Philadelphia Orchestra marks major milestones with Mahler, new music & its famous Philadelphia Sound

The Philadelphia Orchestra is marking two major milestones: the start of its second 125 years and 25 years in the Kimmel Center.

Throughout the season, the ensemble will perform works that showcase its signature Philadelphia Sound, including Mahler's 1st, 3rd, 5th and 7th symphonies.

The lineup also features Carmina Burana, films in concert such as the original Star Wars, and the world premiere of a new arrangement of Leonard Bernstein's MASS.

Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin is bringing the opera Lohengrin to the orchestra stage, while America's 250th will be marked with Julia Wolfe's new work, Liberty Bell.

Composer-in-residence Joe Hisaishi will premiere Orbis on opening night, September 24th.

The new work was written as a response to Beethoven's 9th Symphony, which will also be played.

Principal guest conductor Marin Alsop will lead concerts featuring Pianist Emmanuel Ax, back for his 51st season with the orchestra, and Yunchan Lim, the youngest piano player ever to win the coveted Van Cliburn Competition Gold Medal.

The Philadelphia Orchestra will also celebrate its own talent this season, with solo performances from First Associate concertmaster Juliette Kang, principal violist Choong-Jin (C.J.) Chang and principal oboist, Philippe Tondre.

The Philadelphia Orchestra 2026-27 Season| Facebook | Instagram