Arizona’s cultural life since 1947, performing at Symphony Hall and across the Valley with some of the world’s finest conductors and guest artists. Its exceptional musicians and broad array of programs enrich the lives of thousands of people each year, thanks to enthusiastic audiences and the generous support of individual, foundation, and corporate donors.
In addition to performances, the Symphony’s Community Engagement & Education programs bring the power of music to more than 100,000 Arizonans each year, creating meaningful musical experiences for young people from field trips and school assemblies to master classes, STEM lessons, and more. Symphony musicians also reach individuals in a variety of community, social service, healthcare and shelter settings, including memory care and hospice.
With the appointment of internationally acclaimed conductor Paolo Bortolameolli as the Symphony’s next Virginia G. Piper Music Director, The Phoenix Symphony enters a new chapter. Bortolameolli will serve as Music Director Designate during the 2026–27 season and become the Virginia G. Piper Music Director beginning with the 2027–28 season.
To learn more, visit phoenixsymphony.org.
Discover more from Arizona Progress Gazette
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.