Greetings music lovers, and welcome to “Sounds of Joy,” the 2026-27 season of the Waco Symphony!
This season is built around the power of music to move us, inspire us, and bring us together. Whether through exhilarating film scores, beloved masterworks, world class guest artists, or memorable holiday performances, every concert this season offers moments of joy through the power of live orchestral music.
We open the season with pianist Orion Weiss performing Grieg’s Piano Concerto alongside the dreamlike impressionism of Debussy’s Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun and the late-Romantic masterpiece, Rachmaninoff’s Symphony No. 3. In October, we welcome legendary guitarist Sharon Isbin for Rodrigo’s Concierto de Aranjuez in a vibrant celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month.
Our special performances include the film Top Gun: Maverick in Concert and two performances of The Nutcracker in partnership with Ballet Frontier of Texas, creating unforgettable experiences for audiences of all ages.
In January, we celebrate the 95th birthday of legendary composer John Williams with music from Star Wars, Harry Potter, Indiana Jones, Jurassic Park, E.T., and more. In March, internationally acclaimed violinist William Hagen joins the WSO for Brahms’s Violin Concerto in a program filled with musical portraits, nostalgia, and friendship.
The season culminates with Beethoven’s monumental Symphony No. 9, marking the 200th anniversary of his death. Featuring four acclaimed soloists and the Central Texas Choral Society, this iconic work closes the season with its timeless “Ode to Joy,” a powerful reminder of music’s ability to unite and uplift the human spirit.
We invite you to join us for a season filled with artistry, imagination, nostalgia, exhilaration, and above all, joy.
