Powerhouse talent Curtis Bannister to host 2026 AES Indiana Yuletide Celebration

Iconic ISO holiday tradition celebrates 40th anniversary!

The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra announces that multi-genre performer Curtis Bannister will host the 2026 AES Indiana Yuletide Celebration, continuing one of Central Indiana’s most beloved holiday traditions, now celebrating its 40th anniversary. Led by Principal Pops Conductor Jack Everly, the ISO returns to Hilbert Circle Theatre December 4–23 for a festive production filled with spectacular music, dazzling visuals, and unforgettable moments for audiences of all ages.

Bannister, who co-hosted the 2025 production and quickly became a standout favorite, returns to the Yuletide stage in a leading role. Known for his powerful vocals and dynamic stage presence, he brings a unique blend of Broadway, opera, and concert performance experience to the production.

“From making my Yuletide debut in 2024 as the featured soloist beside the singular Sandi Patty, to last year’s incredible celebration cohosting with the incredible (and my new friend!) Ashley Brown, I’m earnestly honored and eager to take the reins on my own as the 2026 Yuletide host,” says Bannister. “The Indianapolis and Midwest tradition has become a highlight of my performance schedule and holiday season. I’m thankful to Jack Everly, the fantastic musicians of the ISO, the production and tech team of the Hilbert Circle Theatre, and the people of Indianapolis for their warm enthusiasm and welcoming generosity. I’m excited to make this year’s AES Indiana Yuletide Celebration an unforgettable experience!”

Under Maestro Everly’s direction, the 2026 Yuletide Celebration will once again feature a full orchestra, outstanding vocalists, cirque artists, and high-energy choreography, along with beloved traditions audiences return for year after year. From the heartwarming story of ’Twas the Night Before Christmas to the crowd-favorite tap-dancing Santas, the production blends cherished moments with many new surprises each season.

In addition to Bannister and the orchestra, audiences can expect the return of fan-favorite elements, including stunning dance performances, extravagant costumes, and the magical atmosphere that transforms Hilbert Circle Theatre into a holiday destination.

The experience begins in the theatre lobby, where guests can enjoy seasonal treats, festive décor, holiday costumed characters, photo opportunities, and live music on the Wurlitzer organ that sets the tone for an unforgettable evening.

Tickets for the 2026 AES Indiana Yuletide Celebration go on sale August 18. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra website or contact the Hilbert Circle Theatre Box Office at 317-639-4300. Buy tickets early for the best seating choices!

Join the ISO this December and celebrate the season with a holiday tradition that continues to create lasting memories for audiences across generations.

About Curtis Bannister

ISO patrons first heard Curtis Bannister’s incredible voice during the 2024 AES Indiana Yuletide Celebration, when he quickly became an audience favorite. As the winner of the 2021 Actors Equity Foundation Roger Sturtevant Award: Outstanding Performance in Musical Theater, a Drama League Award nominee: Best Concert Performance and 2023 Joseph Jefferson Award nominee: Outstanding Performance by a Principal Actor in a Musical, actor and tenor Curtis Bannister has been praised by the LA Times as “a quiet revelation” and Broadway World as “a commanding performer.”

Since making his unexpected but lauded operatic debut in the title role of Verdi’s Otello with the Utah Festival, Curtis has been lauded as one of the most talented multi-genre performing artists of his generation for his achievements in theater, classical music, and film. In 2025, Curtis made his stage debut at the Goodman Theater in The Color Purple following his debut with the company beside Heather Headley for the theater’s 2021 gala, “Together: Center Stage,” and made his operatic debut in Washington, D.C., as Robert Johnson in Damien Geter’s Delta King’s Blues. He and Broadway Star Ashley Brown served as cohosts of the 2025 AES Indiana Yuletide Celebration.

Curtis debuted at The Kennedy Center as Soloist 1/Celebrant (cover) in Leonard Bernstein’s Mass for the Center’s 50th Anniversary celebration with the National Symphony and has performed, in concert, with the Cincinnati Symphony/Cincinnati Pops Orchestra’s Celebration Concert, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and his The Philadelphia Orchestra in Bernstein’s Candide alongside Bradley Cooper and Carey Mulligan. Bannister has performed with Lyric Opera of Chicago, St. Petersburg Opera, Atlanta Opera, The Philadelphia Orchestra, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Heartbeat Opera, Chicago Opera Theatre and Utah Festival Opera. Previous theatrical role highlights include Enjolras/Les Misérables, Coalhouse Walker Jr/Ragtime, Sid Sorokin/The Pajama Game, Ragotski & Cacambo/Candide, Celebrant/Bernstein’s Mass, Sweeney Todd/Sweeney Todd, John/Miss Saigon, Jim/Big River, Man 1/Songs for a New World, Jim Conley/Parade, Jamie/The Last Five Years, and Andre/Ain’t Misbehavin’. Future projects include debuts and return performances in Chicago, New York, Washington, D.C., and a supporting role in the upcoming film A Talented Man.

About Principal Pops Conductor Jack Everly

Maestro Jack Everly has served as the ISO’s Principal Pops Conductor for more than 20 years and as the Music Director of the AES Indiana Yuletide Celebration, now celebrating its 40th year. Each year, he composes original music for the Yuletide performances, along with conducting familiar favorites. Throughout the season, whether he’s leading the ISO through memorable Broadway melodies for the Printing Partners Pops Series or a Star Wars score for the popular Film Series presented by Bank of America, Maestro Everly is beloved by fans for his musical expertise and charismatic personality. He has led the ISO in its first Pops recording, Yuletide Celebration, Volume One, which included three of his own orchestrations.