Flute Bridget Pei
Create your own series
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.
CREATE YOUR OWN STORY
Beethoven and Ben Folds. Liszt and Lang Lang. Stravinsky and Steven Mackey. Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition and Gershwin’s An American in Pari s. 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 an exquisite meal by the team behind Harry’s Fine Foods 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.
Principal Viola Sayaka Kokubo was not very motivated to practice her instrument back in her school days, until a teacher encouraged her to switch from violin to viola and she fell in love with the gorgeous sound. Recently appointed to the role of principal, she continues to play a viola made by master craftsman Hiroshi Iizuka. Visit seattlesymphony.org/ interviews to meet more Seattle Symphony musicians!
Principal Viola Sayaka Kokubo
September & October
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, AT 7:30PM
FLOW IN CONCERT
WITH THE SEATTLE SYMPHONY
Sunny Xia conductor
Seattle Symphony
Prepare to be transported by the breathtaking animated film Flow in its world premiere concert presentation at Benaroya Hall. This 2025 Oscarwinning animated film has captivated audiences worldwide with a story that follows a solitary cat navigating a post-apocalyptic world submerged in water. The Seattle Symphony performs Flow’s adventure-filled original score live in the concert hall as the film plays overhead on the big screen.
Sunny Xia’s position is generously underwritten as the Douglas F. King Associate Conductor.
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.
Sphinx Soloists Rubén Rengel, Melissa White, Celia Hatton and Gabriel Cabezas’s performances are generously sponsored by Judith Fong and Mark Wheeler.
Performances of Xian Conducts Pictures At An Exhibition are generously sponsored by Lyn and Jerry Grinstein.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, AT 7:30PM HOT TICKET
ANDREW BIRD
WITH THE SEATTLE SYMPHONY PERFORMING THE MYSTERIOUS PRODUCTION OF EGGS
Andrew Bird violin & vocals
Seattle Symphony
With a distinctive sound that resists categorization, GRAMMY-nominated violinist, songwriter and multiinstrumentalist Andrew Bird makes his debut with the Seattle Symphony. Balancing swelling sounds with jazz, folk and pop melodies in an unforgettable display of unique virtuosity, Bird celebrates the 20th anniversary of his acclaimed record, The Mysterious Production of Eggs
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.
Alexander Malofeev’s performances are generously sponsored by Heidi Charleson and Lou Woodworth*.
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.
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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)
George Daugherty’s performances are generously sponsored by Susan Y. Buske.
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.
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 Youth Education Partnerships. 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.
Associate Conductor
Sunny Xia
Artist in Focus Gabriel Cabezas
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
Principal Trombone Ko-Ichiro Yamamoto knows that sitting in the orchestra gives him arguably the best seat in the house. He says, “I get to hear everything on the stage and I can feel the audience’s reactions to our playing. It’s unbelievable. I love these moments.”
Visit seattlesymphony.org/ interviews to meet more Seattle Symphony musicians!
Principal Trombone Ko-ichiro Yamamoto
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.
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.
Simone Lamsma
December
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4, AT 7:30PM HOT TICKET
BEN FOLDS
WITH THE SEATTLE SYMPHONY
Ben Folds piano & vocals
Seattle Symphony
Composer, singer-songwriter and pianist Ben Folds joins the Seattle Symphony for a concert program blending his intimate narrative style of alt rock with expansive orchestra arrangements.
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 Youth Education Partnerships. 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
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.
Ben Folds
MONDAY, DECEMBER 22, AT 7:30PM
A FESTIVAL OF LESSONS & CAROLS
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 WITH THE HOT SARDINES
The Hot Sardines Seattle Symphony
Dress to impress and join the Seattle Symphony and The Hot Sardines for a jazz revival party at Benaroya Hall as we close out 2025 in style!
Directly following the concert, kick up your heels and 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.
Stuart Chafetz with the Seattle Symphony
Northwest Boychoir
Flute Bridget Pei is the newest member of the Seattle Symphony’s flute section, having recently finished her graduate studies at the Rice University Shepherd School of Music. When she’s not playing the flute, Bridget can be found spending her time cooking or planning her next multi-day backpacking trip. Visit seattlesymphony.org/ interviews to meet more Seattle Symphony musicians!
Flute Bridget Pei
January
Seong-Jin Cho
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.
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 an intimate recital program featuring Sarasate’s dazzling Carmen Fantasy, plus works by Bloch, Ponce, Maxwell Davies and more.
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
Yulianna Avdeeva
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 Youth Education Partnerships. 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
Mei Gui Zhang soprano
Tess Altiveros soprano
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.
Jan Vogler
Principal Timpani Eric Schweikert developed an interest in percussion while attending music camp in middle school. “It looked so fun … I started lessons a few months later and I never looked back.”
Visit seattlesymphony.org/ interviews to meet more Seattle Symphony musicians!
Principal Timpani Eric Schweikert
Viola Olivia Chew considered careers in education, medicine, pharmacology, global health policy and arts administration. But she found herself spending all her time in the music buildings at school and realized that she wanted to put her whole heart into pursuing an orchestra career. Visit seattlesymphony.org/ interviews to meet more Seattle Symphony musicians!
Viola Olivia Chew
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.
Francesca Dego’s performances are generously sponsored by Stephen Elop and Susan Johannsen.
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.
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.
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
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
Charlie Brown, Snoopy and friends 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.
YOUTH SUBSCRIPTIONS
Ready to bring along your younger music fans (ages 8–18) to longer concerts? When you purchase a standard Create Your Own Series subscription, you can add on up to two youth subscriptions to your order!
Choose 4 or more concerts from the Symphonic, In Recital or Seattle Pops series at just $25 per concert. Standard prices apply for all other concerts. Available in all seating zones except Founders Tier and Founders Tier Box.
Contact the Ticket Office at tickets@seattlesymphony.org or 206.215.4747 for more information.
SEPTEMBER 18 & 20
XIAN CONDUCTS PICTURES AT AN EXHIBITION
OCTOBER 10–12
WARNER BROS. DISCOVERY PRESENTS BUGS BUNNY AT THE SYMPHONY
DECEMBER 12–14
HOLIDAY POPS
DECEMBER 22 A FESTIVAL OF LESSONS & CAROLS
JANUARY 29–FEBRUARY 1 THE KANNEH-MASONS PLAY BEETHOVEN TRIPLE CONCERTO
JANUARY 30 AN EVENING WITH NICOLA BENEDETTI IN RECITAL
MARCH 27–29
PEANUTS 75TH ANNIVERSARY SYMPHONIC CONCERT
April
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
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.
Principal Tuba John DiCesare knows that some people just don’t know where to begin with listening to symphonic music. He once struck up a conversation with a man who had never been to the orchestra, and invited him to Benaroya Hall. “He absolutely loved it,” recounts John. “I think people want to like the music. And they do like it, if they give themselves the chance.”
Visit seattlesymphony.org/ interviews to meet more Seattle Symphony musicians!
Principal Tuba John DiCesare
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 Youth Education Partnerships. 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
HOT TICKET
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 with the Seattle Symphony
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 4 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.
Music
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
Robert Pomakov bass
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.
Director Xian Zhang
SEE PAGE
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YOUTH SUBSCRIPTIONS
Ready to bring along your younger music fans (ages 8–18) to longer concerts? When you purchase a standard Create Your Own Series subscription, you can add on up to two youth subscriptions to your order! Choose 4 or more concerts from the Symphonic, In Recital or Seattle Pops series at just $25 per concert. Standard prices apply for all other concerts. Available in all seating zones except Founders Tier and Founders Tier Box. Contact the Ticket Office at tickets@seattlesymphony.org or 206.215.4747 for more details.
own series
Ticket prices include a $6 facility fee per ticket for the preservation of Benaroya Hall. Facility fee for children’s concerts is $3. Children 5 years of age and older are welcome at all performances with a purchased ticket. All programs, artists and prices are subject to change without notice.
A $20 handling fee is applied to all subscription orders.
All prices are in U.S. dollars. All orders and seating subject to availability. All payments are processed upon receipt of order;
seats are automatically selected in the section chosen based on availability. Enter any special requests in the Seating Request Notes box or contact the Ticket Office for any seating changes. No refunds will be made after your series has begun.
The Seattle Symphony is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Tax ID# 91-0667412. The Symphony is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law. Additional
four easy Ways to Subscribe
seattlesymphony.org/cyo
IN PERSON
Ticket Office or Ticket Concierge station at Benaroya Hall
TICKET OFFICE
Located at the corner of Third Avenue & Union Street, inside Benaroya Hall. Open Wednesday–Friday, 3–6pm.
TICKET CONCIERGE
Located in the Samuel & Althea Stroum Grand Lobby, inside Benaroya Hall. Open during Seattle Symphony performances in the S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium.
Symphony Tickets
WA 98111-2108
Received a subscription order form? Fill it out and mail it, or bring it to the Ticket Office or Ticket Concierge station at Benaroya Hall.
Seating information
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, 15, 35
Carlin Ma: pp. 3, 9, 18, 24–25, 35
Everything Time Studio: p. 35
James Holt: pp. 10–11, 28, 29, back cover
Jonathan Pendleton: pp. 12, 15, 21, 27
Karya Schanilec: front cover, pp. 6, 16, 22
SAFECO FOUNDERS TIER
PONCHO TIER
Subscriber & Donor
THE BEST SEATS IN THE HOUSE ARE WAITING FOR YOU!
Become a subscriber and donor today, and enjoy incredible performances with your GRAMMY-winning Seattle Symphony and today’s most noteworthy guest artists while also receiving special benefits all season long.
Save up to 30% over single ticket prices and choose from the best seats available. The more you buy, the more you save!
ADDITIONAL SAVINGS
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EXTENDED PAYMENT OPTIONS
Save up to 15% on the advance purchase of single tickets outside of your subscription series (available for most performances)
Save up to 10% on most merchandise at Symphonica, The Symphony Store
FREE and easy ticket exchanges by mail or in person (upgrade costs may apply; subject to availability)
FREE lost ticket replacement
One missed concert voucher
Flexible payment plans available for subscription packages — contact the Ticket Office at 206.215.4747 for more information
FREE one-time seating upgrade coupon
PRIORITY STATUS
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Exclusive presale access for select concerts and special events
Access the best available seats for you and your guests during Subscriber and Donor Advantage Week
Go behind the scenes at Open Rehearsals
Access to the Symphony Club Lounge during intermission
Get up close with the orchestra at an Onstage Rehearsal
Complimentary wine during intermission in the Norcliffe Founders Room
Personalized concierge service
including private access to soughtafter seats through VIP Ticketing
Benefits
YOU
MAKE OUR MUSIC POSSIBLE!
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!
