INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra opens its 2026–27 season September 19 at Hilbert Circle Theatre. The fall introduces two season-long classical explorations: all seven of Beethoven’s concertos and the musical legacy of the Ballets Russes. Other highlights include pianist-composer Conrad Tao, Broadway star Lea Salonga, travel expert Rick Steves, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets™ in Concert, Prokofiev’s Cinderella with Indianapolis Ballet, and the 40th anniversary of AES Indiana Yuletide Celebration.
Classical highlights
The Classical Series opens September 25–26 with Rite of Spring & Beethoven. Märkl pairs the overwhelming power of Stravinsky’s landmark ballet score with the lyricism of Beethoven’s Fourth Piano Concerto, performed by pianist Spencer Myer, chair of the Piano Department at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music and winner of the 2006 American Piano Awards. Mussorgsky’s Night on Bald Mountain opens the program.
Beethoven and Mahler 1 follows October 15–17. The program moves from Beethoven’s sparkling overture to The Creatures of Prometheus through his elegant Second Piano Concerto, featuring 2025 American Piano Awards winner Michael Davidman, before culminating in the expansive sound world of Mahler’s First Symphony.
On October 23–24, conductor Richard Egarr and pianist-composer Conrad Tao bring past and present into direct conversation. Tao performs The Hand, his own concert work conceived as a companion to Beethoven’s First Piano Concerto, before taking the solo role in Beethoven’s concerto. Egarr, who is best known for his interpretations of 18th-century music, also leads Mozart’s Symphony No. 39.
Pops, Broadway, film, and ballet
The Printing Partners Pops Series opens October 9–10 with the world premiere of Oops…I Sang it Again! Principal Guest Conductor of Pops Enrico Lopez-Yañez leads the ISO and three vocalists in an orchestral celebration of hits associated with Britney Spears, Beyoncé, Christina Aguilera, and other defining pop artists.
Tony Award winner Lea Salonga returns to Hilbert Circle Theatre on October 20 for her fifth appearance with the ISO. Led by Principal Pops Conductor Jack Everly, An Evening with Lea Salonga features music from Broadway favorites including Les Misérables, Wicked, Aladdin, and Miss Saigon.
The Film Series presented by Bank of America returns October 30–November 1 with Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets™ in Concert. The complete film will be projected in high definition as the ISO performs John Williams’ score live.
From November 6–8, the ISO joins Indianapolis Ballet at Clowes Memorial Hall for Prokofiev’s Cinderella, the first of three collaborations between the organizations during the 2026–27 season. Andrew Grams conducts the orchestra, with choreography and staging by Victoria Morgan.
On November 13–14, travel expert Rick Steves serves as musical tour guide and narrator for Rick Steves’ Europe: A Symphonic Journey. Led by Everly, the program combines popular orchestral music by Grieg, Smetana, Strauss, Berlioz, Verdi, and others with images of the European places that inspired it.
Holiday traditions
The ISO celebrates the 40th anniversary of AES Indiana Yuletide Celebration with performances December 4–23 at Hilbert Circle Theatre. Everly leads the orchestra, joined by returning host Curtis Bannister, vocalists, dancers, cirque performers, and audience favorites including the Tap-Dancing Santas and ’Twas the Night Before Christmas.
Presented by Telamon, Handel’s Messiah returns December 17 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium in Carmel. Guest conductor Julian Perkins leads the ISO, the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir, and a quartet of soloists in Handel’s enduring oratorio.
The 2026–27 season resumes in January and continues through June 2027.
For tickets and complete performance information, visit IndianapolisSymphony.org or call the ISO Box Office at 317-639-4300.
