The summer kicks off with the Festival Orchestra performing the epic and beloved Symphony No. 9 by Beethoven (containing the famous “Ode to Joy”) with the Festival Chorus and internationally-renowned soloists, led by Sir Donald Runnicles.

Other highlights include a world premiere song cycle by Australian composer Alex Turley with mezzo-soprano Sasha Cooke, Festival favorite ensemble Time for Three playing Kevin Puts’ Contact concerto, violinist James Ehnes and the Brahms concerto, Mahler in the Mountains with the composer’s rarely-performed Symphony No. 7, guitarist JIJI in Rodrigo’s Concierto de Aranjuez, pianist Andrea Lam and cellist Nicolas Altstaedt.

Stéphane Denève returns as a guest conductor; Kevin John Edusei and Enrique Mazzola make their Festival debuts. The Festival Orchestra series culminates in Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel, featuring world-class opera soloists and the Festival Chorus.

Special events include an intimate performance with Broadway legend Patti LuPone and a recital by pianist Clayton Stephenson.

Join us for our Jayne & Al Hilde, Jr. Patriotic Pops concert outdoors at Center for the Arts Park and a free Family Jam performance at Walk Festival Hall. The Gateway Series returns with three diverse artists and ensembles: ukulele phenom Jake Shimabukuro, Chanticleer (“the world’s reigning male chorus”) and GRAMMY-winning jazz guitarist John Pizzarelli. In addition, our Festival Orchestra musicians are featured in an eclectic six-concert Benoliel Chamber Music Series.