Nashville Symphony | Ron Spigelman, conductor | Leslie Odom, Jr.
Featuring a GRAMMY® and Tony award-winner of Broadway — and specifically Hamilton — fame! Be in the room where it happens as mega-talented singer, actor, and songwriter, Leslie Odom, Jr. joins the Nashville Symphony to deliver orchestrated versions of beloved Christmas, Broadway, and popular music hits. The audience will thrill to Odom, Jr.’s vocal prowess, stage presence, and genuine charm.
CHRIS CRENSHAW, Music Director, Trombone, The Golkin Family Chair | RYAN KISOR, Trumpet | KENNY RAMPTON, Trumpet | MARCUS PRINTUP, Trumpet | MICHAEL RODRIGUEZ, Trumpet | ELLIOT MASON, Trombone | DION TUCKER, Trombone | SHERMAN IRBY, Alto and Soprano Saxophones, Flute, Clarinet | ALEXA TARANTINO, Alto and Soprano Saxophones, Flute, Clarinet | CHRIS LEWIS, Tenor and Soprano Saxophones, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet | ABDIAS ARMENTEROS, Tenor and Soprano Saxophones, Clarinet, The Zou Family Chair in Saxophone | PAUL NEDZELA, Baritone and Soprano Saxophones, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet | DAN NIMMER, Piano, The Zou Family Chair in Piano | CARLOS HENRIQUEZ, Bass, The Mandel Family Chair in honor of Kathleen B. Mandel | OBED CALVAIRE, Drums
The pride of NYC, Jazz at Lincoln Center swings to the Schermerhorn with full band and featuring vocalists Ekep Nkwelle and Robbie Lee to perform jazz-infused big band versions of your favorite holiday songs.
Presented without the Nashville Symphony. Wynton Marsalis will not perform at this concert.
12/14
Saturday12:00 PM
How does a violin make sound? Is there an instrument that sounds like rain, or thunder? Join the Symphony and Friends of Mill Ridge Park for a day of music and nature on Saturday, December 14th from 12-2PM! Featuring fireside stories, crafts, a nature walk, and an instrument petting zoo at the Friends’ House! Great for elementary ages.
Location: 12965 Old Hickory Blvd, Antioch, 37013. Look for three yellow flags and six yellow cones.
See our program page to learn more about Music In My Neighborhood!
12/14
Saturday6:00 PM
12/14
Saturday8:00 PM
Family 4 Pack: Four Tickets for $100! Just use code BRASS to activate the discount. Currently available in orchestra view behind the stage.
Members of the Nashville Symphony | Chris Norton, conductor
Join members of your Nashville Symphony brass, percussion, and organ sections for a festive and joyful holiday concert. Audiences of all ages will rejoice in beautiful, seasonal selections like the Suite from The Nutcracker, March of the Toys from Babes in Toyland, “Joy to The World,” and “Sleigh Ride.” Our musicians can’t wait to share our classical Christmas celebration with you, your family and friends in the splendor of Schermerhorn Symphony Center.
Please note that there are only single seats available for this performance.
Drew and Ellie Holcomb are a husband and wife Americana duo from Nashville, TN. Shortly after their marriage in 2006, the couple began touring together with Drew Holcomb and The Neighbors. The band has supported many national touring acts including The Avett Brothers, Don Henley, Darius Rucker and Willie Nelson.
Ellie is no longer a touring member of “The Neighbors,” and has found success in a solo career as a Christian singer/songwriter as a 3x Dove Award winner as well as a best selling author.
Drew Holcomb still tours nationally with Drew Holcomb and The Neighbors, and their most recent album, Strangers No More, is their most critically acclaimed release yet, notching a #1 Americana single, “Find Your People.”
Drew and Ellie Holcomb’s Neighborly Christmas is a special engagement event, allowing the Holcombs to collaborate once again.
Presented without the Nashville Symphony.
Nashville Symphony & Chorus | Tucker Biddlecombe, conductor | Mary Wilson, soprano | Katherine Beck, mezzo soprano | John Tiranno, tenor | Alexander Birch Elliot, baritone
Featuring the resounding Hallelujah Chorus, it’s Nashville's grandest Messiah — full of passion, drama and passages of stunning beauty. Celebrate the season as your Nashville Symphony & Chorus — and four astounding soloists — perform one of the most inspiring works of music ever written. This season’s Handel’s Messiah is conducted by Nashville Symphony Chorus Director Tucker Biddlecombe.
Start the new year refreshed and restored. Join sound practitioner Kayce Laine for an immersive sound bath featuring meditative sounds and live vocals to soothe your post-holiday stresses. This event opens with mindful movement led by singer-songwriter and mindfulness guide Joanna Barbera.
Yoga mat tickets are available on the stage and orchestra flat floor. Please bring your own yoga mat or meditation cushion as this will be on the floor. Sound bath seating is available in theater-style seats around the perimeter of the hall.
Presented without the Nashville Symphony.
Tickets Starting at $29
Nashville Symphony | Giancarlo Guerrero, conductor | Nashville Symphony Chorus | Tucker Biddlecombe, chorus director | Emanuel Ax, piano
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Overture to Cosí fan tutte
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Concerto No. 20 in D minor for Piano and Orchestra, K. 466
Maurice Ravel: Daphnis et Chloé
It’s always a delight when the charismatic Emanuel Ax, a frequent and favorite guest artist, makes an appearance. He returns to perform one of Mozart’s most beloved and enduring concertos before Giancarlo embarks on Ravel’s epic Daphnis et Chloé, a true symphonic showcase. Originally written as a ballet, Ravel’s impressionistic score, full of lush orchestrations and a full spectrum of colors—including a wordless chorus—is considered by many to be the composer’s crowning achievement.
Tickets Starting at $36
Nashville Symphony | Enrico Lopez-Yañez, conductor | War & Treaty
Husband-and-wife powerhouse vocal duo Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter have taken the music world by storm with their astounding mix of Americana, country, soul, blues, folk, rock, and gospel. Now, hot on the heels of their Grammy® and CMA Award nominations and their newest album, Lover’s Game, The War And Treaty performs their first-ever concerts with a symphony orchestra in Music City, alongside the Nashville Symphony conducted by Enrico Lopez-Yañez.
Nashville Symphony | Jonathan Taylor Rush, conductor | Mickey Guyton | Celebration Chorus - Odessa Settles, chorus master | Celebration Youth Chorus - Margaret Campbelle-Holman, co-director & Dr. Nita Smith, co-director | W. Crimm Singers
Join the Nashville Symphony for an unforgettable evening honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at our 31st annual MLK Celebration. This inspiring event will feature the powerful voices of the Celebration Chorus and Celebration Youth Chorus, along with four-time, GRAMMY®-nominated artist and country music trailblazer Mickey Guyton.
Experience a moving blend of classical, contemporary, and spiritual music that celebrates Dr. King’s enduring message of hope, equality, and justice. Enjoy a poignant performance of Mickey Guyton’s personal and powerful song, “Black Like Me,” which echoes Dr. King’s dream for freedom and progress. Be uplifted as the Nashville Symphony and these incredible artists come together for a concert filled with joy, hope, and reflection.
Tickets to this concert help support the Nashville Symphony’s 300+ annual education and community programs, making an impact across Middle Tennessee.
Tickets start at $25. Submit a Group Inquiry Form for groups of ten or more.
Please note that this event has a nine-ticket limit per household.
Nashville Symphony | Giancarlo Guerrero, conductor | Bang on a Can All-Stars
Richard Wagner: Overture to The Flying Dutchman
Julia Wolfe: Flower Power | Live Recording
Ludwig van Beethoven: Symphony No. 7
One of the hallmarks of Giancarlo’s tenure has been the relationships he has developed with composers, inviting them to Nashville to make definitive recordings of their work. Julia Wolfe is one such composer: she describes her Flower Power, inspired by the 1960s counterculture movement, as “about optimism, idealism, psychedelia, breaking with convention, and a little bit of love and peace.” Beethoven self-proclaimed his Seventh Symphony as one of his best works—we couldn’t agree more.
Family 4 Pack: Four Tickets for $100! Just use code SNAKE to activate the discount.
Nashville Symphony | Ming Luke, conductor | Susan Yang, soloist
Ring in the Year of the Snake with the Nashville Symphony’s 2nd Annual Lunar New Year Celebration, conducted by Ming Luke and featuring soloist Susan Yang! Join us for a vibrant and traditional musical experience, bringing together rich cultural traditions and the world-class artistry of the Nashville Symphony.
Come early to explore a lively bazaar in our lobbies, curated by Asian & Pacific Islanders of Middle Tennessee (API) and the Chinese Arts Alliance of Nashville (CAAN). Enjoy festive music, crafts, and shopping that celebrate the spirit of the Lunar New Year.
The concert will feature traditional music from across Asia, Ravel’s Pagodas from Mother Goose Suite, and a solo performance of the Yellow River Piano Concerto by our featured artist, Susan Yang.
Celebrate the Lunar New Year with joy, good fortune, and an unforgettable evening of music, culture, and community.
Tickets to this concert help support the Nashville Symphony’s 300+ annual education and community programs, making a lasting impact across Middle Tennessee.
Tickets start at $27. Submit a Group Inquiry Form for groups of ten or more.
Please note that this event has a nine-ticket limit per household.
Tickets Starting at $29
Nashville Symphony | Nathan Aspinall, conductor
Celebrate the 150th birthday of the iconic French composer Maurice Ravel with the Nashville Symphony. A true classical music innovator, Ravel was praised for his orchestrations and for incorporating elements of modernism, baroque, neoclassicism, and even jazz into his music. Resident Conductor Nathan Aspinall leads the Orchestra through some of Ravel’s most significant works, including the Mother Goose Suite, Concerto for the Left Hand, La Valse, and his most-loved work, Bolero.
This concert is currently available to 2024/25 season ticket holders and donors $500+.
Tickets go on sale to the general public Friday, December 13, 2024, at 10 AM.
Want Early Access to This Concert Now?
Click here to Compose Your Own 3+ Concert Package including Bluebird at the Symphony or call 615.687.6400 to order.
Lee Miller, vocals | Wendell Mobley, vocals | Chris DeStefano, vocals
Since 1982, Nashville’s iconic Bluebird Cafe has celebrated the artistry of songwriters, offering an intimate, acoustic environment that pulls back the curtain on the “Heroes Behind the Hits.” Over four decades, countless artists and songwriters have launched their careers at The Bluebird, giving audiences an exclusive front-row seat to the creative process.
For the first time, this one-of-a-kind experience expands to the Schermerhorn Symphony Center’s grand stage, where the musicians of the Nashville Symphony join forces with The Bluebird Cafe to bring you Bluebird at the Symphony. In this artistic collaboration, celebrated songwriters will perform their familiar favorites—hits made famous by superstars like Lady Gaga, Lauren Daigle, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Swift, Luke Bryan, Rascal Flatts, and more—reimagined with magnificent orchestrations performed live by the GRAMMY®-winning Nashville Symphony.
Bluebird at the Symphony offers an unforgettable fusion of Nashville’s rich songwriting tradition and the unparalleled talent of the musicians of the Nashville Symphony, showcasing the songwriting soul of Music City in a new way. Witness the creativity of the songwriters, enhanced by the grandeur of world-class musicians of the Nashville Symphony, as timeless songs come to life like never before.
Presented with members of the Nashville Symphony.
Nashville Symphony | Nicholas Hersh, conductor | Nashville Symphony Chorus | Tucker Biddlecombe, chorus director | Gabriella Reyes, soprano | Jennifer Johnson Cano, mezzo soprano | Alek Shrader, tenor | David Leigh, bass
Carlos Simon: Fate Now Conquers
Maurice Ravel: Shéhérazade
Ludwig van Beethoven: Symphony No. 9 (“Choral”)
Conductor Nicholas Hersh’s inaugural Nashville Symphony series concert brings together a leading American composer and two classic works. Inspired by an entry in Beethoven’s journal, Carlos Simon composed Fate Now Conquers to evoke the unpredictability of fate through musical gestures. Ravel’s inspiration for his song cycle Shéhérazade came from the Sinbad episode from Arabian Nights, where the heroine/narrator spins out tale after tale to save her life. And Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, one of the most frequently performed symphonies in the world, is considered by critics to be one of the supreme achievements in the history of music.
Charissa Leung, violin | Sarah Page, violin | Anthony Parce, viola | Grace Parce, cello | Rachel Miller, harp
Join us for an evening of chamber music, curated by the musicians of your Nashville Symphony! Enjoy this program of music for harp and strings, followed by a Q&A with ensemble members.
PROGRAM
Anthony Parce: Riddles
Andre Caplet: Conte Fantastique for Harp, Two Violins, Viola, and Cello
Felix Mendelssohn: String Quartet in A minor, Op. 13
Please note that registration for seating is “Choose What You Pay”. Your donation helps us bring music to people throughout Middle Tennessee. Up to four seats may be reserved per order, per performance.
Tickets Starting at $36
Nashville Symphony | Jason Seber, conductor
Watch this iconic film, winner of ten Academy Awards®, including Best Picture. The Nashville Symphony plays Leonard Bernstein’s electrifying score and memorable songs with lyrics by Stephen Sondheim live, while the original, re-mastered film is shown in glorious high definition on the big screen with the vocals and dialog intact. This classic romantic tragedy, directed by Robert Wise and Jerome Robbins and one of the greatest achievements in the history of movie musicals, features Robbins’ breathtaking choreography and a screenplay by Ernest Lehman based on the masterful book by Arthur Laurents.
Long before Bridgerton broke the Netflix algorithm, Vitamin String Quartet (VSQ) had helped establish classical crossover as a genuine force in contemporary music. Fresh off high-profile placements in Seasons 1 and 2 of the aforementioned streaming smash, VSQ has "reached a mainstream, global audience" (Variety) and "charmed the world with their classical covers" (Nylon). New York Observer wrote, "VSQ's atmospheric hits have made classical versions of pop music cool.” On their latest tour, VSQ have created fresh arrangements of the cultural phenomenon that is Taylor Swift, performing spellbinding and innovative renditions of Swift’s music, alongside familiar hits from Billie Eilish, BTS, Bridgerton, The Weeknd to Daft Punk. VSQ is one of the most popular string ensembles in the world with over 2 billion streams and seven albums charting on both Billboard Classical and Classical Crossover charts.
Presented without the Nashville Symphony.
Nashville Symphony | Giancarlo Guerrero, conductor | Itzhak Perlman, violin
A prodigious violinist, Itzhak Perlman enjoys superstar status rarely afforded by a classical musician. Beloved for his talent, charm, and humanitarian efforts, he is treasured by audiences throughout the world. The concert features Perlman and the Nashville Symphony, conducted by Music Director Giancarlo Guerrero, performing Paul Dukas’ The Sorcerer’s Apprentice; Ennio Morricone’s Love Theme from Cinema Paradiso; John Williams’ Themes from Far and Away, Sabrina, and Schindler’s List; Carlos Gardel’s Tango (Por Una Cabeza) from Scent of a Woman; and many more.
COUNTERPOINT is a collaboration between pianist and composer Conrad Tao and choreographer and dancer Caleb Teicher. The duo explores the dichotomy of their different perspectives and artistic practices, expanding their individual expressive capacity through a collective experience. Harmonic, rhythmic, and theatrical counterpoint between the artists seeks to map out constellations linking their disparate traditions, driving the imagination and opening the heart. The stylistically diverse music of COUNTERPOINT includes the Aria from Bach’s Goldberg Variations, Art Tatum’s demented stride piano, Arnold Schoenberg’s ironic take on the Viennese waltz, a delicate miniature from Tao and Teicher’s More Forever, and threading it all together, a work that bridges traditions, approaches, and styles—Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue.
Presented without the Nashville Symphony.
Tickets Starting at $29
Nashville Symphony | Leonard Slatkin, conductor | Inbal Segev, cello
Gioachino Rossini: Overture to La gazza ladra
Mark Adamo: Last Year
Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 5
Israeli-American cellist Inbal Segev brings her reputation as one of the foremost interpreters of contemporary works for cello to Mark Adamo’s Last Year, a modern take on Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons evoking cinematic drama. Former Music Advisor Leonard Slatkin conducts this program, which includes Tchaikovsky’s universally beloved Fifth Symphony. Not to be missed.
Nashville Symphony | Conductor to be Announced | Scott Coulter, Jessica Hendy, and Alex Getlin; vocalists | John Boswell, piano and vocalist
This can’t-miss musical extravaganza will honor iconic New Jersey artists like Sinatra, Bruce, Frankie Valli, Whitney Houston, Dionne Warwick, Bon Jovi, Lesley Gore, and more. Expect fully orchestrated renditions of hits like “Fly Me To The Moon,” “That's Life!,” “Fire,” “I Will Always Love You,” “Livin’ on a Prayer,” “What the World Needs Now,” “My Eyes Adored You,” and so much more. Featuring a slate of blow-your-mind singers backed by the Nashville Symphony.
3/6
Thursday7:30 PM
This free community concert is a part of The Nashville Symphony's third iteration of Music in My Neighborhood, a musical residency in a neighborhood in Nashville. This season's Music In My Neighborhood Residency will be held in Antioch this March and beyond. The Symphony will be partnering with local organizations and schools to highlight Antioch’s history, culture, and residents through a series of free ensemble performances, educational programs, and unique collaborations.
See our program page to learn more about Music In My Neighborhood!
The stories and songs from one of the greatest singer/songwriters in rock and roll history is being brought to the stage in “The Legendary Life Of Tom Petty” with songs such as “Learning To Fly”, “American Girl” and “Don’t Come Around Here”. Juno award-winning recording artist Clayton Bellamy and an all-star band of musicians will take you on a musical and visual journey through Petty’s humble beginnings in Florida to becoming one of the greatest music icons of all time. “The Legendary Life Of Tom Petty” is heart-breaking and heart-warming production and the ultimate way to experience the music of Tom Petty live!
Presented without the Nashville Symphony.
3/8
Saturday10:30 AM
Nashville Symphony musicians Anna Lisa Hoepfinger and Keith Nicholas will bring fables and picture books to life in this free, 35-minute musical program geared toward Pre-K and elementary children. The program includes live music, storybooks, and active listening activities, along with visual and sensory elements that are incorporated to support neurodiversity and accessibility.
See our program page to learn more about Music In My Neighborhood!
Nashville Symphony | Lucas Waldin | Rita Wilson
A multi-talented actor, singer, producer, and visual artist, Rita Wilson will collaborate with the Nashville Symphony and special guests to perform her first-ever concert with full orchestra! This truly special evening will feature world premiere arrangements of Rita’s most beloved hits, and more.
The duo returns! GRAMMY® and Tony Award-winning vocalist Dee Dee Bridgewater puts her unique spin on standards and jazz classics. This fearless voyager, explorer, pioneer, and keeper of tradition will be joined by Bill Charlap, one of today’s leading jazz pianists. Together, for one incredibly special evening, they will explore a wide range of material with impeccable style, skill, and sensitivity.
Presented without the Nashville Symphony.
This concert is currently available to 2024/25 season ticket holders and donors $500+.
Tickets go on sale to the general public Friday, December 13, 2024, at 10 AM.
Want Early Access to This Concert Now?
Click here to Compose Your Own 3+ Concert Package including Bluebird at the Symphony or call 615.687.6400 to order.
Kelly Archer, vocals | Natalie Hemby, vocals | Trannie Anderson, vocals
Since 1982, Nashville’s iconic Bluebird Cafe has celebrated the artistry of songwriters, offering an intimate, acoustic environment that pulls back the curtain on the “Heroes Behind the Hits.” Over four decades, countless artists and songwriters have launched their careers at The Bluebird, giving audiences an exclusive front-row seat to the creative process.
For the first time, this one-of-a-kind experience expands to the Schermerhorn Symphony Center’s grand stage, where the musicians of the Nashville Symphony join forces with The Bluebird Cafe to bring you Bluebird at the Symphony. In this artistic collaboration, celebrated songwriters will perform their familiar favorites—hits made famous by superstars like Lady Gaga, Lauren Daigle, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Swift, Luke Bryan, Rascal Flatts, and more—reimagined with magnificent orchestrations performed live by the GRAMMY®-winning Nashville Symphony.
Bluebird at the Symphony offers an unforgettable fusion of Nashville’s rich songwriting tradition and the unparalleled talent of the musicians of the Nashville Symphony, showcasing the songwriting soul of Music City in a new way. Witness the creativity of the songwriters, enhanced by the grandeur of world-class musicians of the Nashville Symphony, as timeless songs come to life like never before.
Presented with members of the Nashville Symphony.
Nashville Symphony | Chris Dragon, conductor | Gregory Alan Isakov
Acclaimed singer-songwriter Gregory Alan Isakov brings his introspective melodies and poetic lyrics to the Schermerhorn Symphony Center for an unforgettable evening with the Nashville Symphony, led by conductor Chris Dragon. With six acclaimed studio albums, including the GRAMMY®-nominated Evening Machines and his latest release Appaloosa Bones, Isakov’s music paints vivid landscapes that have captivated audiences worldwide. Experience Isakov's hauntingly beautiful songs like never before as his signature sound is elevated by the rich harmonies of the full orchestra.
“He has that magical ability to convey both urgency and grandeur at the same time... Simple. Straightforward. Utterly evocative.” - The Associated Press
$1 from the sale of each ticket purchased will be donated to Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee, whose mission is to ensure equitable access to the food & resources people in their community need to thrive.
Tickets Starting at $29
Nashville Symphony | David Danzmayr, conductor | Aaron Diehl, piano
Osvaldo Golijov: Sidereus
Mary Lou Williams: Zodiac Suite
Franz Schubert: Symphony No. 8 (“Unfinished”)
Johann Strauss, Jr: Kaiser-Walzer (Emperor Waltzes)
Jazz meets classical as the multi-faceted pianist Aaron Diehl brings his trio for a rare performance of Mary Lou Williams’ Zodiac Suite, a suite of 12 pieces inspired by astrological signs and musicians born under them. Newcomer David Danzmayr opens his program with Golijov’s Sidereus, the composer’s depiction of Galileo’s celestial “Starry Messenger,” before delving into Schubert’s best-known work, the “Unfinished” symphony. The evening ends on a light note with Johann Strauss, Jr.’s Emperor Waltzes.
Karen Slack — the 2022 Sphinx Medal of Excellence winner and a featured soloist from The Jonah People — is one of today’s most celebrated sopranos. Widely admired for her voice of extreme beauty and dramatic depth, she returns to the Schermerhorn with her latest work, African Queens. Featuring new music written for her by both African and American composers, each song reflects the beauty, humility, passion, and power of a different queen. Featuring works of Jasmine Barnes, Damien Geter, Jessie Montgomery, Shawn Okpebholo, Dave Ragland, Carlos Simon, and Joel Thompson with text by Lorene Cary, Alicia Haymer, Tsitsi Ella Jaji, Deborah D.E.E.P Mouton, and Creative Collaborator Jay Saint Flono.
Presented without the Nashville Symphony.
Back by popular demand, Kodo returns! In Japanese, the word “Kodo” holds a double meaning. It can be translated as “heartbeat,” the primal source of all rhythm or “children of the drum,” which reflects the group’s desire to play the drums with the simple heart of a child. No stranger to the stage, Kodo has given over 7,000 performances in more than 50 countries and regions on five continents. Audiences will be thrilled by Kodo’s rhythmic and intense sounds when it returns to the Schermerhorn.
Presented without the Nashville Symphony.
Nashville Symphony | Enrico Lopez-Yañez, conductor
Dolly Parton, celebrated icon and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, brings the world premiere of Dolly Parton’s Threads: My Songs in Symphony to the Schermerhorn Symphony Center! Led by Principal Pops Conductor Enrico Lopez-Yañez, and featuring the Nashville Symphony, this unique symphonic experience reimagines Dolly’s greatest hits—including “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors,” and “I Will Always Love You”—with new orchestrations and vivid multimedia storytelling.
Join us for a one-night-only journey through Dolly’s music, life, and legacy, featuring guest vocalists and musicians personally selected by the legendary artist herself. Don't miss this unforgettable evening with your Nashville Symphony and a special appearance from Dolly herself!
Come early to enjoy Dolly-themed food and beverages in our Café.
Nashville Symphony | Enrico Lopez-Yañez, conductor
Bring the entire family to experience the epic Walt Disney Animation Studio’s feature The Lion King with Hans Zimmer’s Oscar-winning score performed live by the Nashville Symphony, conducted by Enrico Lopez-Yañez. The original 1994 version features unforgettable music by a team including Elton John, lyricist Tim Rice, and Hans Zimmer — plus African vocal and choir arrangements by South African producer and composer Lebo M.
Rated G.
Tickets Starting at $29
Nashville Symphony | Rune Bergmann, conductor | Branford Marsalis, saxophone
Joan Tower: Tambor
John Williams: Escapades for Alto Saxophone and Orchestra
Sergei Rachmaninoff: Symphony No. 2
Branford Marsalis, of the Marsalis jazz family dynasty, takes a solo turn in master-of-melodies John Williams’ saxophone concerto—largely based on his score from the 2002 film Catch Me If You Can. Guest conductor Rune Bergmann begins with Tambor, a work the orchestra has recorded with Joan Tower, and culminates with Rachmaninoff’s sweepingly romantic Second Symphony.
Following a sold-out tour in the UK and across Europe, The Simon and Garfunkel Story heads to North American shores. A theatrical-style concert experience, this show traces the life and times of the influential '60s act with video projections and vintage clips, and of course, live performances of loads of the duo's greatest hits. You can expect to hear 'The Sound of Silence,' 'Mrs. Robinson,' 'Bridge Over Troubled Water,' 'America,' 'The Boxer,' 'April Come She Will,' 'The Only Living Boy in New York,' 'Homeward Bound,' and many more in this captivating trip down memory lane!
Presented without the Nashville Symphony.
Charissa Leung, violin | Charles Dixon, viola | Keith Nicholas, cello | Susan Yang, piano
Join us for an evening of chamber music, curated by the musicians of your Nashville Symphony! Enjoy an evening of music by Gustav Mahler and Antonín Dvořák, followed by a Q&A with ensemble members.
PROGRAM
Gustav Mahler: Quartet Movement for Piano, Violin, Viola and Cello in A Minor
Antonín Dvořák: Piano Quartet No. 2 in Eb Major, Op 87
I. Allegro
II. Lento
III. Allegro moderato, grazioso - un pochettino piu mosso
IV. Finale. Allegro ma non troppo
Please note that registration for seating is “Choose What You Pay”. Your donation helps us bring music to people throughout Middle Tennessee. Up to four seats may be reserved per order, per performance.
Nashville Symphony | Enrico Lopez-Yañez, conductor | Lyle Lovett
The incomparable Lyle Lovett brings his soulful voice and impeccable guitar skills to perform alongside the Nashville Symphony. A singer, composer, and actor, Lyle Lovett has broadened the definition of American music in a career that spans 14 albums. Coupled with his gift for storytelling, the Texas-based musician fuses elements of country, swing, jazz, folk, gospel, and blues, defying convention and creating rich and eclectic works that are some of the most beloved of any artist working today.
Nashville Symphony | Nathan Aspinall, conductor
Blast off to outer space with the Nashville Symphony! Join the orchestra as we journey through the galaxy to explore the planets, travel amongst the stars, and witness the vast expanse of outer space through music.
Tickets Starting at $29
Nashville Symphony | Anthony Parnther, conductor | Demarre McGill, flute | Titus Underwood, oboe | Anthony McGill, clarinet | Andrew Brady, bassoon
Joan Huang: Tu-Jia Dance
Jasmine Barnes: Four Winds Concertante
Felix Mendelssohn: Symphony No. 5 (“Reformation”)
Anthony Parnther’s Classical subscription debut pairs works elevating underrepresented voices with a seminal symphony. Known for her seamless fusion of Chinese folk music with Western compositional techniques, Joan Huang conjures the robust and rhythmic ritual dance traditions of the Tujia people of western Hunan. Jasmine Barnes’ Four Winds Concertante features Principal Oboe Titus Underwood and three principal players from other leading U.S. orchestras. And Mendelssohn, a devout admirer of Bach, wrote his Fifth Symphony in commemoration of the Protestant Reformation, heavily quoting the Lutheran chorale A Mighty Fortress is Our God.
The French National Orchestra of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes embarks on a U.S. tour to honor the bicentennial of Marquis de Lafayette’s 1825 return to America as “Guest of the Nation,” 50 years after his heroic fight for American independence. Born at the Château de Chavaniac in Auvergne, the Marquis de Lafayette symbolizes the enduring bond between France and the United States.
In addition to Nashville, the tour will visit key cities and landmarks from Lafayette’s historic journey, including Washington, Charleston, New Orleans, and West Point.
Under the baton of Thomas Zehetmair, the French National Orchestra will present a captivating program inspired by Lafayette’s story and the era of his service, accompanied by an immersive sound and light experience that retraces his travels and remarkable life journey.
Presented without the Nashville Symphony.
Conductor and violinist: Thomas Zehetmair
Joseph BOLOGNE, Chevalier Saint-George: Anonymous lover, overture
Ruth CRAWFORD SEEGER: Andante for strings
W.A MOZART: Violin Concerto No. 5 in A major KV. 219
Thomas ZEHETMAIR: Passacaglia, burlesque and chorale for string orchestra | world premiere
L. V BEETHOVEN: Great Fugue in B-flat major Opus 133
This concert is currently available to 2024/25 season ticket holders and donors $500+.
Tickets go on sale to the general public Friday, December 13, 2024, at 10 AM.
Want Early Access to This Concert Now?
Click here to Compose Your Own 3+ Concert Package including Bluebird at the Symphony or call 615.687.6400 to order.
Nashville Symphony | Nathan Aspinall, conductor | Brett James, vocals | Hillary Lindsey, vocals | Cary Barlowe, vocals
Since 1982, Nashville’s iconic Bluebird Cafe has celebrated the artistry of songwriters, offering an intimate, acoustic environment that pulls back the curtain on the “Heroes Behind the Hits.” Over four decades, countless artists and songwriters have launched their careers at The Bluebird, giving audiences an exclusive front-row seat to the creative process.
For the first time, this one-of-a-kind experience expands to the Schermerhorn Symphony Center’s grand stage, where the musicians of the Nashville Symphony join forces with The Bluebird Cafe to bring you Bluebird at the Symphony. In this artistic collaboration, celebrated songwriters will perform their familiar favorites—hits made famous by superstars like Lady Gaga, Lauren Daigle, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Swift, Luke Bryan, Rascal Flatts, and more—reimagined with magnificent orchestrations performed live by the GRAMMY®-winning Nashville Symphony.
Bluebird at the Symphony offers an unforgettable fusion of Nashville’s rich songwriting tradition and the unparalleled talent of the musicians of the Nashville Symphony, showcasing the songwriting soul of Music City in a new way. Witness the creativity of the songwriters, enhanced by the grandeur of a world-class orchestra, as timeless songs come to life like never before.
Tickets Starting at $29
Nashville Symphony | Giancarlo Guerrero, conductor | Oliver Herbert, cello | Tony Siqi Yun, piano
Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky: Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture
Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky: Variations on a Rococo Theme for Cello and Orchestra
Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky: Concerto No. 1 for Piano and Orchestra, Opus 23
Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky: Capriccio italien
Catch a rising star—or two—at the Nashville Symphony in our annual concert shining a spotlight on up-and-coming artists. First China International Music Competition Gold Medalist Tony Siqi Yun (age 22) and 2021 Avery Fisher Career Grant winner Oliver Herbert (age 27) have made important American orchestra debuts and are sought-after worldwide as soloists and recitalists. Giancarlo welcomes them on an all-Tchaikovsky program that also highlights two perennial orchestral favorites: the Romeo & Juliet Fantasy Overture, and Capriccio italien.
The Lawrence S. Levine Memorial Concert
Nashville Symphony | Enrico Lopez-Yañez, conductor | Lettuce
A Schermerhorn premiere engagement! Lettuce is an exceptional, genre-busting, six-member musical collective formed by four Berklee College of Music alumni. It begins with funk and tosses in strains of jazz, hip-hop, rock, psychedelia, soul, jam, go-go, and avant-garde. For this concert, Lettuce and the Nashville Symphony, conducted by Enrico Lopez-Yañez, will wow audiences with fully orchestrated funky, jazzy, and eclectic music.
Tickets Starting at $36
Nashville Symphony | Enrico Lopez-Yañez, conductor | Ender Thomas, vocals | Jackie Mendez, vocals | José Sibaja, trumpet | Luisito Quintero, percussion
Get on your feet, and let’s get loud with the greatest hits of the ‘90s and ‘00s Latin pop explosion! La Vida Loca celebrates artists including Enrique Iglesias, Gloria Estefan, Santana, Ricky Martin, and more. Conductor Enrico Lopez-Yañez, world-renowned vocalists Ender Thomas and Jackie Mendez, and multi-GRAMMY® Award winners José Sibaja on trumpet and Luisito Quintero on percussion join the Nashville Symphony for a high-octane program featuring all-new symphonic arrangements by Lopez- Yañez and Sibaja.
Nashville Symphony | Enrico Lopez-Yañez, conductor
May the Fourth be with you! This must-experience outdoor concert features the Nashville Symphony conducted by Enrico Lopez-Yañez performing John Williams' – and other composers' – iconic scores. It’s the memorable music from a galaxy far, far away featuring Star Wars selections from the entire film saga, including some of the most thrilling music ever written for movies. Highlights include the Star Wars Main Title, “The Phantom Menace Suite,” “The Rise of Skywalker: The Speeder Chase,” and so much more.
Tickets Starting at $29
Nashville Symphony | Giancarlo Guerrero, conductor | Peter Otto, violin
Samuel Barber: Overture to The School for Scandal
C.F. Kip Winger: Violin Concerto No. 1 | World Premiere | Live Recording
Aaron Copland: Symphony No. 3
Walter Buchanan Sharp Concertmaster Peter Otto takes center stage for the world premiere of a new concerto by rock artist and GRAMMY®-nominated classical composer Kip Winger. Giancarlo opens this all-American program with Barber’s playful and comedic overture. Copland’s third symphony—which incorporates his best-known work, Fanfare for the Common Man — was commissioned by the legendary conductor Serge Koussevitzky, a prolific catalyst for American music who continues to be an inspiration to Giancarlo.
The three-time GRAMMY®-winning vocalist, Samara Joy, returns to Schermerhorn Symphony Center with her full band for an unforgettable evening. This intimate concert will showcase songs from her latest album, Portrait. Featuring her original lyrics and stunning arrangements inspired by jazz legends like Charles Mingus, Sun Ra, and her late mentor Barry Harris, Portrait highlights Samara’s evolving artistry and deep connection to jazz’s rich legacy. Experience the power, emotion, and elegance of Samara’s voice in this soulful celebration of music.
With a voice that evokes the timeless elegance of jazz icons like Sarah Vaughan and Ella Fitzgerald, Samara has been praised for bringing a youthful vibrancy to classic jazz. Her hits include "Everything Happens To Me," "You Stepped Out Of A Dream," and "Can't Get Out Of This Mood." The New York Times describes her voice as having “close precision and frothy power,” while NPR calls her “a classic jazz singer from a new generation.” Her remarkable talent has captivated audiences worldwide, making her a beacon of the genre's future.
Presented without the Nashville Symphony.
Nashville Symphony | Daniel Black, conductor
The film that gave the world one of its greatest movie heroes, Indiana Jones, is back and better than ever! Relive the magic of the big screen with the original great adventure, Raiders of the Lost Ark, featuring the intrepid Harrison Ford on the big screen and John Williams’ epic score performed live-to-picture by the Nashville Symphony.
Rated PG.
Nashville Symphony | Giancarlo Guerrero, conductor | Nashville Symphony Chorus | Tucker Biddlecombe, chorus director | Vanderbilt Youth Choirs | Mary Biddlecombe, chorus director
Gustav Mahler: Symphony No. 8 (“Symphony of a Thousand”)
Giancarlo Guerrero’s tenure as Music Director comes to a close with Mahler’s colossal “Symphony of a Thousand,” employing massive forces with eight vocal soloists, two mixed choirs and a boys’ choir, an over-sized orchestra, and a multitude of percussion. Written in two parts, the symphony is one of the largest-scale choral works in the classical concert repertoire and is unified by musical themes of redemption through the power of love. A fitting tribute to our Maestro and all he has brought to our orchestra and to our city.
Lucia Nowik, violin | Francesca Bass, violin | Anthony Parce, viola | Andrew Dunn, cello
Journey through the timeless melodies of Zelda, Final Fantasy, Fire Emblem and more as your Nashville Symphony Musicians bring your favorite video game soundtracks to life in an intimate chamber setting. The program will be followed by a Q&A with ensemble members.
PROGRAM
Yasunori Mitsuda: Main Theme (from "Chrono Trigger")
Koji Kondo: Gerudo Valley (from "Ocarina of Time")
Koji Kondo: Zelda's Lullaby (from "Ocarina of Time")
Yasunori Mitsuda: Corridors of Time (from "Chrono Trigger")
Hiroki Kikuta: Still of the Night (from "Secret of Mana")
Koji Kondo: Dire, Dire Docks (from "Super Mario 64")
Junichi Matsuda: Lavender Town (from "Pokémon Red/Blue")
Koji Kondo: Dragon Roost Island (from "The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker")
Nobuo Uematsu: Zanarkand (from "Final Fantasy X")
Nobuo Uematsu: Fight with Seymour (from "Final Fantasy X")
Yasunori Nishiki: Main Theme (from "Octopath Traveler II")
Takeru Kanazaki & Rei Kondoh: Main Theme (from "Fire Emblem: Three Houses")
Takeru Kanazaki: Song of the Nabateans (from "Fire Emblem: Three Houses")
Takeru Kanazaki: Apex of the World (from "Fire Emblem: Three Houses")
Manaka Kataoka: Main Theme (from "The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild"), and Colgera Wind Dungeon Boss Battle (from "The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom”)
Nobuo Uematsu: Overworld Theme (from "Final Fantasy VII")
Nobuo Uematsu: Barrett's Theme (from "Final Fantasy VII Rebirth")
Nobuo Uematsu: Tifa's Theme (from "Final Fantasy VII")
Nobuo Uematsu: Descendent of Shinobi (from "Final Fantasy VII Remake")
Shotaro Shima: Rumble with Rufus (from "Final Fantasy VII Rebirth")
Please note that registration for seating is “Choose What You Pay”. Your donation helps us bring music to people throughout Middle Tennessee. Up to four seats may be reserved per order, per performance.
Tickets Starting at $36
Nashville Symphony | Enrico Lopez-Yañez, conductor | Indigo Girls
The GRAMMY® Award-winning Indigo Girls take center stage alongside the Nashville Symphony. Conducted by Enrico Lopez-Yañez, this breathtaking concert features orchestrations of iconic Indigo Girls folk pop hits such as “Power of Two,” “Get Out The Map,” “Least Complicated,” “Ghost,” “Kid Fears,” “Galileo,” and “Closer to Fine.”
Nashville Symphony | Na'Zir McFadden, conductor
Experience Prokofiev’s classic tale about an adventurous boy and his encounter with the wolf. Presented in partnership with Wishing Chair Productions, this special presentation blends the beloved narrated performance with on-stage puppetry to portray your favorite characters. The whole family will love this charming story and wonderful introduction to the instruments in the orchestra.
Nashville Symphony | George Daugherty, conductor
What's up, Doc? Here's your opportunity to share your favorite childhood Saturday morning Looney Tunes with friends and family! Get set for Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Elmer Fudd, Wile E. Coyote, and Road Runner as their belove antics are projected larger than life on the big screen, while the Nashville Symphony plays the original beloved scores live. Conducted by George Daugherty and created by the Emmy® Award-winning team of Daugherty and David Ka Lik Wong, this new edition celebrates the 30th Anniversary of Bugs Bunny at the Symphony with classics like What’s Opera, Doc?, The Rabbit of Seville, and Rhapsody Rabbit, plus new additions Dynamite Dance, Wet Cement, and three new 3-D Wile E. Coyote and Road Runner shorts.
Nashville Symphony | Conductor to be Announced | Ryan Shaw, vocalist | Ray Angry, Piano/Organ/Keyboard | Derrick Wright, Drums | Al Carty, Bass | Nir Felder, Guitar
It’s R&B vocalist, a three-time GRAMMY® nominee, Ryan Shaw with your Nashville Symphony! Experience soulful powerhouse orchestrations and mighty vocals in an evening of mega R&B hits from the likes of Marvin Gaye, Donny Hathaway, Prince, Jackie Wilson, Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, The Temptations, The Four Tops, The Miracles, Bill Withers, Issac Hayes, Blood, Sweat & Tears, and Ryan Shaw originals. “A massive talent with a huge voice.” - Billboard
Also featuring keyboardist Ray Angry (recording artist, member of The Roots, and recent music director for Queen Latifah, Joss Stone and Lauryn Hill), drummer Derrick Wright (in Adele's band, formerly with Toni Braxton and Talia), bassist Al Carty (currently in Rob Thomas' band, former music director for Alicia Keys), and guitarist Nir Felder (recording artist and multi-award winning musician who's played with many top artists).
Nashville Symphony | Donny McCaslin, Artistic Director | Tim Davies, conductor | John Cameron Mitchell, guest artist | Gail Ann Dorsey & David Poe, vocalist | Tim Lefebvre, bass | Jason Lindner, keyboard | Nate Wood, drums
A Bowie Brilliance Reimagined.
Prepare to be spellbound by a musical masterpiece reborn. BLACKSTAR SYMPHONY isn’t simply a concert, it’s a musical experience that transcends time and genre. Immerse yourself in the sonic tapestry of David Bowie’s final, critically acclaimed album, Blackstar, reimagined for a 65-piece orchestra.
Artistic Director Donny McCaslin, who along with bassist Tim Lefebvre and keyboardist Jason Lindner helped create the original Blackstar recording, bring their electrifying energy to the stage with bandmate drummer Nate Wood. Joining them are Bowie’s longtime bandmate Gail Ann Dorsey, along with vocalist David Poe, and the Nashville Symphony, all under the masterful baton of conductor Tim Davies. Special guest artist John Cameron Mitchell adds his unique theatrical flair to the mix.
The evening climaxes with a celebration of Bowie’s iconic song catalog, featuring touchstones like “Space Oddity,” “Life on Mars,” and “Heroes.” Prepare to be transported through his musical landscape, each song a testament to the enduring legacy of the Starman himself.
Don’t miss this rare chance to experience Bowie’s final musical offering in a live setting. BLACKSTAR SYMPHONY is a poignant tribute, and a celebration of pure musical genius.
As Rolling Stone declared, “Blackstar is Bowie’s best.” Get ready to witness it live, reimagined, and amplified for the ages.
Nashville Symphony | Gonzalo Farias, conductor
Fencing, fighting, torture, revenge, giants, monsters, chases, escapes, true love, miracles... Experience this all-time favorite as never before, with the Nashville Symphony performing composer Mark Knopfler’s unforgettable score in special, new arrangements for symphony orchestra! Directed by Rob Reiner, The Princess Bride features the all-star cast you know and love including Wallace Shwan, Mandy Patinkin, Billy Crystal, Carol Kane, Fred Savage, and Andre the Giant. Missing this cinematic concert experience would be inconceivable!
Rated PG.
Nashville Symphony & Chorus | Justin Freer, conductor
CineConcerts brings you an experience of epic proportions…Gladiator Live In Concert.
Relive the legendary and five-time Academy Award® winning film on the big screen while the Nashville Symphony performs Hans Zimmer and Lisa Gerrard’s iconic score with vocal soloist and chorus.
Maximus, formerly one of the Roman army’s most trusted generals, is sold by slave traders to battle in the Colosseum. He is determined to take revenge on Commodus, win back his dignity, avenge his family, and gain freedom for his people. Experience the heroic tale in a way never seen before!
Rated R