FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jenni Shrum,
Director of Marketing & Public Relations
(405) 231-0145
jenni@okcphil.org
“New season blends unforgettable classics, blockbuster films, beloved holiday traditions and extraordinary guest artists”
Oklahoma City, OK – From celebrating America’s 250th anniversary to bringing Hollywood favorites to life with a live orchestra, the Oklahoma City Philharmonic’s 2026–2027 season promises to inspire audiences of every generation.
The Oklahoma City Philharmonic today unveiled an exciting lineup of Classics and The Chickasaw Nation Pops concerts featuring internationally acclaimed guest artists, beloved holiday traditions, cinematic experiences, and collaborations with some of Oklahoma’s finest musical organizations.
The season begins Saturday, September 19, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. with America The Beautiful: A 250 Celebration, an inspiring tribute to the nation’s 250th year celebration featuring Oklahoma favorite and Honorary Concertmaster Marat Gabdullin performing on electric violin at the Civic Center Music Hall.
“An orchestra is at its most powerful when it connects the music of our shared past with the world we experience today,” said Music Director Alexander Mickelthwate. “From celebrating America’s 250th anniversary to exploring great symphonic masterworks, film scores, jazz, rock and choral music, this season reflects the extraordinary range of what an orchestra can be. I look forward to welcoming our community into the concert hall for a season filled with discovery, emotion and joy.”
Under the artistic leadership of Music Director Alexander Mickelthwate, the 2026–2027 season showcases celebrated guest artists from around the world while highlighting Oklahoma’s vibrant arts community through collaborations with the Windsong Chamber Choir, University of Central Oklahoma Jazz Ensemble 1, and Canterbury Voices.
“This season celebrates the wide array of musical voices and influences that bring people together,” said Brent Hart, Executive Director of the Oklahoma City Philharmonic. “Driven by feedback from our audiences, this season is filled with powerful storytelling, world-class artistry, local collaborations and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re a lifelong symphony patron or experiencing the orchestra for the first time, there’s something that will inspire, surprise and delight you.”
Classics Series
The Classics Series explores music’s ability to tell powerful stories through timeless masterworks and fresh artistic perspectives.
Highlights include:
- America The Beautiful: A 250 Celebration featuring Honorary Concertmaster Marat Gabdullin on electric violin (September 19)
- Worlds of Wonder featuring the Windsong Chamber Choir (October 10)
- Symphonic Stories: From Blues to Broadway with the University of Central Oklahoma Jazz Ensemble 1, and acclaimed pianist Cedric Tiberghien (November 21)
- Fairytales: Stories in Sound featuring cellist Amos Yang (January 9)
- Fate, Fire & Fantasy featuring internationally acclaimed marimbist Vivi Vassileva (February 6)
- Enigmas of Life featuring pianist Jon Nakamatsu (March 13)
- A Night in Vienna featuring violinist Anastasiya Petryshak (April 10)
- Season Finale: Voices of Triumph with Canterbury Voices (May 15)
The Chickasaw Nation Pops Series
The Chickasaw Nation Pops Series brings together blockbuster entertainment, iconic music and unforgettable family experiences.
Highlights include:
- Music to Die For: Songs From the Shadows: a thrilling Halloween concert filled with mystery, dramatic vocals and spine-tingling favorites (October 30-31).
- A Very Merry Pops: the OKCPHIL’s cherished holiday tradition featuring festive classics and spectacular guest vocalists (December 4–5).
- A Tinsel Tradition: Songs of Christmas: a family matinee featuring holiday favorites, Santa, his elves, and interactive pre-concert activities (December 5).
- How to Train Your Dragon in Concert: experience the beloved DreamWorks film in HD while the OKCPHIL performs its soaring Academy Award-nominated score live (January 15–16).
- Ebony & Ivory: acclaimed pianist Campbell Walker Fields joins outstanding vocalists for an evening celebrating legendary singer-songwriters (February 19–20).
- The Music of the Rolling Stones: experience some of rock’s greatest songs performed with the power of a full symphony orchestra (March 19–20).
- Bugs Bunny at the Symphony: watch 17 classic Looney Tunes cartoons on the big screen while the OKCPHIL performs Carl Stalling’s legendary scores live (April 23–24).
Special Event
The OKCPHIL also presents Home Alone 2: Lost in New York in Concert, where audiences can experience the beloved holiday film on the big screen accompanied by John Williams’ iconic score performed live by the OKCPHIL over Thanksgiving weekend on November 24, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Tickets
Season subscriptions are available now.
Individual concert tickets go on sale Monday, August 24, 2026.
For tickets and complete season information, visit okcphil.org or call (405) 842-5387.
About the Oklahoma City Philharmonic
Founded in 1988, the Oklahoma City Philharmonic has inspired audiences for more than three decades through exceptional orchestral performances, innovative programming and meaningful community engagement. Under the direction of Music Director Alexander Mickelthwate, the orchestra presents Classics, The Chickasaw Nation Pops, Discovery Family Concerts and a wide range of educational and community performances. The Oklahoma City Philharmonic’s mission is to provide musical experiences that inspire, connect, and strengthen our community, ensuring the transformative power of music is accessible to everyone. For more information, contact us at okcphil.org, 501 Couch Drive, Oklahoma City, OK 73102.
For more information, visit okcphil.org.
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