South Bend, IN — The South Bend Symphony Orchestra proudly announces its 2026–27 Season, a dynamic and celebratory year marking Music Director Alastair Willis’ 10th season leading the Symphony! This milestone season reflects a decade of artistic growth, bold programming, and deep community connection, and looks ahead with some of the most powerful repertoire ever presented on the Symphony stage.
Maestro Willis shares, “These past nine seasons have simply flown by. Being Music Director of our South Bend Symphony has given me the most artistically meaningful and rewarding years of my career. I am proud of the extraordinary journey we have been on together, from monumental symphonies and innovative theatrical experiences to community celebrations and welcoming world-class guest artists. Every program has felt like a celebration, and we continue that into my 10th season! We’re presenting music of enormous scope and emotion — Mahler’s ‘Resurrection’, Brahms’ Symphony No. 4, Elgar’s Enigma and Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition, alongside Pops favorites, family traditions, and programs that bring us closer together as a community. We can’t wait to celebrate this season with you.”
Beloved traditions continue through the Shein Trust Community Series, including the admission-free Salute to Freedom and Día de los Muertos concerts, Young People’s Discovery Concerts, family programs, and the cherished Holiday Pops performances. Together, the 2026–27 Season celebrates a decade of visionary leadership under Willis while looking boldly toward the Symphony’s next chapter.
“This season is both a celebration and a statement,” says Executive Director Steven Haines. “As we honor Alastair’s tenth season, we also look toward the future by presenting music that inspires, challenges, and brings our community together. From Mahler’s monumental ‘Resurrection’ to the dazzling lights of Broadway and patriotic celebration, there is truly something for everyone.”
The South Bend Symphony Orchestra is grateful to its Season sponsors: Jack M. Champaigne, Indiana Trust Wealth Management, Shein Trust, Victoria Garrett, and The Stscherban Everett Garwood Group Baird Private Wealth Management. The Symphony also acknowledges generous operating support from the Community Foundation of St. Joseph County.
JACK M. CHAMPAIGNE MASTERWORKS SERIES presents an exhilarating selection of symphonic masterpieces at the Morris Performing Arts Center.
STRAUSS + ELGAR – September 26, 2026
Kodály’s Dances of Galánta launches the program with rhythmic bite and radiant color, followed by Strauss’ Horn Concerto No. 1. Elgar’s Enigma Variations concludes with sharply etched musical portraits and a commanding orchestral finish.
BRAHM’S SYMPHONY NO. 4 – January 30, 2027
The evening opens with sharp brass and fast-moving momentum from Wagner’s Die Meistersinger Overture, followed by Anna Clyne’s Glasslands, a vivid saxophone performance. Brahms’s Symphony No. 4 delivers drama and a propulsive conclusion.
PICTURE AT AN EXHIBITION – February 27, 2027
Carlos Simon’s The Block opens with striking presence, followed by the sweep and drama of Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2. Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition closes with rich scenes, framed by the “Promenade,” and a monumental ending with “Great Gate of Kyiv.”
MAHLER’S SYMPHONY NO. 2 – April 17, 2027
Mahler’s Symphony No. 2, “Resurrection” unfolds in one great, uninterrupted arc, building from a dramatic opening to an ending with soloists and chorus.
ALASTAIR PRESENTS: TCHAIKOVSKY’S CIRCLES – May 22, 2027
Maestro Willis’ signature series turns the concert into an experience—part performance, part storytelling. With an actor onstage and Maestro as your guide, you’ll hear Tchaikovsky in a fresh, theatrical way, from ballet sparkle and virtuosic violin to a blazing, crowd-pleasing finale.
THE INDIANA TRUST POPS SERIES consists of three energetic programs:
AMERICAN CROSSROADS: THE SOUND OF AMERICA – October 10, 2026
Hit the open road with the Symphony with a coast-to-coast soundtrack of highways and hometowns, celebrating America’s 250th along the way. From Copland’s wide-open spaces of Appalachian Spring to Route 66 favorites.
HOLLYWOOD’S GREATEST SCORES: THE WIZARD OF OZ TO STAR WARS – February 13, 2027
Roll out the red carpet and fall in love with the music that made the movies blockbusters! This concert delivers sweeping romance, adventure, and unforgettable melodies—from The Wizard of Oz and The Sound of Music to the electric themes of Indiana Jones and James Bond.
BROADWAY SHOWSTOPPERS: FROM OKLAHOMA! TO HAMILTON — May 1, 2027
Broadway Showstoppers celebrates America’s national musical treasure—Broadway—featuring the showstopping hits that bring audiences to their feet!
THE JUNE H. EDWARDS MOSAIC SERIES is a unique, three-concert series that features diverse works in a more intimate setting at the DeBartolo Performing Arts Center on Sunday afternoons. Highlights of the 2026-27 Season include:
THE SEASONS OF VIVALDI + PIAZZOLLA – October 25, 2026
Vivaldi’s Four Seasons meets Piazzolla’s Buenos Aires Seasons in a program that pairs baroque sounds with tango-driven rhythm and edge. Hear “Spring” and “Summer” through two contrasting musical worlds—one crisp and lyrical, the other syncopated and electric.
MUSICIAN VOICES: ORCHESTRATED BY LARA – January 10, 2027
Lara Turner, Principal cello, creates a concert, shaped by one musician’s ear, where Baroque, contemporary voices, and new commissions are woven into her singular voice.
HANDEL’S MESSIAH: FROM PASSION TO RESURRECTION – March 7, 2027
Experience the Easter story through the eyes of Handel’s beloved oratorio. Join The Symphony, chorus, and soloists for an unforgettable performance of his greatest work.
SHEIN TRUST COMMUNITY SERIES programs have become a tradition for audiences of all ages across the region!
SALUTE TO FREEDOM – July 3, 2026
his admission-free community concert honors service and sacrifice with patriotic favorites and uplifting orchestral music. Join us for an inspiring celebration of freedom at the Morris Performing Arts Center.
YOUNG PEOPLES DISCOVERY CONCERTS – November 9, 10, & 11, 2026
For 40 years, the South Bend Symphony has introduced thousands of area elementary school students to symphonic music in an exciting and engaging concert designed especially for them! These interactive concerts are guided from the stage and have a different educational theme each year.
DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS – November 8, 2026
Celebrate Día de los Muertos with an admission-free community concert honoring remembrance, culture, and community through music at the Morris Performing Arts Center.
SHEIN TRUST FAMILY CONCERT: VERY MERRY MUSIC SYMPHONY SLEIGH RIDE ADVENTURE – November 29, 2026
Travel the world through festive holiday music and traditions from many cultures, brought to life by the full orchestra in this family-friendly concert at the DeBartolo Performing Arts Center.
HOLIDAY POPS presented by Everwise – December 19 & 20, 2026
A South Bend Symphony holiday tradition! Ring in the Season with this holiday spectacular! Beloved carols, festive favorites, and warm orchestral sounds capture the spirit of the season with family and friends at the Morris Performing Arts Center.
SHEIN TRUST FAMILY CONCERT: TUNES + FAIRYTALES – March 14, 2027
Enter a musical storybook filled with enchanted kingdoms, fearless princesses, and daring princes. With every note, The Symphony weaves magic and wonder, leading us joyfully to a happily-ever-after ending.
SPECIALS
CELEBRATION FOR A KING – January 2027
The Symphony continues to partner with area churches and venues to bring music to the community. The programs will commemorate and celebrate the work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dates to be announced.
SUBSCRIPTIONS / TICKETS
Subscriptions – On sale starting March 4, 2025
Discounts, priority seating, and other exclusive benefits are available to season subscribers. Subscribe at www.southbendsymphony.org or by phone at 574-232-6343.
Single Tickets – Please note that single tickets are ONLY available directly from the venue.
All Concert Single tickets are on sale to the public on July 21, 2025
Single ticket prices start at $24
Single tickets are available through the Morris Box Office, open Tuesday – Wednesday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Thursday – Friday 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. by phone at 574-235-9190, or online at morriscenter.org.
DeBartolo Performing Arts Center Ticket Office, open Monday – Friday, Noon to 6 p.m., by phone 574-631-2800 or online at www.performingarts.nd.edu.
Dates, programs, and venues are subject to change.
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About the South Bend Symphony Orchestra
The South Bend Symphony inspires, entertains, and connects the community with the transformative power of orchestral music. Producing more than 20 mainstage programs each year and nearly 70 smaller ensemble concerts, the Symphony serves more than 30,000 attendees annually. As the region’s only professional orchestra, the Symphony is committed to fostering a robust, connected arts community in service to the greater Michiana region.
In addition to being recognized by the National Endowment for the Arts and other state and local arts funding organizations, the South Bend Symphony Orchestra is the recipient of the Community Foundation of St. Joseph County’s Leighton Award for Nonprofit Excellence, which recognizes the best-run nonprofit organization in St. Joseph County, Indiana.
Learn more about the South Bend Symphony Orchestra at www.southbendsymphony.org.