Kalamazoo Symphony Announces 2026/27 Season Featuring Violinist Itzhak Perlman

The Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra announced its 2026/27 season, including a concert with violin legend Itzhak Perlman on Monday, April 12, 2027. Presented by Zhang Financial, the season features performances that bring together world-renowned artists and bold orchestral works.

A highlight of the season is Itzhak Perlman: Cinema Serenade, an unforgettable evening with the legendary violinist performing music from beloved films alongside personal reflections.

The season also features two performances of Disney's Star Wars: A New Hope in Concert, on Friday, April 2 and Saturday, April 3, 2027, celebrating the film's 50th anniversary with a live performance of John Williams' iconic score synchronized with the full movie.

SIGNATURE SERIES

The six-concert Signature Series brings six concerts at Miller Auditorium, showcasing the orchestra at its finest through epic symphonies and exemplary guest artists. Highlights include:

Violinist Alexi Kenney performing Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's Violin Concerto No. 3 alongside Igor Stravinsky's Petrushka

Powerhouse pianist Yefim Bronfman in Franz Liszt's Piano Concerto No. 2 paired with Johannes Brahms' Symphony No. 4

Gustav Holst's The Planets, a cosmic journey through one of the most beloved orchestral works

Johann Sebastian Bach's monumental St. Matthew Passion, featuring nearly 200 performers

Cellist Sterling Elliott in Antonín Dvořák's Cello Concerto, paired with Ludwig van Beethoven's Symphony No. 7

SYMPHONY SPECIAL EVENTS

Beyond the Signature Series, the 2026/27 season offers a wide range of musical experiences. In addition to Itzhak Perlman: Cinema Serenade and Disney's Star Wars: A New Hope In Concert, the season includes a performance by internationally acclaimed pipa virtuoso Wu Man, as well as a performance of Antonio Vivaldi's The Four Seasons.

For the first time in over a decade, the Symphony brings George Frideric Handel's Messiah to the holiday lineup. Carols by Candlelight and Organ & Brass: Deck the Halls add festive holiday experiences across multiple venues.

The Jane Rooks Ross & Barry Ross Family Discovery Concert, Peter and the Wolf, invites audiences of all ages to experience the magic of the orchestra through storytelling and music.

AMY WILLIAMS | PRESIDENT & CEO

Announced in March 2026, the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra is thrilled to welcome Amy Williams as the Symphony's next President and CEO, effective May 26, 2026. She joins the Kalamazoo Symphony from the Savannah Philharmonic in Savannah, GA, where she led a comprehensive transformation that has strengthened the organization artistically, financially, and within the community.

"I am truly excited to work alongside the Board, staff, and musicians to continue the Kalamazoo Symphony's great momentum and history of bringing to life musical programs in the concert hall, classrooms, and throughout the region," said Williams.

EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

The Kalamazoo Symphony remains a national leader in music education, serving tens of thousands of students annually through programs like Kalamazoo Kids in Tune and Orchestra Rouh. A full schedule of education and community engagement programs will be announced throughout the season.

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