FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 26, 2026
Contact: Jenni Shrum,
Director of Marketing & Public Relations
(405) 231-0145
jenni@okcphil.org
Symphonic Stories From Blues to Broadway Media Photos
“Jazz, cinema, and Broadway share the stage in an evening of musical storytelling at Civic Center Music Hall.”
OKLAHOMA CITY — A city has a rhythm. A love story has a melody. And sometimes, an orchestra can tell you everything without saying a word.
On Saturday, November 21, 2026, the Oklahoma City Philharmonic invites audiences to hear where the stories lead with Symphonic Stories: From Blues to Broadway, beginning at 7:30 p.m. at the Civic Center Music Hall.
Led by Music Director Alexander Mickelthwate, the concert brings together music by Wynton Marsalis, Philip Glass, Maurice Ravel, and Leonard Bernstein for an evening that connects the concert hall with the sound of jazz, film, and Broadway.
Think of it as a night of storytelling with the orchestra holding the microphone. Across four distinctive works, audiences will discover how composers turn rhythm, atmosphere, and emotion into stories listeners can feel.
Wynton Marsalis’ St. Louis to New Orleans sets the scene for the program’s exploration of jazz and orchestral music. Philip Glass’ Suite from The Hours brings a cinematic chapter to the evening, while Maurice Ravel’s Piano Concerto in G Major offers another perspective on the musical conversation.
Leonard Bernstein’s Symphonic Dances from West Side Story brings one of Broadway’s most powerful stories into the concert hall, inviting audiences to experience its drama through the expressive force of a live orchestra.
“What happens when musicians refuse to follow the rules? They change music forever,” said Alexander Mickelthwate, Music Director of the OKCPHIL. “That’s the spirit behind Symphonic Stories: From Blues to Broadway. As part of our American 250 celebration, we’re exploring the fearless creativity that makes American music so extraordinary. From the soul of the blues to the hypnotic sounds of minimalism and the unforgettable energy of Broadway, these composers broke boundaries and created something entirely on their own. This concert is a celebration of the American spirit: bold, adventurous, independent, and never afraid to be different.”
For Broadway enthusiasts, jazz listeners, movie lovers, and anyone looking for an engaging Saturday night out, Symphonic Stories: From Blues to Broadway offers a chance to explore familiar musical worlds from a fresh perspective.
No background in classical music is needed. Bring your curiosity, take your seat, and let the orchestra tell the stories.
CONCERT DETAILS:
Symphonic Stories: From Blues to Broadway
Saturday, November 21, 2026 | 7:30 p.m.
Civic Center Music Hall
201 N. Walker Ave., Oklahoma City
Alexander Mickelthwate, conductor
Brian W. Gorrell with the University of Central Oklahoma Jazz Ensemble 1, guest artists
Cédric Tiberghien, piano
Tickets are available for purchase at tickets@okcphil.org or by calling (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.
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