Music Director
Xian Zhang
The Next Chapter Begins
XIAN CONDUCTS
The next chapter begins as Music Director Xian Zhang conducts 10 spectacular programs during her inaugural season, from the Opening Night Concert to Beethoven’s enduring Ninth Symphony. See page 10 for a complete list of Xian’s concerts.
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Beethoven and Bugs Bunny. Opening Night and New Year’s Eve. Superstar soloists in recital. Stravinsky’s The Firebird and Handel’s Music for the Royal Fireworks. The choice is yours. Mix and match all your favorite concerts!
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Opening Night Gala
OPENING NIGHT
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, AT 5PM
OPENING NIGHT CONCERT
Xian Zhang conductor Simon Trpčeski piano Seattle Symphony
JESSIE MONTGOMERY Hymn for Everyone
GRIEG Piano Concerto VERDI Overture to La Forza del Destino SMETANA Šárka from Má vlast WAGNER Prelude to Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg
Music Director Xian Zhang begins her inaugural season with a powerful Opening Night Concert celebrating destiny, drama and the power of music. Jessie Montgomery’s Hymn for Everyone is a meditation for orchestra. Bedřich Smetana depicts the female warrior Šárka, leading the way in a legendary uprising against men. Giuseppe Verdi and Richard Wagner bring operatic intensity. And our opening night soloist, the charismatic Simon Trpčeski, performs Edvard Grieg’s heroic Piano Concerto.
OPENING NIGHT GALA
Directly following the Opening Night Concert, it’s time to pop the champagne and celebrate in style the start of an exhilarating new season at Benaroya Hall. The Opening Night Gala is our signature black-tie event of the year — a must-attend evening of elegance and festivity. Together, we’ll toast Music Director Xian Zhang’s first season at a dazzling post-concert cocktail reception before sitting down to enjoy a gourmet multi-course dinner in the beautifully transformed Samuel & Althea Stroum Grand Lobby. Join Xian and your Seattle Symphony for this unforgettable season kick-off! Visit seattlesymphony.org/gala for information on Gala packages and benefits.
Music Director Xian Zhang is generously sponsored by Dr. and Mrs. Charles and Lisa Simonyi and an anonymous donor. Xian Zhang’s position is generously underwritten as the Harriet Overton Stimson Music Director.
September & october
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, AT 7:30PM SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, AT 8PM
XIAN CONDUCTS PICTURES AT AN EXHIBITION
SYMPHONIC SERIES
Xian Zhang conductor Sphinx Soloists
Rubén Rengel violin
Melissa White violin
Celia Hatton viola
Gabriel Cabezas cello Seattle Symphony
MICHAEL ABELS Delights and Dances
KODÁLY Dances of Galánta
MUSSORGSKY Pictures at an Exhibition (orch. Ravel)
Creative sparks fly as Music Director Xian Zhang conducts Pictures at an Exhibition, Mussorgsky’s compelling imaginary walk through a startling art gallery. The energy continues with Michael Abels’ delightful showpiece featuring an outstanding string quartet from the Sphinx Organization.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, AT 7:30PM
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4, AT 8PM
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 5, AT 2PM
XIAN CONDUCTS RACHMANINOV
SYMPHONIC SERIES
Xian Zhang conductor
Alexander Malofeev piano Seattle Symphony
MELISSA DOUGLAS Awaken
RACHMANINOV Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini
RACHMANINOV Symphony No. 2
Passionate, luxurious, melodic, yet dark and brooding — Rachmaninov’s style defines Romantic music. Music Director Xian Zhang is joined by the dazzling Alexander Malofeev, who takes on the fiery Rhapsody. Then we hear the composer’s epic Second Symphony.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10, AT 8PM SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11, AT 2PM SUNDAY, OCTOBER 12, AT 2PM
Warner
Bros. Discovery presents Bugs Bunny at the Symphony
SEATTLE POPS SERIES
George Daugherty conductor Seattle Symphony
This new edition of the beloved concert celebrates Bugs Bunny’s 85th Anniversary, and the concert’s 35th. Over a dozen classic Looney Tunes are projected on the big screen, while their iconic original scores are played live by the Seattle Symphony.
Created by George Daugherty & David Ka Lik Wong.
LOONEY TUNES and all related characters and elements © & TM Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. (s25)
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, AT 7:30PM SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18, AT 8PM
HANDEL MUSIC FOR THE ROYAL FIREWORKS
SYMPHONIC SERIES
Ivars Taurins conductor
Joseph Adam organ Seattle Symphony
HANDEL Organ Concerto, Op. 7, No. 4
TELEMANN Wassermusik
HASSE Sinfonia in G minor
HANDEL Music for the Royal Fireworks
Ivars Taurins conducts a majestic program of German Baroque music, encompassing Handel’s bright-hued Music for the Royal Fireworks and stately Organ Concerto, as well as Telemann’s Wassermusik, a tribute to Hamburg. The Sinfonia in G Minor by Hasse stirs up a whirlwind with energetic strings.
The Seattle Symphony’s organ programming is generously supported by the Fluke | Gabelein Organ Endowment.
Music Director Xian Zhang is generously sponsored by Dr. and Mrs. Charles and Lisa Simonyi and an anonymous donor. Xian Zhang’s position is generously underwritten as the Harriet Overton Stimson Music Director.
the November 20 & 22
See page 12 for details.
Oboe and English Horn Stefan Farkas
English Horn Stefan Farkas is featured on
program of Mackey Saxophone Concerto, performing Aaron Copland’s Quiet City with Principal Trumpet David Gordon and the orchestra.
Associate Concertmaster
Helen Kim decided to pursue a career in music while completing her undergraduate studies at the University of Southern California. She was particularly influenced by her time learning under and playing with fellow violinist Midori at USC. Visit seattlesymphony.org/ beyond-stage to meet more of our musicians!
Associate Concertmaster
Helen Kim
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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18, AT 11AM
PETER AND THE WOLF FAMILY CONCERTS SERIES
Sunny Xia conductor
Seattle Symphony
Take a journey into the woods with the beloved folk tale of Peter and the Wolf. Sergei Prokofiev’s inventive storytelling pairs all the fanciful characters with musical instruments to help young listeners identify the many sounds of the orchestra.
Sunny Xia’s position is generously underwritten as the Douglas F. King Associate Conductor.
The Arakawa Foundation proudly supports the Seattle Symphony’s Community Partnerships for Youth and Education. Additional support is provided by Delta Air Lines.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, AT 7:30PM
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25, AT 8PM
VAUGHAN WILLIAMS A SEA SYMPHONY
SYMPHONIC SERIES
Gemma New conductor
Gabriel Cabezas cello
Wendy Bryn Harmer soprano
Jarrett Ott baritone
Seattle Symphony Chorale
Seattle Symphony
GABRIELLA SMITH Lost Coast
VAUGHAN WILLIAMS A Sea Symphony
Ralph Vaughan Williams gives voice to the drama of the ocean in A Sea Symphony, his only full choral symphony, while Gabriella Smith’s Lost Coast for cello and orchestra expresses wonder and grief about Earth’s last wildernesses.
Artist in Focus Gabriel Cabezas
Gemma New
XIAN CONDUCTS
The next chapter begins as Music Director Xian Zhang conducts 10 spectacular programs during her inaugural season. Creative sparks will fly as she introduces Seattle audiences to Qigang Chen’s Iris Dévoilée (Iris Unveiled) and Steven Mackey’s RIOT. Her concerts culminate in perhaps the most famous of all symphonies, Beethoven’s Ninth.
SEPTEMBER 13
OPENING NIGHT CONCERT
SEPTEMBER 18 & 20
PICTURES AT AN EXHIBITION
OCTOBER 2, 4 & 5
RACHMANINOV
FEBRUARY 12, 14 & 15
IRIS UNVEILED
FEBRUARY 19–21
SCHUMANN & BEETHOVEN
APRIL 23 & 25
DANIIL TRIFONOV
APRIL 30, MAY 2 & 3 MOZART
MAY 28–31
GERSHWIN
JUNE 11 & 13
MAHLER 7
JUNE 18–21
BEETHOVEN 9
Music Director
Xian Zhang
November
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, AT 7:30PM
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7, AT 12 NOON
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8, AT 8PM
TCHAIKOVSKY VIOLIN CONCERTO
SYMPHONIC SERIES
Sunny Xia conductor
Simone Lamsma violin
Seattle Symphony
HOLMÈS La nuit et l’amour
TCHAIKOVSKY Violin Concerto DVOŘÁK Symphony No. 8
Simone Lamsma performs Tchaikovsky’s glorious Violin Concerto under the baton of Seattle Symphony Associate Conductor Sunny Xia. Dvořák’s folk melody-filled Eighth Symphony evokes the beauty of the composer’s native Bohemia.
Sunny Xia’s position is generously underwritten as the Douglas F. King Associate Conductor.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, AT 7:30PM
PIANIST PIERRE-LAURENT
AIMARD IN RECITAL
IN RECITAL SERIES
Pierre-Laurent Aimard piano
Pianist Pierre-Laurent Aimard is a renowned interpreter of both historical and contemporary repertoire. Here he performs the latter half of J.S. Bach’s The Well-Tempered Clavier, showcasing the full harmonic spectrum of the keyboard.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13, AT 7:30PM
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15, AT 8PM
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16, AT 2PM
BEETHOVEN & BRUCKNER
SYMPHONIC SERIES
David Danzmayr conductor
Yulianna Avdeeva piano
Seattle Symphony
BEETHOVEN Piano Concerto No. 3
BRUCKNER Symphony No. 4
Yulianna Avdeeva returns to Benaroya Hall, fresh off her stunning solo recital debut with us last season, and tackles Beethoven’s stormy Piano Concerto No. 3. Then, Bruckner’s Fourth Symphony transports us to a mythic medieval countryside.
Associate Conductor Sunny Xia
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, AT 7:30PM SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22, AT 8PM
MACKEY SAXOPHONE CONCERTO
SYMPHONIC SERIES
Lawrence Renes conductor Timothy McAllister saxophone David Gordon trumpet
Stefan Farkas English horn
Seattle Symphony
COPLAND Quiet City
STEVEN MACKEY Anemology: Concerto For Saxophone (Seattle Symphony Co-commission) JOHN ADAMS Harmonielehre
Lawrence Renes conducts John Adams’ dazzlingly cinematic Harmonielehre; Steven Mackey’s brandnew Saxophone Concerto for world-renowned soloist Timothy McAllister; and Aaron Copland’s melancholy urban fantasy, Quiet City
David Gordon’s position is generously underwritten as the Boeing Company Principal Trumpet.
Principal Clarinet Benjamin Lulich is featured on the April 30, May 2 & 3 program of Xian Conducts Mozart, performing Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto with the orchestra and Music Director Xian Zhang. See page 27 for details.
Principal Clarinet Benjamin
Lulich
Stuart Chafetz with the Seattle Symphony
december
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6, AT 11AM HOT TICKET
THE SNOWMAN
FAMILY CONCERTS SERIES
Sunny Xia conductor
Ryan Chung piano – 2025/2026 Young Artist
Seattle Symphony
Celebrate the holidays with our beloved family tradition — the classic children’s film The Snowman A young boy builds a snowman that comes to life and takes him on an adventure to the North Pole.
Sunny Xia’s position is generously underwritten as the Douglas F. King Associate Conductor.
The Arakawa Foundation proudly supports the Seattle Symphony’s Community Partnerships for Youth and Education. Additional support is provided by Delta Air Lines.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, AT 8PM
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13, AT 8PM
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14, AT 2PM HOLIDAY POPS
SEATTLE POPS SERIES
Stuart Chafetz conductor
Seattle Symphony
There’s no place like Benaroya Hall for the holidays!
Seattle favorite Stuart Chafetz returns to Benaroya Hall to conduct this dazzling program full of popular holiday favorites and yuletide cheer.
THURSDAY DECEMBER 18, AT 7:30PM
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20, AT 8PM
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 21, AT 2PM
HANDEL MESSIAH
HOLIDAY SPECIALS
Nicolas Ellis conductor
Myriam Leblanc soprano
Andrew Haji tenor
Seattle Symphony Chorale
Seattle Symphony
Handel’s Messiah is a matchless December tradition. The exquisite choral writing and the wildly famous “Hallelujah” chorus — featuring the Seattle Symphony Chorale and a strong cast of vocal soloists — honor Handel’s greatest work.
Handel’s Messiah is generously sponsored by Stephen Whyte in memory of Gwendolyn Jones Whyte.
Northwest Boychoir
MONDAY, DECEMBER 22, AT 7:30PM
A FESTIVAL OF LESSONS & CAROLS
HOLIDAY SPECIALS
Jacob Winkler conductor Northwest Boychoir Vocalpoint! Seattle Northwest Sinfonia
The remarkably talented and endearing Northwest Boychoir returns to Benaroya Hall for a beloved tradition of lessons and carols. In this program, they present the story of the Nativity through readings, choral settings and audience carols.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31, AT 9PM
NEW YEAR’S EVE CONCERT & PARTY
HOLIDAY SPECIALS
Seattle Symphony
Dress to impress and join us at Benaroya Hall for one last concert to close out 2025! Directly following the concert, stay for our New Year’s Eve party with dancing, champagne and revelry in the Samuel & Althea Stroum Grand Lobby as we count down to midnight and ring in 2026 together.
January
The Kanneh-Masons
THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, AT 7:30PM
SATURDAY, JANUARY 10, AT 8PM BERNSTEIN
& RACHMANINOV
SYMPHONIC SERIES
Alevtina Ioffe conductor
Vadim Gluzman violin
Seattle Symphony
BARBER Intermezzo from Vanessa BERNSTEIN Serenade (after Plato’s Symposium) RACHMANINOV Symphony No. 3
Dive into the richly textured works of 20th-century titans Leonard Bernstein and Sergei Rachmaninov. Bernstein’s Serenade, ranging from contemplative to jazzy and sprightly, showcases the virtuosity of violinist Vadim Gluzman. Rachmaninov’s Third Symphony offers mesmerizing contrasts of haunting folk melodies and playful, dancing flourishes.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 20, AT 7:30PM HOT TICKET
AN EVENING WITH SEONG-JIN CHO IN RECITAL
SPECIAL PERFORMANCES
Seong-Jin Cho piano
Dazzling pianist Seong-Jin Cho returns to the Benaroya Hall stage for a solo recital that showcases the Romantic sound worlds of Chopin, Schumann and more.
CHOOSE ANY 6 OR MORE CONCERTS
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THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, AT 7:30PM
SATURDAY, JANUARY 31, AT 8PM
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 1, AT 2PM
THE KANNEH-MASONS PLAY BEETHOVEN TRIPLE CONCERTO
SYMPHONIC SERIES
Kahchun Wong conductor
Isata Kanneh-Mason piano
Braimah Kanneh-Mason violin
Sheku Kanneh-Mason cello
Seattle Symphony
ARNOLD Peterloo Overture
BEETHOVEN Triple Concerto
BARTÓK Concerto for Orchestra
Beloved cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason returns to Benaroya Hall with siblings Isata (piano) and Braimah (violin) to play Beethoven’s unique and vibrant Triple Concerto.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 30, AT 8PM
AN EVENING WITH NICOLA BENEDETTI IN RECITAL
IN RECITAL SERIES
Nicola Benedetti violin Alexei Grynyuk piano
Sought-after violinist Nicola Benedetti presents a solo recital featuring Sarasate’s dazzling Carmen Fantasy, plus works by Bloch, Ponce, Maxwell Davies and more.
Alevtina Ioffe with the Seattle Symphony
Nicola Benedetti
if you like Piano
The piano takes center stage! The 2025/2026 season features an extraordinary lineup of pianists — from Daniil Trifonov to Lang Lang, from Hélène Grimaud to Tony DeSare — performing everything from Grieg to Gershwin in the stunning acoustics of Benaroya Hall.
SEPTEMBER 13
OPENING NIGHT CONCERT
FEATURING SIMON TRPČESKI
OCTOBER 2, 4 & 5
XIAN CONDUCTS
RACHMANINOV
FEATURING ALEXANDER MALOFEEV
NOVEMBER 11
PIANIST PIERRE-LAURENT
AIMARD IN RECITAL
NOVEMBER 13, 15 & 16
BEETHOVEN & BRUCKNER
FEATURING YULIANNA AVDEEVA
JANUARY 20
AN EVENING WITH SEONG-JIN CHO IN RECITAL
MARCH 8
PIANIST CONRAD TAO IN RECITAL
MARCH 12–14
LISZT & KODÁLY
FEATURING HAOCHEN ZHANG
MARCH 20
AN EVENING WITH LANG LANG IN RECITAL ⊲
APRIL 23 & 25
XIAN CONDUCTS DANIIL TRIFONOV
MAY 28–31
XIAN CONDUCTS GERSHWIN
FEATURING HÉLÈNE GRIMAUD
JUNE 5–7
LET’S MISBEHAVE: THE SONGS OF COLE PORTER
FEATURING TONY DESARE
Lang
Lang
Principal Trumpet David Gordon is featured on the November 20 & 22 program of Mackey Saxophone Concerto, performing Aaron Copland’s Quiet City with English Horn Stefan Farkas and the orchestra.
See page 12 for details.
Principal Trumpet
David Gordon
February
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7, AT 11AM
THE ORCHESTRA SWINGS
FAMILY CONCERTS SERIES
Sunny Xia conductor
Seattle Symphony
Get ready to swing along with the jazzy rhythms of the orchestra! We’ll explore this distinctive musical style with songs by George Gershwin, Wynton Marsalis, Duke Ellington and more in a joyful, jazz-filled program curated by Carnegie Hall.
Sunny Xia’s position is generously underwritten as the Douglas F. King Associate Conductor.
The Arakawa Foundation proudly supports the Seattle Symphony’s Community Partnerships for Youth and Education. Additional support is provided by Delta Air Lines.
The Orchestra Swings was created by Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12, AT 7:30PM
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14, AT 8PM
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 15, AT 2PM
XIAN CONDUCTS IRIS UNVEILED
SYMPHONIC SERIES
Xian Zhang conductor
Meng Meng Peking opera singer
Yang Jin ( 杨瑾 ) pipa
Chang Jing zheng
Cathy Yang erhu
Seattle Symphony
QIGANG CHEN Iris Dévoilée (Iris Unveiled)
SHOSTAKOVICH Symphony No. 5
Xian Zhang introduces Seattle audiences to the complex, seductive music of Peking opera with Qigang Chen’s Iris Dévoilée (Iris Unveiled). Writing for Peking and Western-style singers and traditional Chinese instruments, he evokes Iris, the Greek goddess of the rainbow, and a vision of the “eternal feminine.” Balancing this unique sound world is the dark drama and ecstatic finale of Shostakovich’s Fifth Symphony.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19, AT 7:30PM
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, AT 12 NOON SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21, AT 8PM
XIAN CONDUCTS SCHUMANN & BEETHOVEN
SYMPHONIC SERIES
Xian Zhang conductor
Jan Vogler cello Seattle Symphony
NOKUTHULA NGWENYAMA Primal Message
R. SCHUMANN Cello Concerto
BEETHOVEN Symphony No. 4
His Fourth Symphony sees Beethoven at his sunniest, brimming with good humor and geniality. Robert Schumann insisted that his Cello Concerto was “jolly,” but its deeper drama reveals otherwise. Nokuthula Ngwenyama’s intriguing Primal Message was inspired by our 1974 interstellar radio message to the nearby Hercules cluster of stars.
Music Director Xian Zhang is generously sponsored by Dr. and Mrs. Charles and Lisa Simonyi and an anonymous donor. Xian Zhang’s position is generously underwritten as the Harriet Overton Stimson Music Director.
Meng Meng
March
THURSDAY, MARCH 5, AT 7:30PM
SATURDAY, MARCH 7, AT 8PM
BACH, BUSONI & BRAHMS
SYMPHONIC SERIES
Daniele Rustioni conductor
Francesca Dego violin
Seattle Symphony
J.S. BACH Ricercare a 6 (orch. Webern)
BUSONI Violin Concerto
BRAHMS Piano Quartet No. 1 (orch. Schoenberg)
Francesca Dego proves her power to fascinate with Busoni’s darkly Romantic Violin Concerto. The program also includes Schoenberg’s arrangement of Brahms’ masterful Piano Quartet No. 1 and Webern’s moody chamber orchestra arrangement of J.S. Bach’s Ricercare a 6 from The Musical Offering.
SUNDAY, MARCH 8, AT 2PM PIANIST CONRAD TAO IN RECITAL
IN RECITAL SERIES
Conrad Tao piano
Drawing inspiration from poetry and fairy tales, pianist and composer Conrad Tao combines Western classical tradition and contemporary musical storytelling for this dazzling solo recital featuring works by Brahms, Ravel and more.
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Kevin John Edusei
Francesca Dego
Janai Brugger
THURSDAY, MARCH 12, AT 7:30PM
FRIDAY, MARCH 13, AT 12 NOON SATURDAY, MARCH 14, AT 8PM
LISZT &
KODÁLY
SYMPHONIC SERIES
Kevin John Edusei conductor Haochen Zhang piano
Seattle Symphony
LISZT Les Préludes
LISZT Piano Concerto No. 1
R. STRAUSS Till Eulenspiegel’s Merry Pranks KODÁLY Háry János Suite
Following the orchestra’s performance of Liszt’s triumphal Les Préludes, Haochen Zhang performs the composer’s high-spirited First Piano Concerto. Kodály’s Háry János Suite depicts comical folk tales, while Richard Strauss paints a portrait of a roguish icon in Till Eulenspiegel’s Merry Pranks.
THURSDAY, MARCH 19, AT 7:30PM SATURDAY, MARCH 21, AT 8PM
STRAVINSKY THE FIREBIRD
SYMPHONIC SERIES
Andrew Litton conductor
Janai Brugger soprano
Seattle Symphony Chorale
Seattle Symphony
RAVEL Le Tombeau de Couperin
POULENC Stabat Mater
STRAVINSKY The Firebird Suite (1945)
Andrew Litton conducts the classic Firebird Suite, drawn from the dazzling ballet that shot Stravinsky into the 20th-century classical music pantheon almost overnight. The Seattle Symphony Chorale joins the orchestra for Poulenc’s sumptuous, emotional Stabat Mater.
FRIDAY, MARCH 20, AT 8PM
HOT TICKET
AN EVENING WITH LANG LANG IN RECITAL
SPECIAL PERFORMANCES
Lang Lang piano
The inimitable Lang Lang returns to Seattle for a one-night-only solo engagement in the astounding acoustics of Benaroya Hall. In this program, he pairs classical piano repertoire from Mozart and Beethoven with the sounds of Spain.
FRIDAY, MARCH 27, AT 8PM
SATURDAY, MARCH 28, AT 2PM
SUNDAY, MARCH 29, AT 2PM
PEANUTS 75TH ANNIVERSARY
SYMPHONIC CONCERT
SEATTLE POPS SERIES
Seattle Symphony
Join Charlie Brown, Snoopy and friends as they join the Seattle Symphony for a symphonic celebration of the Peanuts 75th Anniversary. With live actors, an animated backdrop and Vince Guaraldi’s beloved and timeless music, you won’t want to miss this special celebration.
CONCERTS FOR FAMILIES
Ready to bring along your younger music fans to longer concerts? When you purchase a standard Create Your Own Series subscription, you can add on up to two youth subscriptions (minimum 6 concerts per subscription) for ages 8–18 at a flat rate of just $25 per concert.
Contact the Ticket Office at tickets@seattlesymphony.org or 206.215.4747 for more information.
OCTOBER 10–12
WARNER BROS. DISCOVERY PRESENTS BUGS BUNNY AT THE SYMPHONY
OCTOBER 18
PETER AND THE WOLF
DECEMBER 6
THE SNOWMAN
DECEMBER 12–14
HOLIDAY POPS
DECEMBER 22 A FESTIVAL OF LESSONS & CAROLS
FEBRUARY 7 THE ORCHESTRA SWINGS
MARCH 27–29 PEANUTS 75TH ANNIVERSARY SYMPHONIC CONCERT
MAY 9 PHILHARMONIA FANTASTIQUE
Bass Jennifer Godfrey began playing with the Seattle Symphony over two decades ago, and the 2025/2026 season marks her impressive 26th season with the orchestra. Visit seattlesymphony.org/ beyond-stage to meet more of our musicians!
Jennifer Godfrey
THURSDAY, APRIL 9, AT 7:30PM
SATURDAY, APRIL 11, AT 8PM
RACHMANINOV SYMPHONIC DANCES
SYMPHONIC SERIES
Peter Oundjian conductor
Svet Stoyanov percussion
Noah Geller violin
Seattle Symphony
JOAN TOWER Suite from Concerto for Orchestra
CHRISTOPHER THEOFANIDIS Double Concerto (Seattle Symphony Co-commission, West Coast Premiere)
RACHMANINOV Symphonic Dances
Rachmaninov’s final orchestral work warmly evokes his own life and his lost homeland. The Seattle Symphony also presents Joan Tower’s exciting Concerto for Orchestra Suite as well as the West Coast premiere of Christopher Theofanidis’ Double Concerto for world-renowned percussionist Svet Stoyanov and Concertmaster Noah Geller.
Noah Geller’s position is generously underwritten as the David & Amy Fulton Concertmaster.
THURSDAY, APRIL 16, AT 7:30PM
SATURDAY, APRIL 18, AT 8PM
SUNDAY, APRIL 19, AT 2PM
MENDELSSOHN A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM
SYMPHONIC SERIES
Nicholas McGegan conductor
Tess Altiveros soprano
Sarah Larsen mezzo-soprano
Seattle Symphony Chorale, Upper Voices
Seattle Symphony
MENDELSSOHN The Fair Melusine
MENDELSSOHN Three Motets, Op. 39 (arr. McGegan)
MENDELSSOHN A Midsummer Night’s Dream
William Shakespeare and Felix Mendelssohn provide the perfect fusion of language and music in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Singers, actors and orchestra bring this famous comedy to life. The orchestra also performs Mendelssohn’s beautiful Three Motets for upper voices.
THURSDAY, APRIL 23, AT 7:30PM SATURDAY, APRIL 25, AT 8PM
XIAN CONDUCTS DANIIL TRIFONOV
SYMPHONIC SERIES
Xian Zhang conductor
Daniil Trifonov piano
Seattle Symphony
FAURÉ Pavane
SAINT-SAËNS Piano Concerto No. 2
FRANCK Symphony in D minor
Join Music Director Xian Zhang and superstar pianist Daniil Trifonov for an evening of French elegance. Saint-Saëns’ quick wit provides the perfect vehicle for one of the world’s greatest pianists. Fauré’s Pavane serves as a serene prelude. And Franck’s Symphony, his only one, reveals a composer questing to deliver music for the soul.
THURSDAY, APRIL 30, AT 7:30PM
SATURDAY, MAY 2, AT 8PM
SUNDAY, MAY 3, AT 2PM
XIAN CONDUCTS MOZART
SYMPHONIC SERIES
Xian Zhang conductor
Benjamin Lulich clarinet
Seattle Symphony
ROSSINI Overture to The Italian Girl in Algiers
MOZART Clarinet Concerto
MOZART Symphony No. 35, “Haffner”
MOZART Symphony No. 39
A program of brilliant music by two prodigies of their respective eras: Mozart and Rossini. The Italian Girl in Algiers was a big hit for Rossini, rollicking along with good fun and humor. Principal Clarinet Benjamin Lulich is our featured soloist in Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto, some of the most sublime music ever written. Mozart’s 35th and 39th symphonies bubble with dance-like rhythms and lightness.
Benjamin Lulich’s position is generously underwritten as the Mr. & Mrs. Paul R. Smith Principal Clarinet.
Music Director Xian Zhang is generously sponsored by Dr. and Mrs. Charles and Lisa Simonyi and an anonymous donor. Xian Zhang’s position is generously underwritten as the Harriet Overton Stimson Music Director.
may & June
SATURDAY, MAY 9, AT 11AM
PHILHARMONIA FANTASTIQUE
FAMILY CONCERTS SERIES
Sunny Xia conductor
Seattle Symphony
Follow a magical sprite on a musical journey where animation meets live action! This special multimedia concerto portrays the four families of the orchestra alongside a charming animated film, demonstrating how all the diverse instruments come together to make an orchestra.
Sunny Xia’s position is generously underwritten as the Douglas F. King Associate Conductor.
The Arakawa Foundation proudly supports the Seattle Symphony’s Community Partnerships for Youth and Education. Additional support is provided by Delta Air Lines.
Philharmonia Fantastique was written by composer Mason Bates, and co-created with director Gary Rydstrom and animation director Jim Capobianco.
THURSDAY, MAY 28, AT 7:30PM
FRIDAY, MAY 29, AT 12 NOON
SATURDAY, MAY 30, AT 8PM
SUNDAY, MAY 31, AT 2PM
XIAN CONDUCTS GERSHWIN
SYMPHONIC SERIES
Xian Zhang conductor
Hélène Grimaud piano
Seattle Symphony
GERSHWIN Piano Concerto in F
GERSHWIN Porgy and Bess: A Symphonic Picture
GERSHWIN An American in Paris
A feast of George Gershwin, opening with a pianistic tour de force — the Concerto in F, in the hands of the incomparable Hélène Grimaud. Porgy and Bess captures all the energy and poignancy of Gershwin’s famed opera, including Summertime and I Got Plenty o’ Nuttin’ An American in Paris depicts a stroll through Paris streets — any homesickness blown away by French exuberance and street noises, even the honking of Parisian taxis.
Tony DeSare
FRIDAY, JUNE 5, AT 8PM
SATURDAY, JUNE 6, AT 8PM
SUNDAY, JUNE 7, AT 2PM
LET’S MISBEHAVE: THE SONGS OF COLE PORTER
SEATTLE POPS SERIES
Stuart Chafetz conductor
Tony DeSare piano & vocals
Aubrey Logan trombone & vocals
John Manzari tap dance & vocals
Seattle Symphony
Cole Porter’s songbook has inspired countless artists across the decades. Join Tony DeSare, Aubrey Logan and John Manzari as they reimagine hits like “I Get a Kick Out of You,” “I’ve Got You Under My Skin,” “Anything Goes” and many more with the Seattle Symphony.
Music Director Xian Zhang is generously sponsored by Dr. and Mrs. Charles and Lisa Simonyi and an anonymous donor. Xian Zhang’s position is generously underwritten as the Harriet Overton Stimson Music Director.
CHOOSE ANY 6 OR MORE CONCERTS
Visit seattlesymphony.org/cyo to mix and match all your favorites.
THURSDAY, JUNE 11, AT 7:30PM
SATURDAY, JUNE 13, AT 8PM
XIAN CONDUCTS MAHLER 7
SYMPHONIC SERIES
Xian Zhang conductor
Seattle Symphony
MAHLER Symphony No. 7
Mahler’s Seventh begins with a nighttime journey on the water, gliding through a world of feverish imagination. We pass twilight realms of fairytales, phantoms and serenading guitar, before emerging into sunlit day. Drawn by its emotional complexity, Music Director Xian Zhang wanted her first Mahler symphony in Seattle to be his Seventh — our first performances of it in 20 years.
THURSDAY, JUNE 18, AT 7:30PM
FRIDAY, JUNE 19, AT 8PM
SATURDAY, JUNE 20, AT 8PM
SUNDAY, JUNE 21, AT 2PM
XIAN CONDUCTS BEETHOVEN 9
SYMPHONIC SERIES
Xian Zhang conductor
Alicia Olatuja mezzo-soprano
Steven Mackey electric guitar
Toni Marie Palmertree soprano
Jennifer Johnson Cano mezzo-soprano
SeokJong Baek tenor
Seattle Symphony Chorale
Seattle Symphony
STEVEN MACKEY RIOT
BEETHOVEN Symphony No. 9, “Choral”
The ultimate symphony — Beethoven’s Ninth, — featuring an all-star cast. Revolutionary, epic and at 200 years old, still as driven as Beethoven’s own sense of our shared destiny. He crowned this music with a song for humanity, hope and joy. Music Director Xian Zhang pairs it with Artist in Focus Steven Mackey’s RIOT, a work that places race and resilience in the foreground with words by Tracy K. Smith — a celebration of perseverance and community.
Artist in Focus Steven Mackey
Hélène Grimaud
YOUTH SUBSCRIPTIONS
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* For information about the Opening Night Gala, visit seattlesymphony.org/gala
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S. MARK TAPER FOUNDATION AUDITORIUM
SAFECO FOUNDERS TIER
Partial View: A limited portion of the stage may not be visible. Indicates wheelchair-accessible seating.
Photos:
Brandon Patoc: pp. 4, 14, 35
Carlin Ma: front cover, pp. 3, 12, 17, 24, 35, 36
Everything Time Studio: p. 35
James Holt: p. 28
Jonathan Pendleton: pp. 7, 13, 15
Karya Schanilec: pp. 8, 20, 26
SAFECO FOUNDERS TIER
PONCHO TIER
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As this new chapter begins, we invite you to be part of Music Director Xian Zhang’s first season. Every must-see performance, each sensational concert, all the cherished experiences that we’ll share in the 2025/2026 season are made possible by people like you. The Seattle Symphony is a nonprofit arts organization, so we rely on you to help share the joy of music. Ticket sales cover less than half the cost of bringing each extraordinary performance to life, making your support essential. Please include a gift with your subscription order today!
When you make a gift, you’ll help bring our music to life. You’ll also enjoy unique donor benefits throughout the 2025/2026 season. Special perks and experiences begin with a gift of $120, or just $10 per month. Visit us online at seattlesymphony.org/friends to explore all the benefits we offer.
SAVOR YOUR SYMPHONY EXPERIENCE!
Open rehearsals CLUB LOUNGE FOUNDERS ROOM
When you join us as a Friend of the Symphony ($120–1,199), you’ll be invited to go behind the scenes with the orchestra and witness the unique interplay between musicians and conductor as they rehearse for an upcoming concert.
Members of the Symphony Club ($1,200–4,999) are invited to the Davis/ Grinstein Promenade inside the Samuel & Althea Stroum Grand Lobby to enjoy a dedicated no-host bar along with complimentary coffee and tea during intermission.
Founders Circle supporters ($5,000+) and their guests are invited to savor complimentary wine, tea and coffee in the company of other dedicated music lovers in the elegantly appointed Norcliffe Founders Room during intermission.
Our most popular benefit!
