Supported by the Fred M. and Lurita D. Wechsler Endowment Fund Your 26/27 Philharmonics season opens with a bold celebration of creativity and timeless orchestral power. Music Director Andreas Delfs leads the RPO in a world premiere by Michael Torke (a Voices of Today commission), followed by Karol Szymanowski's Violin Concerto No. 2, performed by…

Step into the world of myth, memory, and music as your RPO presents a rare, semi-staged performance of Grieg’s Peer Gynt. Led by acclaimed actor John de Lancie, best known for his portrayal of Q on various seasons of the Star Trek series, this concert brings Ibsen’s epic tale vividly to life through narration, movement,…

The first weekend of our Piano Festival launches with two nights of Romantic firepower from legendary pianists. Andreas Delfs leads the orchestra in two unique programs spotlighting towering works by Rachmaninov and Tchaikovsky. Olga Kern tackles the volcanic intensity of Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No. 3, framed by the composer’s haunting Isle of the Dead and…

The first weekend of our Piano Festival launches with two nights of Romantic firepower from legendary pianists. Andreas Delfs leads the orchestra in two unique programs spotlighting towering works by Rachmaninov and Tchaikovsky. Barry Douglas brings heroic sweep to Tchaikovsky's iconic Piano Concerto No. 1, framed by selections from The Seasons and Francesca da Rimini.…

Supported by Karen Duguid and Wally Johnson Week 2 of our Piano Festival continues with two programs devoted to the commanding brilliance and deep expressive power of Beethoven and Brahms. Under the direction of Music Director Andreas Delfs, Jonathan Biss brings clarity and conviction to Beethoven's majestic "Emperor" Concerto, paired with the composer's vibrant Symphony…

Supported by Karen Duguid and Wally Johnson Week 2 of our Piano Festival continues with two programs devoted to the commanding brilliance and deep expressive power of Beethoven and Brahms. Under the direction of Music Director Andreas Delfs, Marc-André Hamelin takes center stage in Brahms’ expansive Piano Concerto No. 2, alongside the luminous Haydn Variations.…

Andreas Delfs leads the RPO in an evening that spans the elegance of Mozart to the energy of Bartók. Mozart’s Symphony No. 39 offers graceful melodies and clear, flowing lines, while Bartók’s Concerto for Orchestra highlights the full orchestra with vibrant rhythms, bold contrasts, and moments that let each section shine. Audiences will enjoy the…

Supported by Karen Duguid and Wally Johnson This program draws inspiration from the natural world, pairing vivid musical landscapes with Romantic warmth. Music Director Andreas Delfs leads the RPO in Smetana’s beloved The Moldau, a flowing portrait of a river’s journey through the Czech countryside. Tessa Lark joins the orchestra for Michael Torke’s luminous Sky,…

Vinay Parameswaran returns to Rochester to lead a program that moves from contemporary color to Romantic lyricism. RPO Concertmaster Juliana Athayde performs Piazzolla’s Four Seasons of Buenos Aires, a lively and expressive take on the traditional concerto. Nina Shekhar’s Lumina brings shimmering textures and rhythmic energy, while Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 1, Winter Daydreams, fills the…

Supported by Bruce Jacobs Come celebrate the orchestra’s gift for storytelling, from Old World elegance to Hollywood wonder. Andreas Delfs welcomes violinist Stefan Jackiw back to Rochester for Korngold’s radiant Violin Concerto, a work rich with lyricism and cinematic vision. Strauss’s lush Rosenkavalier Suite follows, capturing the charm, wit, and romantic glow of a Viennese…

Rochester native and Eastman alumna Annie Jacobs-Perkins performs Schumann’s Cello Concerto, guided by conductor Kensho Watanabe. Kevin Puts’ Virelai, inspired by medieval poet Guillaume de Machaut, opens with bright textures and lively rhythms. Schumann’s concerto is lyrical and intimate, with the cello leading a conversation with the orchestra. The program closes with Sibelius’ Symphony No.…

Andreas Delfs leads the orchestra and Eastman-Rochester Chorus in Fauré’s Requiem, known for its serene, flowing vocal lines. Brahms’ Symphony No. 2 follows, with warm melodies and clear orchestral textures. Audiences will hear the contrast between the quiet lyricism of Fauré and the broad, expressive sweep of Brahms, experiencing an evening that highlights both the…

Stephen Hough returns to Rochester for a dazzling performance of Saint-Saëns’ Piano Concerto No. 5, The Egyptian, a brilliant and exotic showpiece inspired by North African and Middle Eastern influences. Under the baton of Ruth Reinhardt, the RPO also performs Jennah Vainio’s shimmering Sylvia’s Lullaby, Hindemith’s energetic Symphonic Metamorphosis, and Ravel’s ever-building Boléro, one of…

Pianist Makoto Ozone makes his RPO debut in Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, an iconic fusion of jazz and classical style that remains one of the most beloved works in American music. Andreas Delfs leads a sweeping second half with Rachmaninov’s Symphony No. 2, a lush and expansive Romantic masterpiece filled with soaring melodies and dramatic…