Gerard Schwarz, conductor Cello Student Soloist, TBA This concert opens with Eugene Goossens’ Jubilee Variations. Written in celebration of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra’s 50th Anniversary in 1945, the work is a collaborative set of variations on Goossens’ original theme. He invited ten American composers - including Aaron Copland, Paul Creston, Howard Hanson, and William Schuman - to each contribute a variation, while he himself composed the finale. From this American opening, the program turns to Variations on a Rococo Theme, Op. 33 by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. Inspired by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and his admiration for the Classical style, Tchaikovsky uses an original theme in the Rococo style. He worked closely with the German cellist Wilhelm Fitzenhagen, for whom the piece was written. Fitzenhagen later made significant changes to the piece, going as far as rearranging the order of the original eight variations, and eliminating the final one. The program concludes with Johannes Brahms’ Symphony No. 3 in F major, Op. 90. Although the shortest of his four symphonies, it remains one of his most powerful and concentrated works. After listening to the first and final movements, Antonin Dvorak remarked, “I say without exaggerating that this work surpasses his first two symphonies; if not, perhaps, in grandeur and powerful conception—then certainly in—beauty.” The symphony opens with the motif F-Ab-F, widely interpreted as a musical representation of Brahms’ personal motto, rei aber froh (free but happy). Brahms developed this motto in response to his friend, Hungarian violinist Joseph Joachim’s motto, frei aber einsam (free but lonely). SAT / OCT 17, 2026 / 7:30 PM Gusman Concert Hall $30 $25 $15 Purchase tickets here. Set a reminder here. Read program here. Read program notes here.

Gerald Schwarz, conductor Robynne Redmon, vocal soloist This program is devoted entirely to Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 3 in D minor. Often regarded as the longest symphony in the standard orchestral repertoire, this monumental work unfolds across six movements, organized into two parts: a colossal opening movement, followed by five contrasting movements that vividly evoke the beauty and spirit of nature. In an 1896 letter to Max Marschalk, Mahler describes the work as “A Summer’s Midday Dream.” Featuring an extensive ensemble including a women’s chorus, children’s chorus, and mezzo-soprano soloist, the symphony stands as one of Mahler’s most ambitious works. MUSIC UNDER THE STARS! This ticket is a reservation for an evening of music under the stars in a casual, family-friendly setting at the Frost School of Music campus. Bring your lawn chairs, picnic blankets and pets to enjoy this concert on our expansive 20x40-foot Windowcast system at Knight Center for Music Innovation’s Outdoor Plaza. Concert tickets are available here. SAT / NOV 14, 2026 / 7:30 PM Knight Center for Music Innovation Outdoor Plaza FREE with RSVP RSVP here.

Gerald Schwarz, conductor Robynne Redmon, vocal soloist This program is devoted entirely to Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 3 in D minor. Often regarded as the longest symphony in the standard orchestral repertoire, this monumental work unfolds across six movements, organized into two parts: a colossal opening movement, followed by five contrasting movements that vividly evoke the beauty and spirit of nature. In an 1896 letter to Max Marschalk, Mahler describes the work as “A Summer’s Midday Dream.” Featuring an extensive ensemble including a women’s chorus, children’s chorus, and mezzo-soprano soloist, the symphony stands as one of Mahler’s most ambitious works. A free Windowcast is available for this event for those who prefer to enjoy a livestream of this concert outdoors, or for those who do not make it into the hall. SAT / NOV 14, 2026 / 7:30 PM Gusman Concert Hall $35 $30 $15 Purchase tickets here. Set a reminder here. Read program here. Read program notes here.

Gerard Schwarz, conductor Tessa Lark, violin Svet Stoyanov, percussion Acclaimed violinist Tessa Lark takes center stage with the Frost Symphony Orchestra in Christopher Theofanidis’ Gemini Sun, a striking concerto for violin, percussion, and orchestra co-commissioned by Frost. Joined by percussionist Svet Stoyanov, Lark brings her signature virtuosity and expressive brilliance to this dynamic new work. The program opens with Paul Creston’s Symphony No. 3, all under the direction of Gerard Schwarz. Creston’s Symphony No. 3 “Three Mysteries” reflects the composer’s emotional response to pivotal moments in the life of Jesus Christ: the nativity, the crucifixion, and the resurrection. Drawing on the influence of Gregorian chant, taking the modal material and subjecting it to rigorous development in the composer’s robust and opulent manner. SAT / FEB 6, 2027 / 7:30 PM Gusman Concert Hall $45 $40 $35 Purchase tickets here. Set a reminder here. Read program here. Read program notes here.

Jake Heggie, composer Gene Scheer, librettist Claire Manjarrès, director Jenny Renee Synder, music director Natasha Adorlee, choreographer Don't miss the Southeast US premiere of the much-anticipated one-act opera by famed composer Jake Heggie, inspired by the legendary 1976 blind tasting that transformed the world of wine. Blending myth with modern history, the opera brings Bacchus and Venus from Olympus to 1970s Paris and Napa Valley, where they encounter the visionary vintners who dared to defy tradition, sparking a cultural turning point that reshaped both wine and art. Two nights! FRI / FEB 26, 2027 / 7:30 PM SAT / FEB 27, 2027 / 7:30 PM Gusman Concert Hall $40 $35 $25 Purchase tickets here. Set a reminder here. Read program [here. Read program notes here.

Jake Heggie, composer Gene Scheer, librettist Claire Manjarrès, director Jenny Renee Synder, music director Natasha Adorlee, choreographer Don't miss the Southeast US premiere of the much-anticipated one-act opera by famed composer Jake Heggie, inspired by the legendary 1976 blind tasting that transformed the world of wine. Blending myth with modern history, the opera brings Bacchus and Venus from Olympus to 1970s Paris and Napa Valley, where they encounter the visionary vintners who dared to defy tradition, sparking a cultural turning point that reshaped both wine and art. Two nights! FRI / FEB 26, 2027 / 7:30 PM SAT / FEB 27, 2027 / 7:30 PM Gusman Concert Hall $40 $35 $25 Purchase tickets here. Set a reminder here. Read program [here. Read program notes here.

Dan Strange, director Mallory Gravitt, student director This electrifying concert showcases Frost student composers, a dynamic rock symphony, and exceptional Frost bands fusing contemporary and classical sounds. Enhanced by a stunning light show, the student-led production transforms Gusman Hall into an immersive, high-energy experience that celebrates the next generation of musical visionaries. MUSIC UNDER THE STARS! This ticket is a reservation for an evening of music under the stars in a casual, family-friendly setting at the Frost School of Music campus. Bring your lawn chairs, picnic blankets and pets to enjoy this concert on our expansive 20x40-foot Windowcast system at Knight Center for Music Innovation’s Outdoor Plaza. Concert tickets are available here. THU / MAR 18, 2027 / 7:30 PM Knight Center for Music Innovation Outdoor Plaza FREE with RSVP RSVP here.

Dan Strange, director Mallory Gravitt, student director This electrifying concert showcases Frost student composers, a dynamic rock symphony, and exceptional Frost bands fusing contemporary and classical sounds. Enhanced by a stunning light show, the student-led production transforms Gusman Hall into an immersive, high-energy experience that celebrates the next generation of musical visionaries. A free Windowcast is available for this event for those who prefer to enjoy a livestream of this concert outdoors, or for those who do not make it into the hall. THU / MAR 18, 2027 / 7:30 PM Gusman Concert Hall $25 $20 $15 Purchase tickets here. Set a reminder here. Read program here. Read program notes here.

Esteban Batallán, trumpet John Hagstrom, trumpet David Griffin, horn Michael Mulcahy, trombone Gene Pokorny, tuba The Chicago Brass Quintet, featuring world-class musicians from the renowned Chicago Symphony Orchestra, brings a powerful program to Newman Recital Hall, showcasing the brilliance, precision, and versatility of elite brass performance. THU / MAR 25, 2027 / 7:30 PM Newman Recital Hall $30 $25 $15 Purchase tickets here. Set a reminder here. Read program here. Read program notes here.

Gerard Schwarz, conductor Brian Lynch, trumpet The program opens with Knoxville: Summer of 1915 by Samuel Barber, a lyrical work for voice and orchestra, set to a 1938 prose text by James Agee. Evoking a dreamlike evening in the American South, the text is from a child’s perspective, at times blurring into the voice of adulthood, creating a deeply reflective and nostalgic atmosphere. The concert continues with a world premiere trumpet concerto by Brian Lynch, Grammy-award Frost faculty member. The program concludes with Igor Stravinsky’s Petroushka (1911). One of his most celebrated works, the ballet tells the story of the loves and jealousies of three puppets brought to life in a Russian fair. Petroushka seamlessly brings music, dance, and design together in a unified whole. SAT / MAR 27, 2027 / 7:30 PM Gusman Concert Hall $30 $25 $15 Purchase tickets here. Set a reminder here. Read program here. Read program notes here.

Michael Hancock, director A performance of Paul Hindemith's masterpiece, Symphony in B-flat, one of the most beloved works in the wind repertoire. SAT / APR 10, 2027 / 7:30 PM Gusman Concert Hall $20 $15 $10 Purchase tickets here. Set a reminder here. Read program here. Read program notes here.

Leonard Slatkin, conductor Piano Student Soloist, TBA Under the baton of guest conductor Maestro Leonard Slatkin, the program begins with Voyager 130 by Daniel Slatkin, his son. Inspired by the Golden Record aboard NASA’s Voyager spacecraft, the work reflects on humanity’s musical legacy sent into the vastness of space. The program continues with a piano concert by Franz Lizst (to be announced). The concert concludes with Sergei Prokofiev’s Symphony No. 5 in Bb major, Op. 100. Composed in 1944 at the height of World War II, the work is often informally referred to as the “Wartime Symphony.” Prokofiev described it as a “hymn to free and happy Man,” capturing both the resilience and optimism of the human spirit. SAT / APR 24, 2027 / 7:30 PM Gusman Concert Hall $30 $25 $15 Purchase tickets here. Set a reminder here. Read program here. Read program notes here.