Dive into a captivating journey through musical history and exploration with the Lancaster Symphony Orchestra's 2026 season. Featuring the electrifying Natasha Paremski in 'All Prokofiev', a tribute to American history in 'Stevens & Smith', and a cosmic finale with 'The Planets', this season promises to be an unforgettable celebration of artistry and culture.

Lancaster Symphony Orchestra's 2026 Season: A Musical Odyssey

Prepare to be swept away by a season of breathtaking performances with the Lancaster Symphony Orchestra. From the timeless grandeur of Handel's Messiah to the cinematic splendor of 'A Night at the Oscars,' the orchestra has orchestrated a series of unforgettable events. Featuring renowned conductors and soloists, each concert promises to deliver a unique auditory experience. Join us in the elegant settings of Lancaster's finest venues as we journey through musical history, exploring the depths of human emotion with every note. This is a season you won't want to miss.

A Symphony of Seasons: Celebrating Musical Masterpieces with Lancaster Symphony Orchestra

Embark on a captivating musical journey with the Lancaster Symphony Orchestra as they present five extraordinary performances. From Handel's revered 'Messiah' at the First Presbyterian Church to the enthralling 'A Night At The Oscars' and the passionate 'Strings of Passion', the orchestra promises an unforgettable experience. As the season unfolds, indulge in the powerful expressions of 'Baroque Laments to Romantic Triumphs' and the evocative 'Brahms and Beyond'. Discover the heart of music's most cherished pieces and immerse yourself in the artistry of exceptional musicians.

Lancaster Symphony Orchestra: A Journey Through Timeless Musical Masterpieces

Pianist Natasha Paremski brings electrifying brilliance to Prokofiev’s Third Piano Concerto. Also featured are two dazzling suites: Lieutenant Kijé and Romeo and Juliet.

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All Prokofiev

Lancaster Country Day School

Celebrate the golden age and modern favorites of Broadway with Lancaster’s brightest musical theatre stars from the Fulton Theatre stage and the full Lancaster Symphony Orchestra.

Best of Broadway

The tradition continues! Join the Lancaster Symphony Orchestra & Chorus for their fourth annual performance of this cherished masterpiece.

Handel’s Messiah

First Presbyterian Church of Lancaster

Beloved violinist William Hagen returns to perform Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto, alongside Beethoven’s Symphony No. 8 and Haydn’s delightful Sinfonia Concertante, featuring four LSO musicians.

Mendelssohn & Beethoven

Carlos Simon’s The Block, Hindemith’s Mathis der Maler, and Mussorgsky’s iconic Pictures at an Exhibition (orchestrated by Ravel) come together in a visually inspired program that celebrates the connection between visual and musical arts.

Pictures at an Exhibition

LIPF Artist-In-Residence, Wael Farouk, and Co-Artistic Director, Xun Pan, take the stage for an unforgettable concert with the Lancaster Symphony Orchestra & Music Director Michael Butterman! Featuring Johannes Brahms’ Piano Concerto No. 1 in D Minor, Op. 15 and Robert Schumann’s Piano Concerto in A Minor, Op 54.

Lipf & Lso

Franklin & Marshall College

Join us at the Gardner Theatre to experience Brahms Symphony No. 1 in C minor, perhaps the best first symphony ever composed. The concert opens with Claude Debussy's tone poem Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun, painting a musical vision of paradise. Then, we are given a glimpse of a world without evil through the music of Argentinian composer and master bandoneonist Richard Scofano, who joins us to perform his original composition, La Tierra Sin Mal. 

Take advantage of this opportunity to experience the emotional power of music through a concert guaranteed to move and inspire us all.

Brahms and Beyond

Join us at the Gardner Theatre for an inspiring performance featuring John Dowland's Lacrimae Antiquae and Tchaikovsky's triumphant Symphony No. 5. You'll also experience the emotional depth and technical mastery pianist Norman Krieger brings to Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 24 in C minor. 

Celebrate musical brilliance through an unforgettable concert showcasing Baroque, Classical, and Romantic masterpieces.

Baroque Laments to Romantic Triumphs

Join us at the Gardner Theatre for a passionate performance featuring violinist Juliette Kang and the incredible strings of the Lancaster Symphony. The concert's diverse line-up includes Caroline Shaw's Entr'acte, Marjan Mozetich's Affairs of the Heart, Respighi's Ancient Airs and Dances, Suite No. 3, and Bach's Brandenburg Concerto No. 3.

Strings of Passion

Join us at the Gardner Theatre for an exceptional concert experience. This special event will showcase award-winning film soundtracks, highlighting the best Hollywood has to offer. Enjoy the thrill of iconic movie music brought to life by the Lancaster Symphony Orchestra in a dazzling performance.

A Night At The Oscars

Join us at First Presbyterian Church of Lancaster for a magnificent performance of Handel's Messiah, featuring the Lancaster Symphony Orchestra and Chorus. This cherished seasonal tradition is your chance to experience the timeless story and glorious music in a perfect setting, guaranteed to lift your holiday spirit.

Handel's Messiah

First Presbyterian Church, Lancaster

Join us at the Gardner Theatre for an extraordinary concert featuring the Lancaster Symphony Orchestra and Chorus. This concert will showcase two of Mozart's most enduring and recognizable works: his dynamic Symphony No. 40 in G minor and profoundly emotional Requiem in D minor. Take advantage of this opportunity to celebrate Mozart's genius in a performance sure to move and inspire with the grandeur and beauty of musical perfection.

Mozart’s Twin Titans

Join us at the Gardner Theatre for an unforgettable concert featuring the renowned Marcus Roberts Trio. Known for their profound musical chemistry and dynamic interpretations, the Marcus Roberts Trio has captivated audiences around the world with their masterful performances and unique blend of traditional and modern jazz elements.

Gershwin Unleashed with the Marcus Roberts Trio

Witness the captivating brilliance of pianist Vijay Venkatesh as he performs Rachmaninoff's Third Piano Concerto, a masterpiece filled with passion and virtuosity. Accompanying this grand composition is Peter Boyer's poignant 'Ellis Island: The Dream of America,' a musical narrative that echoes the hopes and dreams of immigrants. Experience a concert where piano mastery meets orchestral grandeur, creating a symphonic journey through the emotions of the human spirit.

Rach 3 & The American Dream

Join us for a musical odyssey that celebrates our awe-inspiring natural world. Be transported to the wild and untouched landscapes of the Arctic with Stephen Lias' evocative ‘Gates of the Arctic,’ a musical journey through the icy expanse. Then, lose yourself in the mystic allure of Alan Hovhaness' ‘Mysterious Mountain,’ a symphonic masterpiece exploring nature's sublime mysteries. Feel the spiritual resonance in Leonard Bernstein's ‘Chichester Psalms,’ a harmonious blend of ancient texts and modern melodies brought to life by the Lancaster Symphony Chorus. Finally, revel in the heartwarming music from Aaron Copland's pastoral Suite from ‘The Tender Land.’

Natural World: Copland & Bernstein

Get ready to be enchanted by a brilliant performance as virtuoso violinist William Hagen takes the stage in a mesmerizing concert. First, experience the delicate artistry of Benjamin Britten's 'Simple Symphony,' a charming and elegant piece that showcases Britten's genius in crafting exquisite melodies. Feel the profound depth of emotion in Arvo Pärt's Cantus in 'Memory of Britten,' a haunting composition that pays tribute to the late composer with its timeless and contemplative beauty. Then, take a musical journey through the changing seasons with Vivaldi's 'Le Quattro Stagioni (The Four Seasons),' where Hagen's virtuosic violin playing brings to life the vivid imagery and vibrant emotions of each season. Join us for a concert of unparalleled musical mastery, where Hagen's breathtaking performance and this captivating program promise to transport you to the heart of classical music's most enchanting landscapes.

Vivaldi's Four Seasons

Prepare to revel in exquisite musicality and profound artistry as renowned pianist Simone Dinnerstein graces the stage in a captivating performance. Experience the timeless elegance of Bach's 'Concerto for Harpsichord No. 2 in E major,' brilliantly interpreted by Dinnerstein's delicate touch and masterful phrasing. Delve into the depths of emotion with Arnold Schoenberg's evocative 'Transfigured Night.' This hauntingly beautiful composition weaves a rich tapestry of sound, capturing the essence of transformation and human connection. The program reaches its crescendo with Philip Glass' 'Piano Concerto No. 1,' a contemporary masterpiece that merges Glass' signature minimalist style with lush orchestral textures, creating a mesmerizing soundscape. 

Bach & Glass

Just in time to celebrate the New Year, dive into the magical world of cinema with a spectacular concert featuring the iconic film scores of John Williams, the genius behind some of the most beloved film soundtracks in history. Be swept away by the unforgettable themes of 'Star Wars,' the adventurous spirit of 'Indiana Jones,' and the magical world of 'Harry Potter.' From the heart-pounding excitement of 'Jurassic Park' to the emotional depth of 'E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial,' experience the full range of Williams' genius as our orchestra takes you on a journey like no other. Don't miss this extraordinary concert celebrating the magic of John Williams, a true master of crafting melodies that have become an indelible part of our cultural heritage.

The Magic of John Williams

Pennsylvania Ballet Academy presents Nutcracker Sweets, featuring selections and special choreography inspired by ballet’s signature holiday classic, The Nutcracker. The Academy joins with Lancaster Symphony Orchestra to bring an unforgettable afternoon of ballet and timeless music by Pyotr Tchaikovsky to life, for a magical journey to the Land of the Sweets. Get your tickets through the Pullo Center today!

Nutcracker Sweets W/pa Ballet Academy

Penn State York

Kick off your holiday season with the sheer grandeur and transcendent power of Handel's 'Messiah,' a masterpiece that has stood the test of time. From the triumphant 'Hallelujah' chorus to the tender arias and majestic orchestral passages, every note of Handel's magnum opus resonates with deep emotion and spiritual delight. The exceptional Lancaster Symphony Orchestra and Chorus will bring this timeless oratorio to life, stirring your soul and filling it with awe and reverence. Come, be part of a tradition that spans centuries, and let the music of Handel's 'Messiah' inspire and uplift your spirit.

Immerse yourself in the harmonious blend of musical virtuosity as six soloists from our orchestra take center stage in a mesmerizing concert celebrating music from the Baroque era and beyond. From Ravel's elegant Le Tombeau de Couperin to the triumphant notes of Vivaldi's Concerto for 2 Trumpets and the captivating dialogue between violins in Bach's Concerto for 2 Violins, every piece promises extraordinary virtuosity and musical finesse. With Viet Cuong's innovative Extra(ordinarily) Fancy for 2 Oboes and Bloch's grand opus Concerto Grosso No. 1, be prepared for a concert that pays homage to then transcends classical music boundaries.

Extraordinary Duos

Rhapsody in Blue

Celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States and the grand opening of the Thaddeus Stevens & Lydia Hamilton Smith Center for History and Democracy with Aaron Copland’s Lincoln Portrait, William L. Dawson’s Negro Folk Symphony, and a powerful new work celebrating the lives of Stevens & Smith by Lancaster’s own D. Michael Wege.

Stevens & Smith

A breathtaking season finale featuring the Lancaster Symphony Chorus in Lauridsen’s luminous Lux Aeterna, followed by Holst’s cosmic masterpiece The Planets, set to stunning NASA imagery.

Lancaster Symphony Orchestra

13 - 15 Mar, 2026

Stevens & Smith

15 - 17 May, 2026

The Planets

16 - 18 Jan, 2026

All Prokofiev

27 - 28 Dec, 2025

Best of Broadway

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Lancaster Symphony Orchestra