RPO 2026-27 Season: 5 Must-See Concerts from Beethoven to E.T.

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Rpo 2026-27 Season

RPO 2026-27 Season: 5 Must-See Concerts from Beethoven to E.T.

Orchestral Evolution: The RPO’s High-Stakes 2026-27 Season Reveal

In a move that signals both a reverence for the past and a daring leap into the future, the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) has officially unveiled its roadmap for the 2026-27 season. This isn’t just a list of concerts; it is a calculated cultural manifesto designed to shatter the “stuffy” stereotypes of classical music. Music Director Andreas Delfs has curated a lineup that places the heavyweights of the 18th century on a collision course with the cinematic titans of the 21st. The season promises a sensory overload, where the regal echoes of Beethoven’s “Emperor” Concerto meet the otherworldly, heart-tugging melodies of John Williams’ “E.T.”

The announcement has already sparked intense conversation among local patrons and digital followers alike. By doubling down on the experimental “festival” format—which sees world-class soloists perform both solo and symphonic works in a single evening—Delfs is betting on a more immersive, narrative-driven experience. This strategy isn’t just about the music; it’s about survival in an era where attention is the most valuable currency. The RPO is no longer just competing with other orchestras; it’s competing with Netflix, gaming, and the myriad of digital distractions vying for the ears of a younger, tech-savvy generation.

Below is a snapshot of the season’s structural core, highlighting the diverse range of performances that define this ambitious calendar:

Beethoven Reborn: A Festival of Piano Titans

The centerpiece of the classical calendar is undoubtedly the return of the Beethoven Festival. But forget what you know about traditional concerto nights. Delfs is introducing a “recital-plus” format that demands more from its performers and offers more to its audience. Four of the world’s most formidable pianists—Olga Kern, Barry Douglas, Jonathan Biss, and Marc-André Hamelin—will each anchor a weekend. The twist? They begin the night alone in the spotlight, performing a solo sonata or piece by the featured composer, before the full power of the RPO joins them for a blockbuster concerto.

Jonathan Biss is set to tackle the “Emperor” Concerto, but it will be prefaced by Beethoven’s Opus 27 Piano Sonata and the Second Symphony. This curated journey allows the audience to hear the evolution of a genius’s mind in real-time. It’s a bold move that turns a standard concert into a masterclass in musical storytelling. For those who think they’ve “heard it all” when it comes to the classics, this festival is designed to provide a shock of the new, stripping away the varnish of centuries to reveal the raw, revolutionary spirit of the music.

The lineup of piano concertos is enough to make any music lover’s heart skip a beat:

• Jonathan Biss: Beethoven’s “Emperor” Concerto
• Olga Kern: Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3
• Barry Douglas: Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1
• Marc-André Hamelin: Brahms’ Piano Concerto No. 2

Cinematic Soul: When Hollywood Meets the Masters

The “Music for Movies” weekend, scheduled for late February 2027, is perhaps the most strategic play for a “crossover” audience. Andreas Delfs isn’t just playing film music; he’s legitimizing it. By programming John Williams’ “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” alongside the works of Richard Strauss and Erich Wolfgang Korngold, Delfs is making a profound statement: Williams is the Strauss of our time. The orchestration, the thematic complexity, and the raw emotional pull of “Adventures on Earth” are presented as the natural successors to the European romantic tradition.

This weekend will also feature a suite from Strauss’ “Der Rosenkavalier,” originally arranged for a 1926 silent film. It’s a fascinating historical bridge that shows the “movies” have always been part of the orchestral DNA. The inclusion of Korngold’s Violin Concerto—written by a composer who fled the Nazis to become the architect of the Hollywood sound—further cements this theme. This isn’t just a “movie night”; it’s a deep dive into the sounds that have defined our collective imagination for the last century.

RPO Genre Diversity Index (Projected 2026-27)
[Classical/Romantic]  ########## (40%)
[Modern/Commissioned] ######     (25%)
[Pop/Rock/Jazz]       #####      (20%)
[Film/Cinematic]      ####       (15%)
(ASCII Art: Represents the balanced programming intended to reach diverse demographics)

Star Trek in the Concert Hall: Peer Gynt’s Narrative Journey

One of the most anticipated highlights of the autumn season is the Oct. 10-11 performance of Edvard Grieg’s “Peer Gynt.” Most audiences are familiar with the “Morning Mood” and “In the Hall of the Mountain King” suites, but the RPO is presenting the incidental music in its entirety. To elevate the drama, the orchestra has tapped a legendary narrator: John DeLancie Jr., known to millions of fans as the mischievous “Q” from Star Trek: The Next Generation. DeLancie’s authoritative yet playful presence will breathe life into Ibsen’s fantastical tale of a roguish anti-hero.

This collaboration is a prime example of the RPO’s “reach-out” strategy. By bringing in a sci-fi icon, they are opening the doors of Kodak Hall to a fandom that might not otherwise consider a Saturday night with Grieg. It’s a masterclass in cultural synergy, combining high-brow literature with pop-culture magnetism. The performance promises to be a multi-sensory experience, proving that a 19th-century Norwegian play still has the power to captivate a 21st-century American audience when given the right voice.

The Sunday Revolution: Funky Concerti at Nazareth University

While the grand stage of Kodak Hall hosts the blockbusters, the Sunday Matinee series at Nazareth University’s Beston Hall is where the RPO gets “funky.” This series, performed by a scaled-down ensemble, is designed to be intimate and adventurous. Delfs has curated a set of “funky concerti” by some of the most exciting voices in modern music, including Kevin Puts, Michael Daugherty, and the ethereal Missy Mazzoli. These works are paired with the familiar comfort of Haydn, Mozart, and Schubert, creating a “palate-cleansing” musical experience.

This series serves as an essential laboratory for new sounds. By placing contemporary works in direct conversation with the masters, the RPO is training its audience to listen differently. It’s a vital part of the “Voices of Today” initiative, ensuring that the orchestra remains a living, breathing entity rather than a museum of the past. The intimate setting of Beston Hall allows for a closer connection between the musicians and the listeners, making the “experimental” feel accessible and the “classical” feel new.

Symphonic Rebellion: Billy Joel and the Grit of Southern Rock

Under the baton of the incomparable Jeff Tyzik, the RPO Pops Series is undergoing its own revolution. The 2026-27 season features two premieres that are bound to sell out: “Billy Joel: Piano Man” and “Southern Rock: The Symphonic Sessions.” The latter is a particularly gutsy move, bringing the blues-drenched riffs of Lynyrd Skynyrd and The Allman Brothers into the orchestral fold. Tyzik’s arrangements are legendary for their ability to maintain the soul of the original songs while utilizing the full, massive color palette of a symphony orchestra.

The season kicks off with “Aretha!”, a tribute to the Queen of Soul featuring the powerhouse singer Shelia. Tyzik describes Shelia as a protégée of Quincy Jones and Stevie Wonder—a pedigree that suggests this won’t be your average cover concert. By honoring the legacies of Aretha Franklin, Billy Joel, and the icons of Southern Rock, the RPO is claiming its place as the premier entertainment hub of the region. This is music that lives in the bones of the audience, and hearing it with 80 musicians behind it is nothing short of transcendent.

The 250th Anniversary: A Nation’s Reflection in Sound

The season opener on Sept. 25 and 27, 2026, holds a special significance beyond the music. Andreas Delfs has described the program as a “nod to the nation’s 250th anniversary.” It features a premiere by Michael Torke—a composer whose “Mindfulness in Reverse” approach to music has gained him global acclaim. Torke’s work is often characterized by its vibrant energy and rhythmic propulsion, making him the perfect choice to celebrate the American spirit. The season also features John Adams’ Violin Concerto with soloist Leila Josefowicz, a contemporary classic that redefined the instrument’s capabilities.

This patriotic thread isn’t about flag-waving; it’s about exploring the diverse, often contradictory voices that make up the American soundscape. From the Dvorak “New World” Symphony (the ultimate outsider’s view of America) to the cutting-edge commissions of today, the RPO is using its platform to ask: What does America sound like now? It’s a question that feels more relevant than ever as the country approaches its quarter-millennium milestone, and the RPO is positioning itself as the narrator of that sonic journey.

Securing the Future: Why This Season is a Cultural Turning Point

As the final notes of the RPO’s 2026-27 season preview fade, one thing is clear: the Rochester Philharmonic is not playing it safe. In a landscape where many arts organizations are retreating to “safe” programming to stabilize budgets, Andreas Delfs and Jeff Tyzik are doubling down on variety, innovation, and community integration. Whether it’s the high-concept Beethoven festivals or the grit of symphonic Southern Rock, every performance is designed to be an event—something that demands to be seen live, felt in the chest, and discussed long after the house lights come up.

For the people of Rochester, this season is an invitation to witness the evolution of an icon. The RPO is proving that it can honor the legacy of the Eastman Theatre while pushing the boundaries of what an orchestra can be. It’s an exciting, slightly dangerous, and ultimately hopeful roadmap for the future of the arts in America. So, whether you’re a die-hard fan of the “Emperor” or a kid who still dreams of E.T.’s bike flying across the moon, the 2026-27 season has a seat waiting for you. The question is: Are you ready to listen?

What do you think of this bold new direction for the RPO? Are you more excited for the cinematic “E.T.” experience or the raw power of the Beethoven festivals? Join the conversation and let us know which concert is at the top of your must-see list!

#Rochester #ClassicalMusic #RPO #JohnWilliams #ConcertGuide

RPO 2026-27, Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, Andreas Delfs, E.T. John Williams Rochester