Get ready, Indiana! This season, the arts scene is set to captivate audiences with a range of extraordinary events. In Indianapolis, the Hilbert Circle Theatre presents 'Mozart and the Misfits,' a spellbinding mix of classical and contemporary music. La Porte County Symphony Orchestra will celebrate the vibrant 'Día De Muertos' with their 52nd season opener, featuring conductor Carolyn Watson. Elkhart’s Lerner Theatre will host the World Ballet Company's mesmerizing performance of 'Swan Lake,' and South Bend will see the Young People’s Discovery Concert at Morris Performing Arts Center. Finally, don't miss the Indiana Repertory Theatre's 2024-2025 season, featuring timeless plays like 'A Christmas Carol.' Mark your calendars for these unforgettable experiences!

Must-See Arts Events in Indiana: From Mozart to Ballet and Beyond

This year for the Young People’s Discovery Concert, the Symphony will be partnering with Carnegie Hall’s Link Up National Program to bring an interactive concert experience for all students attending! The Symphony will be presenting The Orchestra Sings program, under the baton of guest conductor, Carolyn Watson.

EPSG:4326

Young People’s Discovery Concert

Morris Performing Arts Center

The Symphony leads a city-wide celebration of this vibrant, celebratory holiday.

Día de los Muertos

The Harry Potter Film Concert Series returns to Morris Performing Arts Center with Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets™ in Concert, the second film in the Harry Potter series. For two performances, the South Bend Symphony Orchestra performs John Williams’ unforgettable score live from Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets™ while the entire film plays in high-definition.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets™ In Concert

Immerse yourself in the magic of Mozart as Tania Miller conducts Sara Davis Buechner in one of his beloved piano concertos. Additional details to be released. 

Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 25 in C

University of Notre Dame

The 92nd Season opens with Stravinsky’s iconic work with its aggressive rhythms of ritualistic chanting and foot-stamping, percussively beaten out.

The Rite of Spring

Pre-dinner party and toast for you and your guests with Maestro Alastair Willis

Gift of Music Gala 2023

Four Winds Casino South Bend

Logo and brand recognition on the Symphony website, social media, digital communication, and print materials throughout the 2024-25 Season

Gift of Music Gala 2024

The South Bend Symphony Orchestra and the Community Foundation of St. Joseph County presents the Chris Wilson Memorial Concert “The Last Night of Proms” on Sunday, August 18 at 6 p.m. Chris Wilson Pavilion at South Bend’s Potawatomi Park.

The Chris Wilson Community Play-Along Concert

Potawatomi Park

The South Bend Symphony Orchestra celebrates our country’s independence with the Shein Trust Community Series “Salute to Freedom” concert on Wednesday, July 3, at 7:30 p.m., at the Morris Performing Arts Center. Under the baton of Music Director Alastair Willis, the Orchestra will once again captivate audiences with patriotic tunes, tributes to the armed forces, and popular songs performed by South Bend’s Danny Lerman.

Salute to Freedom

Experience a celebration of beauty, artistry, and the enduring power of the human spirit at the World Premiere of “Raffaella,” a new full-length fairytale ballet honoring the memory and legacy of Saint Louis Ballet dancer and South Bend native Raffaella Stroik.

Raffaella Ballet

Join the South Bend Symphony String Quintet at the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church.

Symphony-to-Go: Gloria Dei Lutheran Church

Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in South Bend

“Dvořák’s New World” unpacks Antonín Dvořák’s prediction that the future of classical music would be found in the United States rather than Europe. Florence Prices’ most famous work, “Ethiopia’s Shadow in America,” concludes the Masterworks series.

Dvořák’s New World

Bring the whole family and listen to the Symphony Brass Quintet in a fun and family friendly environment on May 3, 2024!

Shein Trust Community Series: Children’s Concert

St. Joe County Public Library

Indiana Trust Pops Series “Back to the 80s” is a power-packed evening of the decade’s #1 hit songs, including The Power of Love, Time After Time, Material Girl, Addicted to Love, and many others! Featuring the music of such 1980s iconic stars as Madonna, Debbie Gibson, Huey Lewis & The News, Phil Collins, Joe Cocker, and others, “Back to the 80s” contains all new arrangements by Grammy-winner Jeff Tyzik and features three incredible vocalists.

Back to the 80s

Immerse yourself in music on Wednesday, May 1, at 2:00 p.m. at The Rees Theatre in downtown Plymouth, Indiana for one of our Symphony-to-Go performances by the Symphony’s Woodwind Quintet.

Symphony-to-Go

The REES Theatre

River Park Branch

Join us on Thursday, April 18 at 7:00 p.m. at the DeBartolo Performing Arts Center’s Browning Cinema to watch Chevalier, the biographical film based on the life of the French musician Joseph Bologne!

“Chevalier” at the DeBartolo

The passionate melody and lyrics of arias, duets, trios, and choruses by Mozart, Bizet, Puccini, Verdi, Masagni, and Wagner come to life when the South Bend Lyric Opera and Vesper Chorale join the Symphony for this dynamic performance.

A Night at the Opera

Join the South Bend Symphony Quintets at the St. Joe County Public Library to Listen + Learn in this Shein Trust Community Chamber Music Series.

Listen + Learn

His best-known choral work, Mozart’s Requiem, is a cornerstone of the classical choral repertoire. The work’s emotional impact and musical brilliance make it a work of art that transcends time and culture, and its ability to captivate and inspire audiences has done so consistently for generations and will continue to inspire for generations to come.

Mozart’s Requiem

Indiana Trust Pops Series takes you “Under the Big Top” to an unforgettable performance that will transport you to the magical world of Circus Flora. Making its debut in South Bend, this immersive experience will thrill and delight audiences of all ages with Circus Flora’s incredible skills, performing breathtaking aerial acts, acrobatics, juggling, and more.

Under the Big Top

Revel in the spellbinding melodies of Mahler’s Symphony No. 5 as the South Bend Symphony Orchestra presents the third Jack M. Champaigne Masterworks Concert, “Discover Mahler’s Symphony No. 5,” featuring the award-winning composer Michael Schelle, winner of the 2022-23 season Crossroads of America competition.

Discover Mahler’s Symphony No.5

Entertainment abounds as Music Director Alastair Willis takes you to 18th-century Germany and Johann Sebastian Bach’s home. In the spirit of “Tchaikovsky’s Circles”, “Vienna Riches,” and “Paris Impressions”, Alastair threads a story through music that makes the stage come to life.

Alastair Presents: Neighboring Bach

Join us for great company, music, food, and drinks and unwind from the day with the South Bend Symphony

Happy Hour

Carnegie Library Special Events

Brain Lair Books

IRONHAND Wine Bar

The South Bend Symphony Orchestra unites with local churches to celebrate the work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Join the Symphony’s Woodwind Quintet, hosted by Symphony Board President Dr. Marvin Curtis, alongside a community choir directed by Turrell O’Neal for a series of three events celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. King.

Celebration for a King

Covenant Community Church

Mt. Carmel Missionary Baptist Church

St. Augustine Catholic Parish

Bring the entire family to Brunch with Santa and Home for the Holidays! This fun-filled event starts at 12:30 p.m. with buffet-style brunch at the Palais Royale Ballroom, followed by the concert at 2:30 p.m. Enjoy delicious delights and festive beverages while getting your picture taken with Santa!

Brunch with Santa

Join us for a heartwarming holiday tradition in South Bend as the Symphony, accompanied by the Michiana Festival Chorus, present “Home for the Holidays”! Immerse yourself in a spectacular program of beloved Christmas carols and memorable seasonal tunes that are sure to fill your heart with joy and bring back cherished memories. Experience the magic of the holiday season through the enchanting sounds of the Symphony as we bring you a heartwarming celebration of music and togetherness.

Home For The Holidays

Southold Dance Theater Presents The Nutcracker in Collaboration with The South Bend Symphony Orchestra!

The Nutcracker

Join the South Bend Symphony for a magical family concert, “Peter and the Wolf”, featuring the acclaimed Shades of Orange Theater troupe! Delight in this captivating performance that brings Prokofiev’s timeless classic to life with enchanting music and vivid storytelling. Perfect for audiences of all ages, this unforgettable concert is a must-see experience that will spark imaginations and create cherished memories.

Peter + the Wolf – Family Concert

Indulge in an enchanted evening of classical music as the South Bend Symphony and Shakespeare at Notre Dame present the second installment in the Jack M. Champaigne Masterworks Series “Shakespeare’s Dreams: music by Mendelssohn, Sibelius, and more.” The enchanting A Midsummer Night’s Dream excerpts by Mendelssohn, featuring the timeless Wedding March, and more, will transport you to a mystical world of magic and mystery.

Shakespeare’s Dreams

Join the Symphony for a vibrant Día de los Muertos concert, where we celebrate the lives of our lost loved ones with a colorful affirmation of life! This annual tradition combines the rich Latin American music and culture in a mesmerizing performance featuring dazzling guest artists. Experience the joyous festivities with decorated ofrendas, traditional music, and fun-filled events for the whole family to enjoy!

Día de los Muertos 2023

The June H. Edwards Mosaic Series opens with a world premiere and powerful collaboration! Divided into four movements, “Quarter Days” is a highly evocative work that showcases Anna Clyne’s skill in creating intricate and complex music! The concerto is a co-commission for the Fischoff National Chamber Music Association and the South Bend Symphony and will feature the renowned Euclid Quartet as soloists.

Quarter Days: The World Premiere Concert

Experience your favorite movies transformed with the music of a live symphony orchestra in the Harry Potter™ Film Concert Series.  For the first time ever, audiences can rediscover the magic of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone™ while a live symphony orchestra performs John Williams’ unforgettable score and Harry Potter™ soars across the big screen in high-definition.

Harry Potter and The Sorcerer’s Stone

Immerse yourself in a mesmerizing musical voyage as Music Director Alastair Willis opens the 91st Season which leads with Jack M. Champaigne Masterworks Series, Silk Road and Strauss, featuring acclaimed percussionist Joseph Gramley! Become astounded by the U.S. premier of Malek Jandali’s Symphony No. 6, The Desert Rose as the Symphony performs excerpts from this enchanting piece. Experience the captivating Chen Yi Percussion Concerto, followed by the exquisite Rosenkavalier Suite by Richard Strauss, for a night of unparalleled musical artistry that will leave you in awe. Don’t miss this extraordinary concert – save your seats now for an unforgettable experience!

Silk Road + Strauss

In case of inclement weather, the concert will be held in the Adams High School Auditorium. Updates will be posted on the Community Foundation’s Facebook page, the Symphony’s social media channels, and at www.cfsjc.org. All events will be professionally amplified and lit by EventSys.

Community Foundation Performing Arts Series

Celebrate 4th of July weekend with the South Bend Symphony Orchestra!

Symphony Under The Stars

South Bend Symphony String Quartet and vocalist Abbie Thomas take the stage for “Hits Through the Decades,” a unique, interactive concert!

Hits Through the Decades

Prepare for an extraordinary experience when Päivi Ekroth takes on the staggering virtuosity of Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No.3 followed by a musical exploration of Tchaikovsky’s Fourth Symphony that explores the concept of Fate as an inescapable force and a blaze of sound.

Rachmaninoff + Tchaikovsky

In August of 1969, over 400,000 people overran a dairy farm in southern New York. It turned out to be the biggest rock festival in history. The Symphony and Jeans ‘n Classics join forces to presents an evening devoted to the festival phenomenon that changed music forever, featuring vocal & orchestral arrangements of material by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, The Who, Janis Joplin, Santana, Jimi Hendrix, Blood, Sweat & Tears, The Band, Jefferson Airplane…and so many more!

A Night at Woodstock

South Bend Symphony Happy Hours are presented by Baird Private Wealth Management: The Stscherban Everett Group

Happy Hour 2023

Sun King Fishers Small-Batch Brewery

South Bend Museum of Art

The highly anticipated performance of Beethoven’s majestic Symphony No. 9 is one of the most remarkable masterpieces that rejoices in the autonomy and conquest of the spirit over difficulty.

Beethoven’s Ode To Joy

Join us for a heartwarming conclusion to your Thanksgiving weekend with the annual Shein Trust Family Concert, Eudora Welty’s The Shoe Bird. Gather the whole family for an enchanting musical journey suitable for all ages and sizes.

Eudora Welty’s The Shoe Bird

Two performances, one day only! South Bend‘s favorite holiday tradition returns with Music Director Alastair Willis and the Symphony for Home for the Holidays for one day only. A spectacular program of cherished Christmas carols and memorable seasonal tunes that bring joy to all. The perfect gift for the whole family. 

Home for the Holidays

Experience the timeless beauty of Copland’s iconic masterpiece, Appalachian Spring, as it vividly portrays the American landscape. Kojiro Uzmezaki joins the Symphony as he uses the shakuhachi to transform the landscape imagined in Angel Lam’s Empty Mountain, Spirit Rain, and Takuma Itoh’s Faded Aura.

Appalachian Spring + Silk Road

This high-energy, dazzling tribute to the Queen of Soul features Drama Desk Award nominee  Capathia Jenkins and three-time GRAMMY-nominated artist  Ryan Shaw performing iconic favorites including “Respect,” “Think,” “A Natural Woman,” “Chain of Fools,” “Amazing Grace,” and more.

Aretha: A Tribute

Indulge in the virtuosity of Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto in D major, Op. 35, followed by the majestic allure of Brahms Symphony No. 3. Experience an evening of unparalleled musical brilliance and be transported by the captivating melodies of these timeless masterpieces.

Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto

Embark on a journey of passion and betrayal with Giacomo Puccini’s timeless masterpiece, Tosca. Join us as the Symphony, South Bend Lyric Opera, and South Bend Chamber Singers reunite for two unforgettable performances.

Tosca

Sixth in the series, this Alastair Presents takes you to nineteenth-century Vienna and into the musical family of Strauss where overtures, waltzes, polkas, and songs you love were composed for the first time. 

Alastair Presents: Waltzing with Strauss

Enjoy a night with the Symphony and guest bandoneon player, Hector del Curto.

Bartók’s Concerto for Orchestra

One of America’s most accomplished and in-demand Baritones today, Nathan Gunn, comes home to South Bend for one magical night with the Symphony for a power packed evening of Broadway’s biggest hits!

Nathan Gunn Sings Broadway

Indulge in an unforgettable musical journey as Rachmaninoff’s Symphonic Dances sweep you into a whirlwind of emotion, Vaughan Williams’ Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis enchants with its ethereal beauty, and Piazzolla’s Bandoneon Concerto captivates with its passionate rhythms.

South Bend Symphony Orchestra

Dec 1, 2024

Eudora Welty’s The Shoe Bird

Dec 14, 2024

Home for the Holidays

Jan 12, 2025

Appalachian Spring + Silk Road

Jan 25, 2025

Aretha: A Tribute

Feb 15, 2025

Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto

Nov 8, 2024

Young People’s Discovery Concert

Nov 2, 2024

Día de los Muertos

Articles & News

South Bend Symphony Orchestra