Bach, blues and Bugs Bunny: Your guide to the Symphony's 2026-27 season

The Charlotte Symphony Orchestra (CSO) launches its 2026-27 season this month, bringing debuts, acclaimed artists and beloved scores to Charlotte stages.

Get up to date: This marks the Grammy Award-winning conductor Kwamé Ryan's third season as CSO's music director.

• He also recently extended his contract through the Symphony's 100th season in 2032.

What's in store: The lineup is stacked with a little something for everyone — from young kids and symphony newcomers to classical connoisseurs.

Here's a breakdown of this season's highlights.

• Take note: This isn't an exhaustive list. There are more than 35 concerts, pop-ups and special events in store, many of which have multiple performances.

🎙️ Retro hits

• Back to the Future in Concert. Travel through time and see the 1985 classic on the big screen as the Symphony performs the transportive score live. Oct. 2-3, 2026.
• The Music of Tina Turner. Hear high-voltage hits from the Queen of Rock and Roll, from "Proud Mary" to "Disco Inferno." Oct. 16-17, 2026.
• The Heart of the Blues. A tribute to 1920s New Orleans jazz from icons like Louis Armstrong, Bessie Smith and more, enhanced by the Symphony. Jan. 22-23, 2027.
• The Music of Journey. Rock out as the Symphony amplifies popular anthems of the '70s and '80s, from "Don't Stop Believin'" to "Any Way You Want It." Feb. 19-20, 2027.

🎻 Can't-miss classical bangers

• Joshua Bell Plays Bruch. Savor the sounds of a beloved concerto performed by violinist Joshua Bell during the Annual Gala Concert. Nov. 7, 2026.
• Strauss & Beethoven. Acclaimed violinist Bella Hristova joins music director Kwamé Ryan and the Symphony for Beethoven's lyrical and heroic Violin Concerto. Nov. 20-21, 2026.
• Tchaikovsky's Pathétique, plus Levi Taylor's world premiere. Commissioned in honor of America's 250th anniversary, Levi Taylor's new work draws inspiration from the ideals of civil rights leader John Lewis. Jan. 15-16, 2027.
• Beethoven's Symphony No. 9. Find hope, unity and joy in the musical program of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, featuring a blend of chorus and orchestra. Feb. 26-27, 2027.
• Gershwin Concerto in F. Grammy Award-winning pianist Michelle Cann returns to Charlotte to perform Gershwin's work combining Charleston rhythms, blues influences and a blend of jazz and orchestral writing. March 12-13, 2027.

☝️ First-timers

• Rimsky-Korsakov's Scheherazade. Get swept away by vivid musical storytelling inspired by the adventures of "One Thousand and One Nights." Oct. 9-10, 2026.
• Bach 360. This concert in the round puts you in the center of a musical exploration of Bach's monumental Baroque influence. Nov. 13-14, 2026.
• Mendelssohn 360. Let the symphony guide you through an up-close-and-personal look at the legacy of sibling composers Fanny and Felix Mendelssohn. Feb. 12-13, 2027.
• Top Gun: Maverick in Concert. Experience the 2022 film on the big screen as the Symphony performs the dramatic, electrifying score live. March 5-6, 2027.

🪄 Magic for the whole family

• Bugs Bunny at the Symphony. Watch the beloved animated characters spring to life on screen while the Orchestra performs the score live — perfectly synced to every shenanigan. Sept. 25-26, 2026.

• The Music of Harry Potter. Witches and wizards, grab your wands to experience scores straight from the world of Hogwarts. Oct. 17, 2026.
• Dan Brown's Wild Symphony. Take a whimsical journey through the beloved children's book, "Wild Symphony," as it's brought to life with orchestral music. Feb. 20, 2027.
• The Lion King in Concert. Embrace the "Hakuna Matata" mindset as you enjoy Disney's 1994 animated classic on the big screen alongside a live performance of the score. April 23-24, 2027.

🎄 Feel-good holiday faves

• Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas in Concert. Prepare for your heart to grow three sizes as you watch Jim Carrey's Grinch with the score performed live by the Symphony. Nov. 27-28, 2026.
• Festival of Lights. Celebrate the joy of Hanukkah with an evening of music, light and fellowship featuring voices from Charlotte's Jewish communities. Dec. 10, 2026.
• Cirque de Noël. The annual circus-meets-symphony event returns with awe-inspiring acrobatics suspended above the orchestra as they play holiday faves. Dec. 11-13, 2026.
• Holiday Pops. Celebrate the sounds of the season at the Symphony. The Saturday family matinee will feature special appearances from Santa and friends. Dec. 18-20, 2026.

Plus, plus, plus: Throughout the season, you can catch laid-back Symphony performances at local breweries, including NoDa Brewing, Triple C and Lenny Boy as part of the CSO On Tap series.

Next steps: Single-show tickets for all 2026-27 performances are available now.

• Interested in more than one show? Compose your own lineup of three to ten eligible concerts and score 30% off regular ticket prices, plus exclusive CSO subscriber benefits.

Start here to compose your perfect Symphony season.