The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra launches its 2026–27 season this month with a fall lineup spanning iconic classical works, beloved film scores, pop favorites and more. From Beethoven and Mahler to Britney Spears and Beyoncé, the ISO’s fall season offers audiences a wide range of musical experiences at Hilbert Circle Theatre.
The season officially begins September 19 with Gala: OPUS endowed by Christel DeHaan, featuring Music Director Jun Märkl leading the ISO in Beethoven’s Fifth Piano Concerto, the “Emperor,” with acclaimed pianist Denis Kozhukhin. The celebratory evening also includes selections from Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake.
Just one week later, Märkl leads the ISO in one of the most revolutionary works in orchestral history with The Rite of Spring and Beethoven’s Fourth Piano Concerto, September 25–26. The program pairs Stravinsky’s groundbreaking ballet score with Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 4, continuing a season-long exploration of Beethoven and the transformative legacy of the Ballets Russes.
The Classical Series continues October 15–17 with Epic Origins: Beethoven and Mahler, featuring works that showcase the evolution of the symphonic tradition. On October 23–24, The Hand of Tao: Beethoven and Mozart features pianist Conrad Tao performing alongside the ISO.
The fall Classical Series concludes in December with Handel’s beloved holiday tradition, Handel’s Messiah, on December 17.
The ISO’s Printing Partners Pops Series, led by Principal Pops Conductor Jack Everly, brings a mix of pop royalty, Broadway and travel-inspired music to Hilbert Circle Theatre this fall. The season opens October 9–10 with Oops! I Sang it Again: From Britney to Beyoncé, the Pop Queens Are Back! conducted by Principal Guest Conductor of Pops Enrico Lopez-Yañez.
On November 13–14, travel expert Rick Steves joins the ISO for Rick Steves’ Europe: A Symphonic Journey, combining breathtaking imagery of Europe with live orchestral music.
The Film Series presented by Bank of America also returns this fall, giving audiences the opportunity to experience beloved films accompanied by their complete orchestral scores performed live by the ISO. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets in Concert takes audiences back to Hogwarts October 30–November 1.
The 2026–27 season continues in January with a lineup of Classical, Printing Partners Pops and Film Series performances through June 2027.
For tickets and more information, visit IndianapolisSymphony.org or call the ISO Box Office at 317-639-4300.