The sound of your Cincinnati Pops at Music Hall is a quintessential Queen City experience and we can’t wait to share the dazzling music and extraordinary talent we’ve lined up for your 25/26 Pops season. From the music of “America’s Sweetheart” and a galaxy far, far away, to holiday classics and cabaret decadence, your Cincinnati Pops plays it all just for you! The Pops is about bringing people together with great music, so come for the music and stay for the fun of experiencing it together. See you there!
John Morris Russell Cincinnati Pops Conductor
POPS SERIES
Concerts
TROUPE VERTIGO:
Cirque España!
SEP 12-14
FRI & SAT 7:30 PM; SUN 2 PM
John Morris Russell conductor
Troupe Vertigo
Fusing together elements of cirque acrobatics, classical dance and contemporary theatre, Troupe Vertigo brings audiences on a spellbinding journey through the world of artistic movement. Using highly stylized choreography, lighting and music to create scenes with imaginative visual landscapes, prepare to be mesmerized by music from Bizet, Lecuona, Albéniz and more, as reimagined by the fantastical Troupe Vertigo and the Cincinnati Pops.
SUBSCRIBE NOW and make time FOR MUSIC!
Photo Courtesy of Dispeker Artists
SUBSCRIBERS receive
FREE ticket exchanges
HOLIDAY POPS
DEC 12-14
FRI 11 AM & 7:30 PM; SAT 2 PM & 7:30 PM; SUN 2 PM & 7 PM
John Morris Russell conductor Cody Fry vocalist
There’s nothing quite as magical as the Pops during the Holiday season, when family memories are created anew at festive, sold-out performances of Holiday Pops! This December, Grammynominated singer-songwriter Cody Fry will join JMR, the Pops, choruses and dancers from around the city to bring your holiday favorites to life.
In Symphony, is an innovative multimedia experience featuring Dolly on screen, leading audiences in a visual-musical journey of her songs, her life, and her stories.
Guest vocalists and musicians selected by Dolly, along with the Cincinnati Pops, will present new and innovative orchestrations of her hit songs, including “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors” and “I Will Always Love You,” in addition to her personal favorites and an unreleased selection from her upcoming Broadway musical.
*Please note, Dolly Parton will not be performing on this program.
Photo Courtesy of Dolly Parton
SUBSCRIBERS get access to GUARANTEED PRE-PAID parking
Martin Sheen
AMERICAN MOSAIC MAR 13-15
FRI & SAT 7:30 PM; SUN 2 PM
John Morris Russell conductor Martin Sheen narrator
Be uplifted and inspired by a powerful new musical-visual work created by composer Peter Boyer and photographer Joe Sohm. Stunning video imagery from across all 50 states, passages from Boyer’s quintessential American-themed orchestral music, plus live narration of powerful, relevant quotes from throughout American history will combine to celebrate the land, cities, towns, people and spirit of the United States for its 250th birthday.
SUBSCRIBERS get access to EXCLUSIVE events and presales!
Travel to galaxies far, far away as the Cincinnati Pops performs the best music from across the Star Wars universe by John Williams, Michael Giacchino and Ludwig Göransson. From “The Imperial March” to “Rey’s Theme,” you’ll hear music from the films in the Skywalker saga, plus the TV series and more. May the Force be with you!
There will NOT be film projections associated with this performance.
POPS SPECIAL Events
THE WAR AND TREATY
SEP 6 SAT 7:30 PM
Damon Gupton conductor
Known for their explosive fusion of soul, country, gospel, folk, blues and rock, powerhouse husband-and-wife duo Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter have taken the national music scene by storm. Now, hot on the heels of their Grammy and CMA Award nominations and their newest album, Plus One, The War And Treaty bring their soulful intensity and high-octane energy to Music Hall. They join forces with the Pops and conductor Damon Gupton for a oneof-a-kind symphonic experience that blends Nashville grit with the Cincinnati sound.
THE VOICE OF WHITNEY: A Symphonic Celebration
SEP 20 & 21
SAT 7:30 PM; SUN 2 PM
Daniel Wiley conductor
Experience Whitney Houston’s musical legacy like never before. This special concert tribute features original and remastered recordings of Whitney’s vocals set to new orchestrations in a one-of-a-kind reimagining of her biggest hits — including “I Wanna Da nce with Somebody,” “Higher Love” and “I Will Always Love You” — all accompanied by neverbefore-seen video footage, film performances and interviews.
SUBSCRIBERS get first access to this ONE-NIGHT-ONLY performance with INGRID MICHAELSON!
INGRID MICHAELSON
OCT 21 TUE 7:30 PM
Christopher Dragon conductor
Grammy and Emmy Nominated singersongwriter Ingrid Michaelson makes her highly anticipated debut with the Cincinnati Pops!
Ingrid has become a defining force in the music industry, with chart-topping hits like “The Way I Am,” “Girls Chase Boys,” and “You & I,” all certified gold and platinum. With her blend of introspective lyrics and timeless melodies, Ingrid will bring a fresh, captivating mix of her iconic songs and new material for a mesmerizing fusion of pop and orchestral music.
NAS
NOV 12
WED 7:30 PM
Stuart Chafetz conductor
Thirty years after Illmatic ’s critically acclaimed release, Grammy winning hip-hop legend Nas performs the iconic album in its entirety — plus additional tracks from his illustrious career — with the Cincinnati Pops! Released in 1994, Illmatic is the groundbreaking debut from Nas and has long been considered one of the greatest hip-hop records of all time with hits including “N.Y. State of Mind,” “The World Is Yours,” “Memory Lane (Sittin’ in Da Park),” and “It Ain’t Hard to Tell.”
SUBSCRIBERS get first access to this ONE-NIGHT-ONLY performance with NAS!
NEW YEAR’S EVE: Cabaret Café
DEC 31 WED 8 PM
John Morris Russell conductor Password, please! Travel across Berlin, New York, Paris, Buenos Aires and beyond as you ring in the new year in the style of 1930s cabaret speakeasies. With an intoxicating blend of decadence, rebellion and raw emotion, cabaret music thrives on the tension between love and tragedy. Join JMR and the Pops as they perform iconic songs of Kander and Ebb (Cabaret, Chicago), Kurt Weill (Threepenny Opera), Edith Piaf (La Vie en Rose) and more. Your evening at our cabaret café will be one of playful indulgence.
SUBSCRIBERS get first access to this ONE-NIGHT-ONLY performance with BEN RECTOR!
BEN RECTOR: Songs for America
APR 7 TUE 7:30 PM
Enrico Lopez-Yañez conductor
Platinum-selling indie superstar Ben Rector returns to perform with the Cincinnati Pops! His “Songs for America” is a collection of original songs written to celebrate American cities and states, inspired by his 15 years of cross-country travel as a touring artist. Equal parts golden-era pop, Broadway and modern hymn, Ben brings this brand-new orchestral collaboration to Music Hall for a one-of-a-kind acoustic show that features the intimacy of guitar and piano with the strength of a full symphony orchestra.
DISNEY’S HOCUS POCUS
In Concert
NOV 1 & 2
SAT 7:30 PM; SUN 2 PM
Jason Seber conductor
“It’s all just a bunch of hocus pocus!”
OFF Kids’ Tickets
oin Max, Allison and Dani on a magical Halloween romp through Salem as they match wits with the legendary Sanderson sisters. Catch this bewitching film on the big screen as the Cincinnati Pops performs the score live to film. Dust off your broom — or vacuum! — and zoom down to Music Hall for a night of music and movie magic.
DISNEY & PIXAR’S TOY STORY
In Concert
JAN 3 & 4
SAT 7:30 PM; SUN 2 PM
Damon Gupton conductor
Ever wonder what your toys do when you’re not around? Toy Story answers that question through the eyes of two rival toys — Woody, the lanky, likable cowboy, and Buzz Lightyear, the fearless space ranger. When circumstances separate them from their owner, the duo learn to put aside their differences and embark on an adventure-filled mission to return home. The Cincinnati Pops go to infinity and beyond as they bring Buzz and Woody’s journey to life on the big screen! OFF Kids’ Tickets
POPS SERIES
Packages
FRIDAY, SATURDAY OR SUNDAY SERIES
5 Concerts + 1 Choose-Your-Own
FRI 7:30 PM; SAT 7:30 PM; SUN 2 PM
Subscribe today and get 6 concerts for the price of 5! Your 6th concert is yours to choose for FREE! Select from special events like The Voice of Whitney, Ingrid Michaelson, Hocus Pocus, New Year’s Eve and Toy Story. Some concert restrictions may apply. Additional charges for seat upgrades.
TROUPE VERTIGO: Cirque España!
SEP 12-14 FRI & SAT 7:30 PM; SUN 2 PM
HOLIDAY POPS
DEC 12-14 FRI 11 AM & 7:30 PM; SAT 2 PM & 7:30 PM; SUN 2 PM & 7 PM
DOLLY PARTON’S THREADS: My Songs in Symphony
JAN 23-25 FRI & SAT 7:30 PM; SUN 2 PM
AMERICAN MOSAIC
MAR 13-15 FRI & SAT 7:30 PM; SUN 2 PM
THE MUSIC OF STAR WARS
MAY 1-3 FRI & SAT 7:30 PM; SUN 2 PM
FAMILY SERIES
4 Concerts
Bring the whole family for a series of performances that are sure to delight, enchant and bring joy to our younger (or young at heart!) listeners. Choose the days and times that work best for you!
TROUPE VERTIGO: Cirque España!
SEP 12-14 FRI & SAT 7:30 PM; SUN 2 PM
HOLIDAY POPS
DEC 12-14 FRI 11 AM & 7:30 PM; SAT 2 PM & 7:30 PM; SUN 2 PM & 7 PM
DISNEY’S HOCUS POCUS in Concert
NOV 1 & 2 SAT 7:30 PM; SUN 2 PM
DISNEY & PIXAR’S TOY STORY in Concert
JAN 3 & 4 SAT 7:30 PM; SUN 2 PM
WHY SUBSCRIBE?
Your Music, Your Benefits
Priority seating before individual tickets go on sale
Savings on every subscription concert ticket (individual tickets cost at least 20% more)
Unlimited free ticket exchanges
Option to purchase guaranteed, pre-paid parking
Discounts on additional tickets (not subject to price increases!) Save
A concert series curated by experts at the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra
No charge for lost or forgotten tickets
View your full season ticket benefits at cincinnatipops.org/perks
3 REASONS SUBSCRIBING IS BETTER THAN BUYING INDIVIDUAL TICKETS.
1. MUSIC IS PART OF YOUR ROUTINE You get the dates on your busy calendar. This is your time to unplug and tune in, or simply experience something new.
2. GUARANTEED SEATS Many concerts fill up, particularly Saturday nights. Ensure you get to hear the music you want.
3. COMMUNITY Find yourself and your community here. Make connections with those you meet in the lobby and at your seats from one concert to the next.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT SUBSCRIBING.
1. YOUR SATISFACTION IS OUR TOP PRIORITY We care deeply about your experience. Attend the first concert in your series, and if you don’t love it, our number one goal is to help make it better. Give us a call and if we can’t make it right, we’ll refund your remaining concerts.
2. PERSONALIZED SERVICE Our Box Office team is second to none. Want a personalized recommendation or to talk about seats? We’re just a phone call away.
3. EXCLUSIVE ACCESS You get exclusive invitations to special events and presales when new concerts are added to the season!
CINCINNA
John Morris Russell Cincinnati Pops Conductor | Damon Gupton Pops Principal Guest Conductor
