ISO Announces Spectacular 2026-27 Season 

The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra announced its bold and expansive 2026–27 season, placing Beethoven at the center of a Classical Series that spans centuries, styles, and symphonic scale. Music Director Jun Märkl shapes a season that pairs all seven of Beethoven’s concertos with landmark works by Mahler, Brahms, Schumann, Shostakovich, and Tchaikovsky, while also exploring the revolutionary legacy of the Ballets Russes and reaffirming the ISO’s commitment to living composers. Subscriptions are available at IndianapolisSymphony.org or by calling the Box Office at (317) 639-4300. See the full season lineup here. Tickets to individual concerts may be purchased beginning July 21, 2026. 

The new season, beginning in September 2026, reflects Märkl’s expansive artistic vision—one built on contrast and continuity—balancing classical clarity with expressive intensity. Beethoven’s works form the backbone of the classical series, with all five piano concertos, the violin concerto, and the triple concerto performed across the season, alongside two symphonies that trace the composer’s evolution. These works are paired with symphonic statements, including Mahler’s Symphony No. 5, Respighi’s Pines of Rome, and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 6, “Pathétique.” 

A major thematic throughline of the season explores the enduring impact of the Ballets Russes, whose groundbreaking collaborations reshaped the course of music and dance in the 20th century. The ISO performs many of the seminal works born from that era, including Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring, Petrushka, Pulcinella, and Apollo, alongside Mussorgsky’s Night on Bald Mountain, Poulenc’s Suite from Les Biches, and the sweeping sensuality of Ravel’s complete Daphnis et Chloé. 

The Classical Series welcomes an exceptional roster of international soloists performing cornerstone repertoire, including Denis Kozhukhin, Ingrid Fliter, Vadim Gluzman, Arabella Steinbacher, Conrad Tao, Javier Perianes, and Geneva Lewis. Music by living composers continues to play an essential role throughout the season, with works by Joan Tower, Camille Pépin, and Conrad Tao appearing alongside the canon. A special composer spotlight features Oregon-based composer Kenji Bunch, including a significant new commission written for the ISO. 

The 2026 Gala: OPUS endowed by Christel DeHaan (September 19, 2026) launches the season with Maestro Jun Märkl leading the ISO in Beethoven’s Fifth Piano Concerto, the “Emperor,” in a powerful musical centerpiece. World-renowned pianist Denis Kozhukin brings his admired interpretation of Beethoven to the ISO stage. The program also includes selections from Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake, setting a celebratory tone for a season defined by ambition, beauty, and expressive depth. Exploring the theme of illumination, guests will determine their experience for the performance, and will be invited to an immersive experience throughout Hilbert Circle Theatre, sharing the vibrancy of the ISO. More Gala: OPUS details will be announced soon! 

Led by Principal Pops Conductor Jack Everly, the 2026–27 Printing Partners Pops Series delivers a dynamic lineup that blends pop royalty, Broadway power, and symphonic spectacle. The season opens October 9–10 with Oops! I Sang It Again: From Britney to Beyoncé, the Pop Queens Are Back!, conducted by Principal Guest Conductor of Pops Enrico Lopez-Yañez. Travel icon Rick Steves treks to Indianapolis November 13–14 to narrate Rick Steves’ Europe: A Symphonic Journey, combining breathtaking visuals with live orchestral music. 

Additional Pops highlights include a highly anticipated appearance by Grammy Award nominee and American Idol finalist Cody Fry (January 15–16), Tony DeSare’s The Music of Billy Joel (February 5–6), and a spirited Celtic Journey led by Maestro Lopez-Yañez (March 12–13) in time for Saint Patrick’s Day. Broadway star Mandy Gonzalez joins the ISO April 9–10 for an evening of powerhouse vocals, and the season concludes June 4–5 with Battle of the Maestros: The Sequel, as Jack Everly and Enrico Lopez-Yañez lead a thrilling, crowd-favorite showdown of symphonic flair. 

The Film Series presented by Bank of America returns with four cinematic favorites brought to life with the ISO performing live to picture. Audiences return to Hogwarts with Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets in Concert October 30–November 1. Disney’s The Lion King arrives February 13–14, followed by Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl March 20–21. The season concludes April 30–May 2 with Star Wars: Return of the Jedi in Concert, continuing the epic saga. 

Classical Series programs featuring Music Director Jun Märkl: 

Sept. 19: Gala: OPUS endowed by Christel DeHaan– Beethoven’s “Emperor” Piano Concerto 
Sept. 25–26: Rite of Spring and Beethoven’s Fourth Piano Concerto 
Oct. 15–17: Epic Origins: Beethoven and Mahler 
Jan. 8–9: Ballet Russes & ISO Principals 
Jan. 21–23: Romantic Legacy: Schumann and Brahms 
Jan. 29–30: Ecstasy & Elegance: Daphnis et Chloé
Feb. 18–20: Poulenc’s Organ Concerto & Pines of Rome 
Feb. 26–27: Berlin to Vienna: Mozart & Mahler 
May 20–22: Beethoven’s Triple Concerto and Prokofiev 
June 10–12: Celestial Beethoven: Violin Concerto and Symphony No. 4 
June 18–19: Season Finale – Schumann’s Symphony No. 4 

Other Classical Series highlights include: 

Oct. 23–24: The Hand of Tao: Beethoven and Mozart 
Dec. 17: Handel’s Messiah
Apr. 2–3: Classically Modern: Shostakovich, Tchaikovsky, and Stravinsky 
Apr. 16–17: Gluzman Plays Tchaikovsky & Mozart’s “Jupiter” 
Apr. 22–23: Swan Songs: Tchaikovsky & Sibelius 
May 7–8: The Italian Baroque 
May 14–15: La Valse and Brahms Violin Concerto 

The ISO is honored to welcome a distinguished roster of new and returning guest artists and conductors. Returning artists include Denis Kozhukhin, Conrad Tao, Javier Perianes, Ingrid Fliter, Paul Jacobs, Vadim Gluzman, Geneva Lewis, Dmitry Sinkovsky, Joshua Weilerstein, Francesca Dego, Alexandra Dariescu, Arabella Steinbacher, and Andrew Litton. Artists making their ISO debuts include Michael Davidman, Richard Egarr, and Stefan Dohr.