BANGOR — The Bangor Symphony Orchestra is thrilled to announce its 130th season, a milestone year dedicated to “Symphonic Storytelling” through masterworks, new commissions and unforgettable live experiences. Under the artistic direction of Lucas Richman, the season promises a powerful journey filled with emotion, innovation and musical brilliance.
“This season, we invite audiences to explore the joy and emotions brought to life by symphonic music,” says Music Director and Conductor Lucas Richman. “From timeless classics to bold new voices, every concert tells a compelling story poignantly relatable to our own lives.”
“I’m very excited to share the Bangor Symphony Orchestra’s 130th Season with our community,” says Renia Shterenberg, executive director. “From exciting soloists to music that is both familiar and new, Lucas (Richman) has created a fabulous season, inviting everyone who loves music to experience it – right here.”
Masterworks I: A Journey Abroad — Jonathan Biss Plays Brahms The season opens on Sept. 28 with acclaimed pianist Jonathan Biss performing Brahms’ towering Piano Concerto No. 2. The evening also features Emil von Reznicek’s spirited Donna Diana Overture and Ernest Chausson’s lush Symphony in B-flat.
Masterworks II: Symphonic Glory — Wynton Marsalis Violin Concerto On Nov. 16 violinist Kelly Hall-Tompkins brings Wynton Marsalis’ vibrant Violin Concerto to life. The concert opens with William Grant Still’s Festive Overture and concludes with Dvořák’s pastoral Symphony No. 8.
Masterworks III: Ethereal Storytelling — Mozart, Beethoven & a World Premiere Feb. 1, 2026, showcases rising star flutist Anthony Trionfo performing Mozart’s charming Flute Concerto No. 1. The program also features the world premiere of a new work by Ellis Ludwig-Leone, winner of the 2025 Ellis-Beauregard Foundation Composer Award, and Beethoven’s beloved Pastoral Symphony.
Masterworks IV: The Rite of Spring — Stravinsky’s Le Sacre du Printemps Celebrate the season of renewal on March 22, 2026, with a bold all-orchestral concert. The evening begins
with Rimsky-Korsakov’s Russian Easter Overture, continues with works by Lili Boulanger and Cécile Chaminade, and culminates in Stravinsky’s groundbreaking The Rite of Spring.
Masterworks V: Our American Story — Gershwin and More Closing the Masterworks series on April 26, 2026, the BSO marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence with a stirring program of American music. The grand finale includes two fanfares, an anthem of unity, and a concert version of Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess featuring the UMaine Singers and Oratorio Society Chorus.
Disney’s Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas in Concert Live-to-Film Oct. 26, 2025, brings a family-friendly delight as the BSO performs Danny Elfman’s hauntingly whimsical score live to a screening of Tim Burton’s beloved film. This presentation is licensed by Disney Concerts.
Subscriptions are now on sale through the Collins Center for the Arts Box Office, and include all five Masterworks Concerts plus add-on ticket options for The Nightmare Before Christmas. New subscribers save 40 percent! Single tickets for Masterworks concerts and special events will go on sale August 7. Visit bangorsymphony.org or call 207-581-1755 to subscribe.
The Bangor Symphony Orchestra is one of the nation’s oldest continually operating professional orchestras, dedicated to enhancing the cultural landscape of Bangor through exceptional live performances, music education, and community engagement. Join us as we continue to perform and celebrate the transformative power of music.
For more information about the Bangor Symphony Orchestra, please visit our website at bangorsymphony.org. Follow us on social media to join our vibrant community and engage with our musicians and fellow music enthusiasts.
