IN THE SPOTLIGHT
‘Celebrate 250 Years of the United States’
WHAT: “Let America be the dream the dreamers dreamed / Let it be that great strong land of love / Where never kings connive nor tyrants scheme / That any man be crushed by one above.” So wrote the great poet Langston Hughes in his “Let America Be America Again.” That poem is paired with excerpts from the Declaration of Independence in Brandon Boyd’s choral work “Redeem the Dream.” It’s the centerpiece of an American Semiquincentennial program by Orlando Sings. Also on the bill: Patriotic favorites and iconic works from America’s greatest composers.
WHEN: May 19
WHERE: Steinmetz Hall at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 445 S. Magnolia Ave. in Orlando.
INFO: orlandosings.org
YOUR SEASON PLANNER
Schedules are subject to change, so always double-check before heading to an event.
BACH FESTIVAL SOCIETY OF WINTER PARK
Except where noted, concerts take place either in Knowles Memorial Chapel or Tiedtke Concert Hall at Rollins College, 1000 Holt Ave. in Winter Park. More information: bachfestivalflorida.org
DANIEL ADAM MALTZ, FORTEPIANO: Oct. 19 in Tiedtke Concert Hall. The Bach Chamber Choir, Bach Chamber Orchestra and soprano Caitlin Mohr join Maltz, as he performs on the instrument Mozart and Haydn themselves would have used.
VOCTAVE: THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR: Oct. 25 in Steinmetz Hall at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 445 S. Magnolia Ave. in Orlando. Fan favorites and highlights from the Central Florida-based a cappella group’s recent Japan tour.
Tickets start at $30.
CARMINA BURANA & RHAPSODY IN BLUE: Nov. 2 in Steinmetz Hall at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 445 S. Magnolia Ave. in Orlando. A pairing of two iconic works driven by rhythm.
RACHMANINOFF: VESPERS (ALL NIGHT VIGIL): Nov. 7 in Knowles Memorial Chapel. An a cappella masterpiece rooted in Russian Orthodox chant and enriched by lush harmonies, sung by an ensemble of professionals from across the nation.
CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK: Dec. 4. The annual free event in Winter Park’s Central Park.
A CLASSIC CHRISTMAS: Dec. 13-14 in Knowles Memorial Chapel. Traditional holiday music.
AMERICANA: BARBER, BERNSTEIN, COPLAND: Jan. 30, 2026, in Knowles Memorial Chapel. Three masterworks, including Bernstein’s “Chichester Psalms” and Copland’s “In the Beginning,” explore humanity’s deepest.
Organist Colin MacKnight will play for the Bach Festival Society of Winter Park. (Courtesy Jiyang Chen via Bach Festival Society)
COLIN MACKNIGHT: Feb. 6, 2026. Free organ recital in Knowles Memorial Chapel to open the 91st Bach Festival.
2ND ANNUAL NATIONAL ORATORIO COMPETITION: Feb. 11-13, 2026. Emerging American singers participate in master classes Feb. 11-12 and then are judged in a finals concert on Feb. 13 in Knowles Memorial Chapel. All events are free.
VOCES8: Feb. 15, 2026, in Knowles Memorial Chapel. The acclaimed British vocal ensemble performs.
CONCERTOS BY CANDLELIGHT: GUILMANT, PAGANINI, RACHMANINOFF: Feb. 20-21, 2026, in Knowles Memorial Chapel. Soloists include Paul Jacobs on Alexandre Guilmant’s Symphony No. 1 for Organ, pianist Byeol Kim on Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2 and Routa Kroumovitch-Gomez on Paganini’s Violin Concerto No. 2.
AGE OF ENLIGHTENMENT: HAYDN, MOZART, BEETHOVEN: Feb. 22, 2026, in Knowles Memorial Chapel. Featured are Mozart’s Coronation Mass, Haydn’s Cello Concerto in C with soloist David Bjella, and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 1.
FUOCO OBBLIGATO: Feb. 28, 2026, in Tiedtke Concert Hall. This Paris-based ensemble features rising stars from Opera Fuoco’s young artists program, offering a repertoire that spans Baroque cantatas and opera arias to 20th-century art and folk songs.
J.S. BACH: ST. JOHN PASSION: March 1, 2026, in Knowles Memorial Chapel. Soloists include John Grau as the Evangelist and Thaddaeus Bourne as Jesus in this final event of the annual Bach Festival.
LYSANDER PIANO TRIO: March 15, 2026, in Tiedtke Concert Hall. Violinist IItamar Zorman, pianist Liza Stepanova and cellist James Kim play both beloved masterpieces and rare gems.
PASSION MUSIC FOR EARLY AMERICA: March 26, 2026, in Knowles Memorial Chapel. The Bach Vocal Artists lead an evocative journey into the sacred sounds of Moravian music, with anthems that once echoed from Germany to Pennsylvania.
DUKE ELLINGTON: SACRED SERVICE: April 10, 2026, in Knowles Memorial Chapel. Tenor Samuel McKelton and the Jazz Big Band join the Bach Chamber Choir for this work, which mixes classical, gospel and spiritual music into a powerful expression of faith.
Tenor Samuel McKelton will join the Bach Festival Society of Winter Park for “Duke Ellington: Sacred Service.” (Courtesy Bach Festival Society)
SILVER SCREEN CLASSICS: April 25-26, 2026, in Knowles Memorial Chapel. Choir and orchestra present the music of the movies.
BASILICA CONCERT SERIES
Concerts are at the Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe, 8300 Vineland Ave. in Orlando. All concerts are free. More information: maryqueenoftheuniverse.org/concerts
FELIX HALL: Oct. 17. The organist performs on the basilica’s Schoenstein pipe organ, including his own transcription of Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony.
CHRISTMAS WITH THE BASILICA CHOIR: Dec. 12. Seasonal favorites and a sing-along.
A NIGHT AT THE OPERA: April 17, 2026. The Basilica Choir and Opera Orlando perform selections together.
A MOTHER’S DAY BOUQUET: May 8, 2026. The Basilica Choir and Orchestra perform John Rutter’s beloved “Magnificat,” framed by settings of the famous “Ave Maria” text, and more.
BLUE BAMBOO CENTER FOR THE ARTS
The arts center is at 460 E. New England Ave. in Winter Park. Most Thursday nights feature a “Thursday Night Hang” with local musicians; other concerts may be found in the Music: pop listings. More information: bluebambooartcenter.com
JEFF RUPERT QUARTET: Aug. 29, Sept. 27. The leader of the UCF’s Flying Horse Big Band and his players.
CHRIS CORTEZ & STEVE LUCIANO: Aug. 30. Guitarists share music and stories. Cortez is founder of the Blue Bamboo; Luciano is a Disney World guitarist.
RESOLVE: Aug. 31. Vocal jazz quartet based in Central Florida and inspired by legendary groups such as the Manhattan Transfer and the New York Voices.
PALM BEACH SOCIETY ORCHESTRA: Sept. 7. Members of the former Grand Floridian Society Orchestra at Walt Disney World reunited for this ensemble to play classic swing, jazz, Disney tunes and popular standards.
GREG DIAZ AND THE ART OF IMAGINATION: Sept. 12. Multi-instrumentalist and singer Greg Diaz and his quartet play original music, as well as old and new jazz standards.
JOHNNY MERCER TRIBUTE: Sept. 14. The Central Florida Jazz Society presents the Michael Kramer & Greg Parnell Trio in a salute to Mercer, whose catalog includes “Skylark,” “Autumn Leaves” and “That Old Black Magic.”
GERALD LAW II & THE CLUTCH: Sept. 17. Known as “the smiling drummer,” Law performs with jazz and R&B artists around Central Florida.
Drummer Gerald Law II is pictured performing in the critically acclaimed production of “Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill” at Theater West End in Sanford. (Courtesy Mike Kitaif via Theater West End)
CALLISTO: Sept. 20. The band blends multiple genres with a distinct jazz twist as it plays fresh arrangements of songs by artists such as James Taylor, Paul Simon, Stevie Wonder and The Beatles.
MAITLAND JAZZ BAND: Sept. 21 and Nov. 2. Honoring the legacy of big band music.
THE DOHNÁNYI CHAMBER PLAYERS: Sept. 26. A premier chamber ensemble from the Florida State University College of Music makes its Central Florida debut in an evening of classical masterworks celebrating the program’s 125-year history.
ORLANDO JAZZ ORCHESTRA: Sept. 28. The group is led by drummer Greg Parnell, former road manager and drummer for the Glenn Miller Orchestra.
ROSAWAY: Oct. 4. The Central Florida Jazz Society presents this disco-jazz duo from Paris that blends modern electro-pop with retro grooves and cinematic energy.
DANIELA SOLEDAD & NATE NAJAR: Oct. 10. Brazilian music star Daniela Soledade and guitarist Nate Najar present an intimate evening of bossa nova music.
JOHNBERN THOMAS AND HIS GROUP: Oct. 11. Raised in Haiti, Thomas learned the drums from his father, and his musical approach reflects a unique mélange of neo-soul, swing and Haitian tradition.
UCF FLYING HORSE BIG BAND: Oct. 12. High-octane jazz from the collegiate ensemble.
JOE ECKERT QUARTET: Oct. 18. An evening of jazz classics and standards featuring Eckert on sax and woodwinds; Bob Thornton on piano, Charlie Silva on bass and Paul Parker on drums.
THE MUSIC OF DISNEY: Oct. 19. The Palm Beach Society Orchestra, comprised of members of Walt Disney World’s former Grand Floridian Society Orchestra, celebrates the music of the Mouse.
A SALUTE IN SWING — JAZZ FROM THOSE WHO SERVED: Nov. 9. The Central Florida Jazz Society presents a dynamic jazz group made up entirely of former military musicians in this free concert.
JOSEPHINE SWING: Nov. 21. HAPCO Music Foundation presents the big band energy of Josephine Swing, blending traditional sounds and innovative approaches.
PALM BEACH SOCIETY ORCHESTRA SWINGS INTO EARLY JAZZ: Nov. 23. An homage to jazz greats of the 1920s and ’30s, such as Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Fats Waller and Bix Beiderbecke, whose innovations helped define the genre.
A JAZZY CHRISTMAS WITH VIVACITY: Dec. 6. Xylophonist Heather Thorn and the Vivacity band with Australian saxophonist Adrian Cunningham perform swinging holiday classics.
ORLANDO JAZZ ORCHESTRA HOLIDAY SHOW: Dec. 7. Featuring the Orlando Jazz Orchestra Dektette in an afternoon of seasonal favorites.
A CHRISTMAS ROMANCE: Dec. 19. Florida Smooth Jazz Foundation presents Marcus Anderson and Rebecca Jade in this program of holiday favorites and solo hits.
A HOLIDAY CONCERT THAT SWINGS: Dec. 21. The Palm Beach Society Orchestra plays jazzy renditions of seasonal tunes.
CASA FELIZ
The historic home museum, at 656 N. Park Ave. in Winter Park, also offers tours and a speaker series. More information: casafeliz.us
Music at the Casa Series
TANNER JOHNSON TRIO: Sept. 18. A violinist and multi-instrumentalist, Johnson and cohorts fuse classical finesse with modern flair.
Tanner Johnson will bring his trio to Casa Feliz for the Music at the Case series this fall. (Courtesy Casa Feliz)
ALMA SKYE & BOBBY KOELBLE: Oct. 24. Skye’s sultry vocals blend jazz, soul and Latin influences while guitarist Koelble’s range spans metal to mainstream jazz.
DON SOLEDAD & PABLO ARENCIBIA: Nov 20. In “Spain Infinitus,” flamenco guitarist Soledad and jazz pianist Arencibia pay tribute to Latin jazz legends mixed with original compositions.
CELEBRATION FOUNDATION CONCERT SERIES
Concerts take place at the Community Presbyterian Church, 511 Celebration Ave. in Celebration, except where noted. This year’s theme is “World Showcase.” More information: 407-566-1234 or celebrationfoundation.org
BRASS BAND OF CENTRAL FLORIDA: Dec. 3.
DAVID SHANNON FEATURING ZOE TYLER: Jan. 9, 2026. Shannon, a musical-theater performer, grew up in Ireland.
VIENNA BOYS CHOIR: Feb. 9, 2026, at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 1050 Celebration Ave. in Celebration. The famed chorus.
EMMET CAHILL: March 7, 2026. Irish tenor.
FITO ESPINOLA: April 25, 2026. Latin Grammy-nominated singer-guitarist-songwriter.
CENTRAL FLORIDA COMMUNITY ARTS
Multiple orchestras and choirs, for children and adults, make up the organization’s music program. Shows take place at various venues. More information: 407-937-1800 or cfcarts.com
HAND-DRAWN JAZZ 2: Oct. 17-19 in the Pugh Theater at the Dr. Phillips Center, 445 S. Magnolia Ave. in Orlando. CFCArts Big Band dives into the colorful and kinetic intersection of jazz and animation, featuring music from “The Jungle Book,” the Looney Tunes canon, “101 Dalmatians,” “The Princess and the Frog” and more.
The CFCArts Big Band is back with another “Hand Drawn Jazz” concert. (Courtesy Trisha Houlihan via CFCArts)
DREAMING TOGETHER: GREATEST HITS FROM 15 YEARS OF COMMUNITY: Nov. 14-15 at Northland church, 522 Dog Track Road in Longwood. The Community Choir and Orchestra perform “O Fortuna,” “Let the Sunshine In,” “Over the Rainbow” and more in a high-energy celebration.
SOUNDS OF THE SEASON: Dec. 4-5 at Northland church, 522 Dog Track Road in Longwood. The CFCArts Symphony Orchestra and Community Choir celebrate the holidays on an epic scale with more than 400 performers.
MY FUNNY VALENTINE: Feb. 6-8, 2026, in the Pugh Theater at the Dr. Phillips Center. The CFCArts Big Band plays romantic jazz.
AN AMERICAN ROAD TRIP: May 7-8, 2026, at Northland church, 522 Dog Track Road in Longwood. The Community Choir salutes music that is uniquely American, from jazz and blues, to the bright lights of Broadway and Hollywood, to country and rock and roll.
AMERICAN MAESTRO — THE MUSIC OF JOHN WILLIAMS: June 5-6, 2026, at Calvary Orlando, 1199 Clay St. in Winter Park. The Symphony Orchestra plays Williams’ soaring Olympic themes and timeless scores from “Superman,” “Indiana Jones,” “Star Wars” and more.
CENTRAL FLORIDA VOCAL ARTS/OPERA DEL SOL
The organizations’ productions take place at various venues in Orlando. The theme of this year’s season is “Picture Perfect — Idealism on Stage.” More information: centralfloridavocalarts.org
SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE: Nov. 7-9 at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 445 S. Magnolia Ave. in Orlando. Inspired by French pointillist painter Georges Seurat’s famous 1884 painting “A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte,” Stephen Sondheim’s Pulitzer Prize-winning musical delves into the struggles of artistic creation and personal connection.
SUSANNA’S SECRET & TROUBLE IN TAHITI: Feb. 27-March 1, 2026, at the Blue Bamboo Center for the Arts, 460 E. New England Ave. in Winter Park. An operatic double bill. “The Secret of Susanna” comically explores marriage, independence and secrets. “Trouble in Tahiti” reveals the discontent behind the facade of 1950s suburbia.
CLERMONT PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
The arts center is at 3700 U.S. 27 in Clermont. More information: clermontperformingarts.com
A SALUTE TO AMERICA’S VETERANS: Nov. 9. The 75-member Orlando Concert Band plays music with a patriotic theme.
FLORIDA PHILHARMONIA ORCHESTRAL HOLIDAY: Dec. 19. Maestro Pasquale Valerio leads the orchestra and vocalists through holiday favorites.
DR. PHILLIPS CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
The downtown arts center, at 445 S. Magnolia Ave. in Orlando, presents the Great Orchestra Series in Steinmetz Hall. More information: drphillipscenter.org
Great Orchestra Series
ROYAL PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA: Jan. 15, 2026. The Bach Festival Choir joins the group in a celebration of composer John Rutter’s 80th birthday. Rutter will conduct his own work on the program.
PHILADELPHIA ORCHESTRA: Feb. 20, 2026. A program of Brahms.
VIENNA PHILHARMONIC: March 11-12, 2026. Two programs: Strauss and Sibelius on March 11; Mozart and Dvořák on March 12.
Opera singer Renee Fleming is headed to the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. (Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)
The Recital Series
AUGUSTIN HADELICH: Nov. 5. The acclaimed violinist plays Bach, Paganini, Telemann and more.
RENEE FLEMING: Jan. 20, 2026. The distinguished soprano leads a multimedia program that juxtaposes the power of music with the grandeur of nature.
ALEXANDER MALOFEEV: March 3, 2026. The award-winning pianist’s program includes Prokofiev, Stravinsky and Grieg.
SEONG-JIN CHO: April 9, 2026. The award-winning pianist’s program includes Bach, Schumann and a selection of Chopin’s waltzes.
Other music
ATTACK ON TITAN: Aug. 30. Orchestral music and video footage from the anime sensation.
CHOIR! CHOIR! CHOIR!: Sept. 6. This fully interactive, participatory show turns the audience members into a choir. Sing your hearts out to the music of Queen with hundreds of fellow music-lovers.
BENISE: Sept. 25. “The Prince of Spanish Guitar” takes the audience on an adventure through Spanish flamenco, Cuban salsa, Brazilian samba, Parisian waltz, exotic drumming and more.
ANDREA BOCELLI: Oct. 9. The Italian tenor performs with the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra. Note this event is at the Kia Center, 400 W. Church St. in Orlando.
THE ROCK ORCHESTRA BY CANDLELIGHT: Oct. 19. More than a dozen classical musicians perform music by Metallica, AC/DC, Rolling Stones, Guns N’ Roses, The Cranberries and more.
ORCHESTRA NOIR: Oct. 24. This immersive concert experience celebrates the music and energy of the early 2000s, when hip-hop, R&B and Black culture were defining global sound and style.
ONE PIECE: Oct. 25. The Orlando Philharmonic plays composer Kohei Tanaka’s score while the most memorable moments from the manga series are projected on a giant screen.
TWOSET VIOLIN: Oct. 26. Brett and Eddy play with the musical and humorous panache that made them internet sensations.
MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER CHRISTMAS: Nov. 15. The multimedia musical holiday experience, with 15 musicians playing multiple instruments.
LESLIE ODOM JR.: Dec. 1. The Broadway star sings Christmas favorites and songs from “Hamilton.”
MARK TREMONTI SINGS FRANK SINATRA: Dec. 4. The singer pays tribute to Ol’ Blue Eyes with members of Sinatra’s band backing him.
SARAH BRIGHTMAN: Dec. 7. The singer has a new Christmas spectacle with her “Winter Symphony” tour.
AN INTIMATE EVENING WITH DAVID FOSTER AND KATHARINE MCPHEE: Dec. 12. A concert of hits Foster wrote for Chicago, Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, Josh Groban and Michael Bublé, alongside McPhee’s biggest songs from “American Idol,” “Smash” and “Waitress.”
Canadian musician David Foster and his wife, singer-actress Katharine McPhee of “American Idol” and “Smash” fame, are touring together. (Valerie Macon/AFP via Getty Images
THE LIGHT OF CHRISTMAS: Dec. 14. Vienna Light Orchestra showcases beloved Christmas classics.
STRAIGHT NO CHASER — HOLIDAY ROAD: Dec. 27. The all-male a cappella singing group celebrates the holiday season.
STELLA COLE: Dec. 30. Former Postmodern Jukebox member Stella Cole jazzes up the Great American Songbook.
SALUTE TO VIENNA: Jan. 3, 2026. Modeled on the famed New Year’s Concert in Vienna, this concert features dancing and vocal duets, arias and operetta selections, all accompanied by a symphony orchestra.
JESSE COOK: Jan. 21, 2026. The musician melds nuevo flamenco guitar strains with smooth jazz and world music.
CHRIS BOTTI: Feb. 19, 2026. Acclaimed trumpet player plays selections from his latest jazz album and more.
PLAYSTATION THE CONCERT: March 14, 2026. Music from gaming scores such as “God of War,” “The Last of Us,” “Ghost of Tsushima” and “Horizon” is reimagined by composers and performed in this multimedia concert.
Judson’s Live
This venue at the arts center presents music in an intimate jazz-club setting with curated light bites and cocktails. Here’s a selection of upcoming jazz and classical concerts.
MICHAEL ANDREW: Aug. 30-31. The headline singer and bandleader at the world-famous Rainbow Room atop Rockefeller Center in New York City for two years brings his swinging style.
NAT ZEGREE: Sept. 2-3. The award-winning “Million Dollar Quartet” star and showman extraordinaire brings new life to music’s greatest moments, from the days of Mozart to modern hits.
GERALD LAW II & THE CLUTCH: Sept. 9. The go-to drummer for jazz and R&B artists in Central Florida and his Orlando-based band celebrate the release of their latest album, “Who We Are.”
LAUREL HATFIELD & THE LA LA BAND: Sept. 18. Influenced by legendary Broadway divas and jazz vocalists, theater mainstay Hatfield and her band incorporate jazz, funk, pop and swing in their covers of reimagined classics.
JOHN PIZZARELLI TRIO: Sept. 23-25. Guitarist and singer John Pizzarelli has been hailed by The Boston Globe for “reinvigorating the Great American Songbook and re-popularizing jazz.”
DIMAS SÁNCHEZ AND THE AFRO-LATIN JAZZ PROJECT: Sept. 28. The Puerto Rican band plays original compositions as well as jazz standards with new Afro-Latin-infused arrangements.
TO THE MOON(S) AND BACK: Oct. 1. Sisters Anneliese, Elina and Clarissa Moon are Orlando natives, sopranos and violinists. Well-known for their theater work, here they harmonize together.
WILL PATRICK — NIGHT OF THE GUITAR GODS: Oct. 17-18. Pink Floyd as you’ve never heard it before. Showcasing the band’s psychedelic riffs and progressive soundscapes, Will Patrick combines R&B, jazz, rock and soul to deliver an evening of guitar mastery.
CAITY GYORGY: Oct. 23. The Central Florida Jazz Society presents the jazz singer rooted in bebop, swing and the Great American Songbook.
YASMIN WILLIAMS: Oct. 28. Acoustic guitar player with a style that honors experimentation and emotional precision.
EDMAR CASTAÑEDA QUARTET: Nov. 4. The Colombian jazz harpist uses a unique technique to create a sound that blends soul, swing and Latin rhythms.
TONY DESARE: Nov. 14. Known for his modern and romantic jazz stylings, the singer gives a nod to the golden age of the Great American Songbook.
Crooner Tony DeSare will perform at Judson’s Live. (Courtesy Vincent Soyez via Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra)
SVETLANA: Dec. 14. The New York-based jazz singer blends classic swing with modern sparkle in “Holiday Swing.”
CECE TENEAL — HOLIDAY HEARTSTRINGS: Dec. 20-21. Seasonal selections.
MOHINI DEY: Jan. 3-4, 2026. The acclaimed young bass guitarist from Mumbai is known for revolutionizing the instrument with her technical prowess and a multicultural jazz fusion style
FLORIDA SYMPHONY YOUTH ORCHESTRAS
The organization for student musicians performs at various venues throughout Central Florida. More information: 407-999-7800 or fsyo.org
69TH SEASON JAZZ OPENER: Oct. 19 at Valencia College Performing Arts Center, 701 N Econlockhatchee Trail in Orlando.
69TH SEASON CLASSICAL OPENER PARTS I and II: Oct. 26 at the Chapin Theater, Orange County Convention Center, 9800 International Drive in Orlando.
SEASON’S GREETINGS FROM THE GARDEN: Dec. 14 at The Grove at Mead Botanical Garden, 1300 S. Denning Drive in Winter Park. Holiday music; bring food, drink, lawn chairs and blankets.
SOUNDS OF SYMPHONIC: Feb. 21, 2026, at First United Methodist Church of Orlando, 142 E. Jackson St.
SPRING SWING: Feb. 28, 2026, at Valencia College Performing Arts Center, 701 N. Econlockhatchee Trail in Orlando.
SPRING CLASSICS: March 1, 2026, at Lyman High School, 865 S. Ronald Reagan Blvd. in Longwood.
PLAY-A-THON: March 8, 2026, at the Walt Disney Amphitheater at Lake Eola Park, 195 N. Rosalind Ave. in Orlando. Free event.
OPO SIDE BY SIDE CONCERT: April 25, 2026, at First United Methodist Church of Orlando, 142 E. Jackson St.
69TH SEASON JAZZ FINALE: May 9, 2026, at Blue Bamboo Center for the Arts, 460 E. New England Ave. in Winter Park.
69TH SEASON CLASSICAL FINALE: May 10, 2026, at the Chapin Theater, Orange County Convention Center, 9800 International Drive in Orlando.
PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE SHOWCASE: May 17, 2026, at Valencia College Performing Arts Center, 701 N. Econlockhatchee Trail in Orlando.
The Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras has a full season planned. (Courtesy Lindsay Parks via FSYO)
HEART FOR THE ARTS
This Christian faith-based community choir sings uplifting music with the goal of glorifying God. Rehearsals are at 7:30 p.m. Mondays at Cornerstone Family Church in St. Cloud and 7 p.m. Thursdays at Kissimmee Christian Church in Kissimmee. More information: heartforthearts.org
CONCERTS: Dec. 6 at Canoe Creek Christian Church, 4080 Pine Tree Drive in St. Cloud, and Dec. 13 at Lake Aurora Christian Service Camp, 237 Golden Bough Road in Lake Wales.
HOWEY MUSIC SERIES
Except where noted, concerts take place at the Howey Mansion at 1001 Citrus Ave. in Howey-in-the-Hills. More information: 407-385-0646 or howeymusicseries.org
JOSEPH JEVANNI & INTENSITY JAZZ: Oct. 5 at Sydonie Mansion, 5538 Sydonie Lane in Mount Dora.
TASTING NOTES — A MUSICAL JOURNEY ACROSS BORDERS AND PALATES: Nov. 12. Caitlin Mohr, soprano, with Kristine Griffin, piano. Voice recital paired with wine and cheese, with regional music matched to corresponding cuisine.
HOLIDAY JAZZ: Dec. 10. Seasonal tunes from Gerald Law Jazz Trio.
KALEIDOSCOPE OF EXPRESSIONS: Jan. 14, 2026. Duo Beaux Arts plays four-hand piano.
MARDI GRAS CELEBRATION: Feb. 1, 2026. Sydonie Mansion, 5538 Sydonie Lane in Mount Dora. King Guys Red Beans & Rice Band, with New Orleans food packages available.
Joseph Jevanni is getting jazzy with the Howey Music Series. (Courtesy Howie Music Series)
ART DECO GALA & CONCERT: March 11, 2026. Marco Bojorquez Jazz Quintet.
FUTURE NATURE IN SONG: AN EVENING OF ART, WINE AND NEW MUSIC: May 3 at Sydonie Mansion, 5538 Sydonie Lane in Mount Dora. Art by Sinuhé Vega Negrin with songs inspired by the work written and performed by Central Florida Composers Forum composers and performers, including soprano Anna Eschbach, guitarist Troy Gifford and violinist Olga Kolpakova.
LAKE COUNTY LADIES CHORUS
The group performs around Lake County. More information: Call Jan at 618-267-2177 or Bev at 352-459-
1816.
HOLIDAY CONCERTS: Dec. 5 at the Mount Dora Library, Dec. 6 at the Leesburg Library, Dec. 17 at the Eustis Library.
The long-running Lake County Ladies Chorus is ready for another season. (Courtesy Lake County Ladies Chorus)
MESSIAH CHORAL SOCIETY
The organization begins rehearsing in September for its annual concert, this year in Steinmetz Hall at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 445 S. Magnolia Ave. in Orlando. More information: messiahchoralsociety.org
MESSIAH: Nov. 16. The performance of Handel’s oratorio is the longest-running free cultural event in Central Florida.
METROPOLITAN OPERA LAFFONT COMPETITION
The Florida District event takes place at the performing arts center of Trinity Preparatory School, 5700 Trinity Prep Lane in Winter Park. More information: Email MetAuditions@gmail.com
COMPETITION: Nov. 15. Hear young singers compete for the opportunity to sing on the stage of the Metropolitan Opera in New York City in this day of free music.
MILLENNIUM MASTER CHORALE OF CENTRAL FLORIDA
Concerts are performed at the Morrison United Methodist Church at 1005 W. Main St. in Leesburg. More information: 352-787-3705 or mmccentralflorida.com
GLITTER AND GATHER HOLIDAY CONCERT: Nov. 14.
CRESCENDO CHORAL FESTIVAL: Feb. 1, 2026. With guest conductor and composer Joel Raney.
SPRING CONCERT: March 27, 2026.
OPERA ORLANDO
Except where noted, productions are presented in Steinmetz Hall at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 445 S. Magnolia Ave. in Orlando. More information: operaorlando.org
Series
LA BOHEME: Oct. 3 & 5. Puccini’s tragedy about Paris bohemians and the love between Mimi and Rodolfo.
SILENT NIGHT: Feb. 6 & 8, 2026. Kevin Puts won a Pulitzer Prize for this, his debut opera that looks at the Christmas truce during World War I.
THE MERRY WIDOW: April 24 & 26, 2026. Franz Lehár’s operetta about love, money and social expectations.
A DECADE OF DIVAS: May 16, 2026. A celebration of Opera Orlando’s 10 years.
Other productions
ALL IS CALM: Dec. 12-14 at Orlando Family Stage, 1001 E. Princeton St. in Orlando, and Dec. 20-21 at the Garden Theatre on Plant, 160 W. Plant St. in Winter Garden. The Christmas truce of 1914 provides an opportunity to meditate on war and humanity with holiday hope.
THE SECRET RIVER: March 6-7, 2026, at Mead Botanical Garden, 1300 S. Denning Drive in Winter Park. A young girl bravely sets out to save her village from famine in this work, enchantingly told with puppets as the river’s animal inhabitants.
Calpurnia (Kyaunnee Richardson) encounters a bear (designed and puppeteered by Nic Parks of MicheLee Puppets) in the original Opera Orlando production of “The Secret River.” The company will revive it this season. (Courtesy Bearded Lens via Opera Orlando)
Events
OPERAZZI BASH: Oct. 25 at the Grand Bohemian, 325 S. Orange Ave. in Orlando. A glamorous masquerade combining opera and pop.
THE MOZART DINNER: Jan. 31, 2026. Performances highlight this annual gala that is hosted by Mozart himself.
A VALENTINE’S DAY EVENT: Feb. 15, 2026. Soprano Sarah Joy Miller, tenor David Miller (of Il Divo), baritone Gabriel Preisser, violinist Andreas Volmer and pianist Nathan Cicero presenting selections from Verdi’s “La Traviata.” With lunch and desserts.
A TOAST: A TOAST! A TOAST!: May 16, 2026. Appetizers, desserts and drinks are served as singers relive highlights from the company’s season in this closing event.
The theme of the Orlando Choral Society’s season is “Unfiltered Voices That Broke the Silence” and consists of a series of concerts exploring identity, struggle and resilience through music. (Courtesy Orlando Choral Society)
ORLANDO CHORAL SOCIETY
The choir performs throughout Orlando and Winter Garden. This season’s theme is “Unfiltered Voices That Broke the Silence,” a series of concerts exploring identity, struggle and resilience through music. More information: 803-999-7464 or orlandochoralsociety.org
UNFILTERED VOICES THAT BROKE THE SILENCE: Oct. 19 at West Orange High School Auditorium. A celebration of untold stories and individuals who challenged established norms.
CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL: Dec. 21 at West Orange High School Auditorium. A fresh perspective on the holiday season, highlighting themes of hope and peace.
MLK: YOU ARE MY LIFE/TOTAL PRAISE: Feb. 22, 2026. Steinmetz Hall at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. A tribute to the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy, featuring music, poetry, dance and acting.
PULSE: HEALING AND REMEMBRANCE: May 2, 2026. First United Methodist Church, Orlando. A special concert honoring the victims of the Pulse tragedy and serving as a communal voice for healing and defiance against hatred.
ORLANDO GAY CHORUS
The organization performs at various locations. More information: orlandogaychorus.org
UNCUT CABARET: Oct. 5 at the Renaissance Theatre, 415 E. Princeton St. in Orlando. An adults-only cabaret with “naughty” fun.
GAY BELLS RING! ARE YOU LISTENING: Dec. 13 and 14 at The Plaza Live, 425 N. Bumby Ave. in Orlando, and Dec. 15 at the Ritz Theater, 201 Magnolia Ave. in Sanford. Holiday merriment. New, unwrapped toys will be collected at performances for Toys for Tots.
FABULOUS & FIERCE: May 15, 2026 at the Ritz Theater, 201 Magnolia Ave. in Sanford. Favorites from queer artists past and present.
ORLANDO LUTHERAN TOWERS FOUNDATION
The “Sunday Live!” series, featuring notable Central Florida entertainers and organizations, is free and open to the public. Concerts are at 3 p.m. in the Chapel at Orlando Lutheran Towers, 300 E. Church St. in Orlando. More information: foundation@orlandoseniorhealth.org
THE POWER OF SONG: Sept. 21. Orlando Sings celebrates the transformative power of choral music.
OPERA ORLANDO: Oct. 19. Beloved favorites as Opera Orlando celebrates 10 years of performances.
PIPES & BRASS IN PERFECT HARMONY: Nov. 16. Ture Larson plays the Ruffatti organ (84 ranks, 4,731 pipes) with the Central Florida Brass Quintet.
A ROLLINS COLLEGE CHRISTMAS: Dec. 7. Rollins College faculty and students perform holiday favorites.
A FLUTE ENSEMBLE: Jan. 18, 2026. Nora Lee Garcia and 14 of her UCF students perform.
DANCING WITH THE STARS — ORGANIZED RHYTHM WITH CLIVE DRISKILL-SMITH AND JOSEPH GRAMLEY: Feb. 8, 2026. Organ and Percussion team for music with a theatrical flair.
A BIG BAND SALUTE: March 15, 2026. Greg Parnell’s Orlando Jazz Orchestra, featuring vocalist Amy Parnell, steps back into the golden age of swing.
ORLANDO PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA ENSEMBLE: April 12, 2026. A chamber concert featuring principal musicians.
A MUSICAL RIDE WITH MITCH CORBIN: May 17, 2026. The multi-instrumentalist performs tunes from bluegrass to the Beatles.
CHAPEL IN THE SKY MUSIC FESTIVAL: June 14, 2026. Organist Ture Larson is joined by musical friends.
ORLANDO PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA
Classics and Pops concerts are in Steinmetz Hall at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 445 S. Magnolia Ave. in Orlando. Focus concerts and the Symphony Storytime Series programs for children are at The Plaza Live, 425 N. Bumby Ave. in Orlando. More information: orlandophil.org
Classics Series
GRIEG’S PIANO CONCERTO: Sept. 27-28. Rossini: William Tell Overture, Grieg: Piano Concerto, Prokofiev: Symphony No. 5. Sara Davis Buechner, piano. Eric Jacobsen, conductor.
GIL SHAHAM RETURNS: Nov. 8-9. Brahms: Variations on a Theme of Joseph Haydn, Coleridge-Taylor: Violin Concerto, Dylan Hall (National Young Composers Challenge Winner): Scherzo for Orchestra, Hindemith: Mathis der Maler. Gil Shaham, violin. Eric Jacobsen, conductor.
DEBUSSY’S LA MER: Jan. 24-25, 2026. Osvaldo Golijov: The Creation, Mozart: Don Giovanni Overture,
Debussy: La Mer. Eric Jacobsen, conductor.
BRAHMS SYMPHONY NO. 1: Feb. 28-March 1, 2026. Joan Tower: Fanfare for the Uncommon Woman, Shostakovich: Violin Concerto No. 1, Brahms: Symphony No. 1. Rimma Bergeron-Langlois, violin. JoAnn Falletta, conductor.
BEETHOVEN SYMPHONY NO. 9: May 9-10, 2026. James Lee III: The Enduring Crucible (world premiere),
Beethoven: Symphony No. 9. Eric Jacobsen, conductor.
SCHEHERAZADE: June 6-7, 2026. Jessica Mayer: Turbulent Flames (world premiere), Manuel de Falla: Nights in the Garden of Spain, Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade. Alessio Bax, piano. Ruth Reinhardt, conductor.
The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra will play the score at a screening of the 1993 film “Hocus Pocus,” with Bette Midler. (Photo by SNAP/REX/Shutterstock)
Pops Series
DISNEY’S HOCUS POCUS IN CONCERT LIVE TO FILM: Nov. 1. The orchestra plays the score of the Halloween favorite live. Chia-Hsuan Lin, conductor.
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS — HOLIDAYS IN HOLLYWOOD: Nov. 29. Seasonal fare. Chelsea Tipton, conductor.
DEFYING GRAVITY — BLOCKBUSTER BROADWAY: Jan. 10, 2026. Hits from shows such as “Wicked,” “Phantom of the Opera,” “Annie,” “Jersey Boys,” “Chicago,” “Cats” “The Lion King” and more, featuring New York vocalists. Sean Mayes, conductor.
E.T. THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL IN CONCERT: March 14, 2026. The orchestra accompanies a screening of Steven Spielberg’s beloved film about an alien who needs to phone home. Nicholas Buc, conductor.
CIRQUE MUSICA — HEROES & VILLAINS: May 23, 2026. Circus artists perform to superhero and villain themes from “The Avengers,” “Star Wars,” “Batman” and more, as well as classical pieces such as Holst’s “The Planets” and Mussorgsky’s “Night on Bald Mountain.”
Focus Series
THE FOUR SEASONS: Oct. 22. Vivaldi: The Four Seasons, Piazzolla: The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires. Rimma Bergeron-Langlois, violin. Alexandra Arrieche, conductor.
THE OPO BRASS: Nov. 19. Operatic, symphonic and holiday favorites. Lyman Brodie, conductor.
MOZART & STRAUSS: Feb. 18, 2026. Mozart: Flute Quartet in D Major, Strauss: Wind Serenade, Mozart: Gran Partita.
A NIGHT OF THE HARP & FRIENDS: April 15, 2026. Selections by principal harpist Haley Rhodeside.
Symphony Storytime Series
THE GOLDILOCKS QUARTET: Oct. 11-12. A budding musician looks for the perfect match for her musical talents before the bears return home.
HOLIDAY HARMONIES: Dec. 6-7. A Merry Mathematician helps the young audience learn about art, culture, and the power of cooperation in this holiday-themed show.
LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD: March 21-22, 2026. The fateful trip to grandmother’s house is told with piano and woodwinds.
A TREEFUL OF MONKEYS: May 16-17, 2026. Based on a traditional African folk tale, this story is about a hat seller who awakens from a nap to find monkeys have stolen his wares.
Special programs
RESONATE: Sept. 15 at The Plaza Live. Cellist and comedian Nicholas Canellakis joins music director Eric Jacobsen and orchestra musicians, followed by an intimate late-night concert.
WHERE IN THE WORLD IS THE OPO: Sept. 17, Oct. 8, Oct. 29 and Nov. 1 in the Walt Disney Theater at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. A concert for young people in which Dr. Monotone wants to take over the world and put an end to music forever with his new weapon: The Monotonizer 3000.
YUJA WANG: Feb. 17, 2026, in Steinmetz Hall at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. “An Evening of Elegance: Orlando Philharmonic Benefit Dinner” will begin with a seated meal before a concert that includes Barber’s Overture to The School for Scandal and Adagio for Strings, Brahms’ Hungarian Dance No. 5 and Copland’s Fanfare for the Common Man. Wang, a virtuoso pianist, is the featured soloist on Barber’s Piano Concerto. Eric Jacobsen conducts.
Pianist Yuja Wang will play at a special event for the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra. (Courtesy Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra)
PSYCHO FILM WITH LIVE ORCHESTRA: May 28, 2026, at The Plaza Live. The Hitchcock classic ramps up the suspense with its music played live in coordination with the film. Scott Terrell, conductor.
ORLANDO SINGS
The professional choral organization features a Symphonic Chorus; Harmonia, a soprano-alto group; and the Solaria Singers, a smaller chamber ensemble. The Solaria Players provide accompaniment. The group performs at various locations, but most often at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 445 S. Magnolia Ave. in Orlando. More information: orlandosings.org
CHORAL SINGING IN AMERICA — NURTURING THE COUNTRY’S SOUL: Sept. 4 at All Saints Episcopal Church, 338 E. Lyman Ave. in Winter Park. The organization kicks off its 5th season, titled “Tapestry: The Music of Us,” with a screening of this documentary about the social impact of choral music — illuminating how Americans sing in schools, communities, churches, concert halls, prisons and beyond. Hors d’oeuvres, drinks and popcorn will be served.
SING OUR STORY: Nov. 25 in Steinmetz Hall at the Dr. Phillips Center. The Symphonic Chorus and Harmonia will perform selections from American musical traditions, as well as music rooted in Latino, Vietnamese and other immigrant communities found in Central Florida.
A SOLARIA SOLSTICE: Dec. 21 at Orlando Museum of Art, 2416 N. Mills Ave. The Solaria Singers present music for Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa alongside new works.
EL MESÍAS: Feb. 26, 2026, in Steinmetz Hall at the Dr. Phillips Center. Handel’s “Messiah” is performed in Spanish by the Symphonic Chorus. Performed with subtitles.
5th annual Choral Festival
VOICE AND FLAME: 4 p.m. May 16 in the Pugh Theater at the Dr. Phillips Center. The Solaria Singers and Players weave together music across centuries that reflects humanity’s struggle, resilience and hope in times of upheaval. On the program: Marc-Antoine Charpentier’s “Te Deum,” written in pre-revolution France; Estonian composer Veljo Tormis’ “Curse Upon Iron,” written under the shadow of Soviet rule; and Francis Pulenc’s “Figure Humaine,” a breathtaking musical cry for liberty, dignity and the restoration of humanity, written in secret during the Nazi occupation of France.
STAND TALL: 8 p.m. May 16 in the Pugh Theater at the Dr. Phillips Center. Harmonia performs Andrea Ramsey’s Suffrage Cantata, interweaving original composition with historical speeches, letters, banners, and songs by women such as Susan B. Anthony, Ida B. Wells, Sojourner Truth and Mary Church Terrell .
CELEBRATE 250 YEARS OF THE UNITED STATES: May 19 in Steinmetz Hall at the Dr. Phillips Center. The Symphonic Chorus and Harmonia perform a program of patriotic favorites, iconic works from America’s greatest composers and music that tells the complex and evolving story of a nation still striving to live into its highest ideals. The program’s centerpiece, “Redeem the Dream” by Brandon Boyd, pairs the Langston Hughes poem “Let America Be America Again” with excerpts from the Declaration of Independence.
Performing Arts Matter is celebrating its 20th season. (Courtesy Performing Arts Matter)
PERFORMING ARTS MATTER
The umbrella organization sponsors the Maitland Symphony Orchestra, Bravo Chamber Orchestra, Maitland Jazz Band, Chamber Music Players, Orlando Contemporary Chamber Orchestra and the Maitland Market Performers, with schedules detailed below. More information: pamatter.org
Bravo Chamber Orchestra
Directed by Alvaro Gomez, the orchestra performs classical and Baroque selections from great classical literature.
CONCERT: Nov. 16.at Maitland Presbyterian Church, 314 N. Orlando Ave. in Maitland.
OPERA CONCERT: March 1, 2026 at Timucua Arts Foundation, 2000 S. Summerlin Ave. in Orlando. Opera selections featuring baritone Stephen Mumbert, along with an original composition for soprano by Timucua’s Benoit Glazer.
CONCERT: May 24, 2026 at Blue Bamboo Center for the Arts, 460 E. New England Ave. in Winter Park.
Chamber Music Players
Masterworks performed by professional musicians from area orchestras at Blue Bamboo Center for the Arts, 460 E. New England Ave. in Winter Park.
CONCERTS: March 29 and May 31, 2026.
Maitland Jazz Stage Band
18-piece big band plays modern jazz arrangements and hits from the legends of the big-band era at Blue Bamboo Center for the Arts, 460 E. New England Ave. in Winter Park, except where noted.
CONCERTS: Sept. 21 and Nov. 2, 2025; Feb. 8 (this concert at Timucua Arts Foundation, 2000 S. Summerlin Ave. in Orlando) and May 3, 2026.
Maitland Market Music Performers
Performances take place at the Maitland Farmers Market, 1776 Independence Lane in Maitland.
MARK & JENA LORIA: Sept. 7 and Dec. 21.
MIKE QUICK DUO: Sept. 14.
BILL & CHERYL FROM THE SUSPECTS: Sept. 21
BRIAN G: Sept. 28.
WENDY & STEVE: Oct. 5.
STEPHEN CURRENCE: Oct. 12
WATKINS DUO: Oct. 19.
HOOSIER MAMAS: Oct. 26.
HANNAH STOKES: Nov. 2.
THE STARLINGS: Nov. 9.
SCOTT DAVIDSON: Nov. 16
HENRY HOOD: Nov. 23.
LYNNE GIBSON DUO: Nov. 30.
DOUBLE TIME: Dec. 7.
MR. HARLEY: Dec. 14.
Maitland Symphony Orchestra
FALL CONCERT: Oct. 26 at Maitland Presbyterian Church, 341 N. Orlando Ave. in Maitland. Classical selections celebrate 20 years of productions.
HOLIDAY POPS: Dec. 7 at Maitland Presbyterian Church, 341 N. Orlando Ave. in Maitland. Seasonal favorites.
MAITLAND SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA PLAYS CONCERTOS: Feb. 1, 2026, at Blue Bamboo Center for the Arts, 460 E. New England Ave. in Winter Park. A diverse selection of concertos.
CONCERT: April 19, 2026, at the Blue Bamboo Center for the Arts, 460 E. New England Ave. in Winter Park. Featuring a guest violinist and classical favorites.
SPRING CONCERT: June 7, 2026. 21st-season finale.
Orlando Contemporary Chamber Orchestra
Performances of innovative and adventurous works by new composers. The orchestra is led by Todd Craven.
CONCERT: June 20, 2026, at Blue Bamboo Center for the Arts, 460 E. New England Ave. in Winter Park.
CONCERT: July 25, 2026. The orchestra is joined by VoxO, a vocal ensemble led by Claire Hodge.
SONGS FROM THE HISPANIC DIASPORA III: Aug. 8, 2026, at Timucua Arts Foundation, 2000 S. Summerlin Ave., in Orlando. Open Scene and VoxO join the orchestra in a musical exploration of exile and displacement through the lens of the Spanish-speaking world. The concert is presented in collaboration with the Central Florida Composers Forum.
RITZ THEATER
The venue, at 201 S. Magnolia Ave., Sanford, hosts plays, children’s productions and other events in addition to concerts. More information: 407-321-8111 or ritztheatersanford.com
SEMINOLE STATE FALL JAZZ NIGHT: Oct. 21. College-student ensemble.
U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY BAND: Nov. 9. The 19-member US Air Force Academy Band Falconaires perform in the time-honored tradition of such historic big-band leaders as Count Basie, Stan Kenton and Major Glenn. Free but reserve tickets ahead.
SEMINOLE STATE CHOIRS: Dec. 9. Timeless carols, holiday classics from student vocalists under the direction of Dianna Campbell.
SANFORD JAZZ ENSEMBLE: Dec. 14 Holiday concert.
A CHRISTMAS WITH SOUL: Dec. 17. Local entertainers perform in a Motown-inspired holiday production curated by former Miss Florida and Miss America Ericka Dunlap.
GREAT AMERICAN BIG BAND CHRISTMAS CONCERT: Dec. 21. Holiday favorites, plus a sing-along.
SANFORD JAZZ ENSEMBLE: Feb. 22, 2026. Salute to Black History Month.
GREAT AMERICAN BIG BAND — A COUNT BASIE TRIBUTE: March 22, 2026. Salute to the famed big-band leader.
SEMINOLE STATE SPRING JAZZ NIGHT: April 7, 2026. Student musicians in the ensembles SeminoleSound, Jazz Combo and Jazz Ambassadors.
SEMINOLE STATE CHOIRS: April 9, 2026. Student singers salute the 60th anniversary of Seminole State College.
ROLLINS COLLEGE
Unless otherwise noted, all concerts are at the Tiedtke Concert Hall on the campus of Rollins College, 1000 Holt Ave. in Winter Park, and they are free. More information: 407-646-1517 or rollins.edu/music-department
ANDRE LASH, ORGAN: Sept. 16. Faculty recital at Knowles Memorial Chapel.
ERIK COLE, CLARINET, AND ASHLEY HEINTZEN, BASSOON: Sept. 21. Faculty recital.
MORGAN DAVIS PECKELS: Sept. 30. Faculty recital with the mezzo-soprano.
ISAAC MOORMAN, CELLO: Oct. 5. Faculty recital.
DANIEL CROZIER AND CHRIS SHELTON: Oct. 9. Contemporary composer faculty concert.
STRING ENSEMBLE: Oct. 16, 2025, in Knowles Memorial Chapel, and April 14, 2026 in Tiedtke Concert Hall.
ORCHESTRA CONCERT: Oct. 21, 2025, in Knowles Memorial Chapel, and April 28, 2026, in Tiedtke Concert Hall.
CHORAL CONCERT: Oct. 23.
JUMPSCARE: CHRIS SHELTON: Oct. 31 in Keene Music Hall.
JAZZ ENSEMBLE: Nov. 11, 2025, and April 1, 2026.
JAZZ COMBO: Nov 12.
ACOUSTIC ENSEMBLE: Nov. 16, 2025, and April 12, 2026.
WIND ENSEMBLE: Nov. 18, 2025, and March 31, 2026 in Knowles Memorial Chapel.
MUSIC PRODUCTION SHOWCASE: Nov. 19, 2025, and April 22, 2026.
INSTRUMENTAL CHAMBER ENSEMBLE: Nov. 20, 2025, and April 16, 2026.
FLUTE ENSEMBLE: Nov. 23, 2025, and April 12, 2026.
COMPOSITION CLASS CONCERT: Nov. 23, 2025, and April 19, 2026.
ENRICO ELISI, PIANO: Nov. 25. Visiting artist.
CHRISTMAS VESPERS: Dec. 5-7 in Knowles Memorial Chapel at Rollins College. Tickets required at rollins.edu/christmas-vespers.
BYEOL KIM, PIANO: March 11, 2026. Faculty recital.
PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE: April 15, 2026.
ROLLINS SINGERS & TREBLE CHOIR: April 26, 2026.
ROLLINS CHOIR & CHAMBER CHOIR: April 27, 2026.
ST. LUKE’S LUTHERAN CHURCH
These free concerts are presented at the church, 2021 W. S.R. 426 in Oviedo. More information: 407-365-3408 or sllcs.org
Concert series
BRASS BAND OF CENTRAL FLORIDA: Sept. 13 and Dec. 6.
FLORIDA SYMPHONY YOUTH ORCHESTRAS: Oct. 11.
UCF SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: Feb 21, 2026.
Additional concert
BRADLEY HUNTER WELCH: Sept. 5. The organist performs at the dedication of a new, four-manual Walker organ, with large screens to watch close-up.
SEMINOLE STATE COLLEGE
Music events take place in Building J, Room 109, at Seminole State College, 100 Weldon Blvd. in Sanford. Also see the Ritz Theater listings for other concerts presented there in partnership with the college. More information: 407-708-2040 or seminolestate.edu/arts/events/concerts
OPERA ORLANDO STUDIO ARTIST SHOWCASE: Sept. 24. Opera Orlando’s Alexandra Kzeski, Ruoxi Bian and Logan Tarwater perform. Free.
FACULTY RECITAL: Oct. 9. Multiple instructors perform on various instruments.
STUDENT RECITALS: Nov. 4 and 11.
MESSIAH SINGALONG: Nov. 18 at Holy Cross Lake Mary, 780 N. Sun Drive. The Seminole State College Community Chorus invites the public to sing selections from the Messiah. Bring your own score, or use one provided on site. Free.
STEINWAY SOCIETY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA
The nonprofit organization provides pianos and music lessons to children. Performances are at Steinway Piano Galleries at Ashby Square, 520 W. State Road 436, Suite 1140 in Altamonte Springs, except where noted. More information: 407-339-3771 or steinwaysocietyorlando.com
DIVAS GALA PRESENTS THE SISAUNDRA SHOW: Sept. 14 at Orlando Museum of Art, 2416 N. Mills Ave. in Orlando. Singer/TV host Sisaundra Lewis headlines the organization’s annual gala.
STUDENT HOLIDAY SHOWCASE: Dec. 7. The holiday performance includes a visit by Santa Claus, performances by Gale Murphy and Carol Stein, and student pianists.
Sisaundra Lewis headlines the annual Divas gala for the Steinway Society of Central Florida. (Courtesy Steinway Society of Central Florida)
TIMUCUA ARTS FOUNDATION
Most programming is both online and in person at 2000 S. Summerlin Ave. in Orlando. More information: 321-234-3985 or timucua.com
Classical Series
FERNWOOD STRING QUARTET: Oct. 4. The group performs Schubert’s “Death and the Maiden,” a journey from youthful longing, through existential confrontation, to spiritual reckoning and catharsis.
Jazz Series
PETE AYRES QUARTET: Sept. 6. New York City-based pianist, vocalist and songwriter.
REJUVENATION ORCHESTRA — SAM RIVERS LEGACY: Sept. 7, Oct. 5, Nov. 2 and Dec. 7, 2025; Jan. 4, Feb. 1, March 1, April 5, May 3, June 7; July 5 and Aug. 2, 2026. Led by Doug Mathews, bassist for the late Sam Rivers.
TIMUCUA JAZZ JAM: Sept. 11, Oct. 9, Nov. 13 and Dec. 11, 2025; Jan. 8, Feb. 12, March 12, April 9, May 14, June 11, July 9 and Aug 13, 2026. Revolving cast of Central Florida jazz all-stars, including tenor saxophonist Ryan Devlin, pianist Per Danielsson, drummer Gerald Law II and bassist Thomas Milovac.
COLLEEN ORENDER — BLUES FROM NASHVILLE: Sept. 13. A mix of blues, jazz and Americana.
ELLIS WHITE TRIO — SMOOTH JAZZ: Sept. 20. St. Augustine-based musicians play contemporary jazz and blues with a twist of Latin.
BURGUNDEE: Oct. 24. Five-piece collective plays an amalgamation of R&B, jazz and neo-soul from Miami with lead vocalist Beatriz Guzman.
PATRIOTIC SALUTE: Nov. 9. Vivacity plays music to honor those who have served America as part of a salute to our nation in this concert for music lovers of all ages.
World Music Series
BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB TRIBUTE: Sept. 26. Performed by Cortadito.
NESTOR TORRES WITH SILVANO MONASTERIOS: Sept. 27. A collage of original works, Latin American standards, pieces from the Great American Songbook and spontaneous improvisations.
GIOVANNI HIDALGO: Oct. 3. Widely recognized as one of the greatest conga players of all time, Hidalgo will perform with his trio, rooted in Latin jazz and deep improvisation.
UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA
Unless otherwise noted, concerts are at the UCF Rehearsal Hall on the main campus, 4000 Central Florida Blvd., and are free. More information: 407-823-1500 or arts.cah.ucf.edu
JAZZ CHAMBER GROUPS: Sept. 16, Sept. 30, Nov. 13 and Nov. 25, 2025; Jan. 27, Feb. 17 and March 10, 2026.
JAZZ ENSEMBLE II: Sept. 23 and Nov. 20, 2025; Feb. 26 and April 14, 2026.
AYAKO YONETANI, VIOLIN: Sept. 26. Faculty recital.
FLYING HORSE BIG BAND: Sept. 26 and Nov. 14, 2025, and Feb. 6 in NSC Auditorium ($10-$20); Oct. 11 in Central Park, downtown Winter Park;
SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA CONCERT: Sept. 28 at Boone High School in Orlando, with the Boone High School Orchestra.
CONCERT BAND: Sept. 28 and Nov. 16 in the Pegasus Ballroom at UCF.
WIND ENSEMBLE & SYMPHONIC BAND: Oct. 7 and Nov. 18, 2025, and Feb. 17, 2026, in the Pegasus Ballroom at UCF.
UCF SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA STRINGS: Oct. 8 in the Pegasus Ballroom at UCF.
NANCY ZELTSMAN, MARIMBA: Oct. 12. Guest artist recital by the leading marimba specialist and professor at Boston Conservatory at Berklee.
UCF SMALL CHOIR: Oct. 12 at Tuskawilla United Methodist Church, 3925 Red Bug Lake Road in Casselberry.
PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE & STEEL BAND: Oct. 14.
UCF CHOIR: Oct. 17 at First United Methodist Church of Orlando, 142 E. Jackson St.
GEORGE WEREMCHUK, SAXOPHONE: Oct. 21. Faculty recital.
BRASS CHAMBER RECITAL: Oct. 30.
TUBANAUTS: Nov. 4, 2025, and April 2, 2026. The UCF Tuba-Euphonium Ensemble performs in concert.
PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE: Nov. 6.
PEGASUS STRING QUARTET: Nov. 8.
UCF OPERA: Nov. 9 and 15. Opera scenes. ($10-$20).
KNIGHTS TRUMPET ENSEMBLE: Nov. 11, 2025
LINDSAY GARRITSON, PIANO: Nov. 14. Faculty recital.
UNIVERSITY ORCHESTRA: Nov. 16 in the Visual Arts Building Auditorium ($10-$20)
SAXOPHONE STUDIO RECITAL: Nov. 16.
COMPOSITION STUDIO RECITAL: Nov. 23, 2025, and April 17, 2026.
UCF CHOIRS — SEASONS OF JOY: Nov. 24 at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 445 S. Magnolia Ave. Ticket prices vary.
CHAMBER WINDS: Nov. 25, 2025, and April 16, 2026.
UCF TRUMPET DAY: Jan. 21, 2026. ($30)
CENTRAL FLORIDA SAXFEST: Jan. 24, 2026.
MPA SOLO VOICE PREPARATION CLINIC: Jan. 25, 2026.
CONCERT AND UNIVERSITY BANDS: Feb. 15 and April 19, 2026, in the Pegasus Ballroom.
UCF-ORLANDO JAZZ FESTIVAL: Feb. 20-21, 2026, at NSC 101 Auditorium ($10-$20)
JEREMY HUNT, TENOR: March 1, 2026. Faculty recital.
UCF TUBA & EUPHONIUM DAY: March 7, 2026. ($25)
UCF TROMBONE DAY: March 14, 2026. ($30)
NATIONAL YOUNG COMPOSERS CHALLENGE: March 15, 2026, at Steinmetz Hall in the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 445 S. Magnolia Ave. in Orlando.
BRASS CHAMBER RECITAL: March 26, 2026.
KNIGHTS TRUMPET ENSEMBLE: April 12, 2026.
SYMPHONY UNDER THE STARS: April 16, 2026, at the UCF Reflection Pond.
UNIVERSITY ORCHESTRA CONCERT: April 19, 2026, in the Visual Arts Building Auditorium.
CHAMBER ORCHESTRA: April 27, 2026.
VALENCIA COLLEGE
Concerts are at the performing-arts center on Valencia College’s East Campus, 701 N. Econlockhatchee Trail in Orlando, unless otherwise noted. More information: 407-582-2332 or valenciacollege.edu/campaign/arts
SYMPHONIC/JAZZ BAND HALLOWEEN CONCERT: Oct. 30 in the mall area of the east campus. Musicians in costume.
HOUSE BAND CONCERT: Nov. 19, 2025, and April 8, 2026, the latter performance in the Technical Theater Lab (Building 2, Room 164)
WINTER CHORAL CONCERT: Nov. 20.
MUSIC DEPARTMENT HOLIDAY SHOW: Nov. 24.
JAZZ CONCERT: Nov. 25.
FALL OPERA THEATRE WORKSHOP: Dec. 4-6.
SPRING JAZZ BAND CONCERT: Feb. 17, 2026.
SYMPHONIC BAND COMMUNITY CONCERT: Feb. 26, 2026.
ART AND MUSIC BAND CONCERT: March 31, 2026. Valencia’s Symphonic and Jazz Band musicians perform while visual artists, lining the front of the stage with easels, create artwork..
SPRING CHORAL CONCERT: April 7, 2025.
SPRING OPERA THEATRE WORKSHOP: April 16-18, 2025.
— Listings compiled by Matthew J. Palm
https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2025/08/28/orlando-sentinel-season-preview-2025-classical-music/
