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The John Adams’ Doctor Atomic Symphony (2007) may not be familiar to some, but the story is that of the movie Oppenheimer. That is, the story of U.S. physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer, the “father of the atomic bomb,” and the moral struggle and moral injury of decisions made regarding its use. The opera boasts one of the most beautiful arias by a contemporary composer. For the symphony, that aria becomes a trumpet solo that’s absolutely gorgeous and heartbreaking. The end of Doctor Atomic is another one of those moments in music that gives us hope.

We can’t wait to share the music of the Hartford Symphony Orchestra with you in the park. Join the Hartford Symphony at Symphony in the Park, becoming a cherished tradition bringing the community together through the power of music. This summertime event is our gift to the community, offering an afternoon of beautiful music in the heart of Hartford.

In July 2025, A New World: intimate music from FINAL FANTASY returns with NEW, EXCLUSIVE, and OFFICIAL arrangements of music from the biggest FINAL FANTASY games!

The 25/26 season kicks off with a thrilling blend of jazz, drama, and orchestral storytelling! Paul Dukas’ The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, made famous by Fantasia, sets the stage with its enchanting chaos, followed by Bartók’s suspenseful Suite from The Miraculous Mandarin—performed by HSO for the first time in over 20 years.

Under the direction of Viswa Subarraman the HSO performs a program of grandeur and evolution, highlighted by Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 3, a masterful balance of stormy intensity and lyrical beauty performed by guest artist Drew Petersen. Carl Nielsen’s Helios Overture opens with a radiant orchestral depiction of the sun’s journey, setting the stage for Sibelius’ Symphony No. 5, a triumphant work inspired by nature and transformation.

Adam Kerry Boyles leads a program rich in emotion and orchestral brilliance. Dvorák’s Cello Concerto in B minor, one of the most celebrated works for the instrument, performed by cellist Tommy Mesa. This sweeping, romantic masterpiece blends soaring melodies with moments of deep introspection, showcasing the cello’s expressive power.

HSO’s Winter Dreams blends timeless beauty with bold reinvention. Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 1, “Winter Dreams” evokes a snow-covered landscape through lush melodies and rich orchestration, capturing the magic and nostalgia of the season.

Romeo and Juliet: A Theatrical Concert, is a groundbreaking collaboration between the Hartford Symphony Orchestra, Concert Theatre Works, and acclaimed director Bill Barclay. This co-commissioned production—also supported by the Royal Albert Hall and the Boston Symphony Orchestra, features live actors in costume, dynamic staging, and even sword fighting on stage. This performance goes beyond traditional concert presentations to create an immersive theatrical experience. The orchestra will perform alongside the action, blending Shakespeare’s timeless tragedy with some of the most evocative music ever written for the story.

Kalena Bovell conducts a program of orchestral grandeur. Respighi’s Pines of Rome, last performed by HSO in 2013, brings the Italian landscape to life with sweeping brass fanfares, atmospheric sounds, and lush harmonies.

This dynamic program, featuring works by Berlioz, Brahms, and Clarice Assad, blends intensity and expression. Berlioz’s King Lear Overture makes its HSO debut, capturing the play’s power struggles with dramatic orchestration. Assad takes the stage as soloist in her own FLOW, Concerto for Piano, offering a unique composer-performer perspective.