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THE PHOENIX SYMPHONY ANNOUNCES 2025/26 OPENING WEEKEND FEATURING BEETHOVEN’S “EMPEROR” PIANO CONCERTO AND DVOŘÁK’S “NEW WORLD” SYMPHONY
Returning Guest Conductor Paolo Bortolameolli conducts the first Jeanne L. Herberger Classical Series performance of the season
Opening Weekend is Oct. 3 – 5 at Symphony Hall
PHOENIX (September 11, 2025) – The Phoenix Symphony’s 2025/26 season opens Oct. 3 with a concert of timeless masterworks led by returning guest conductor Paolo Bortolameolli, Associate Conductor of the Los Angeles Philharmonic.
The program begins with Berlioz’s exuberant Roman Carnival Overture before celebrated pianist Llewellyn Sánchez-Werner, winner of the 2022 Concert Artists Guild Competition, takes the stage for Beethoven’s majestic Piano Concerto No. 5, “Emperor.” The concert concludes with Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9, “From the New World”, one of the most popular and moving symphonies ever composed, which also tops the KBACH 2025 #1 “Most Wanted” list.
“Opening Weekend will launch our new season with energy and inspiration that will set the tone for the year ahead,” said Peter Kjome, Phoenix Symphony President and CEO. “These inaugural concerts of our newly named Jeanne L. Herberger Classical Series will be a defining moment for the Symphony and our community. We invite you to join us for these extraordinary performances by our great orchestra.”
COFFEE CLASSICS: Concerts, Company & Conversation with Coffee
Kicking off Opening Weekend is the Symphony’s returning Coffee Classics series on Friday, October 3 at 11:00 a.m. This 90-minute concert offers audiences a relaxed, behind-the-scenes look at the music, featuring engaging commentary from the conductor and musicians, along with complimentary coffee and a welcoming atmosphere in Symphony Hall.
Saturday Opening Weekend Reception
In a long-standing tradition, Saturday, Oct. 4 of Opening Weekend begins with a special cocktail reception for Phoenix Symphony donors and special guests. Visit phoenixsymphony.org/donate to learn more.
Performance Information
Opening Weekend: Dvořák’s “New World” Symphony
Jeanne L. Herberger Classical Series | Symphony Hall
Friday, October 3 | 11:00 a.m. – Coffee Classics
Saturday, October 4 | 7:30 p.m. – Evening Concert
Sunday, October 5 | 2:00 p.m. – Matinee Concert
Tickets are available at phoenixsymphony.org or by calling the Box Office at (602) 495-1999
A wide variety of subscription packages are available including Full and Half Classical, Phoenix Pops® subscriptions, Family Series and Chamber Orchestra Series in response to popular demand. Buy four performances and receive 20% off the single ticket price.
Tickets are available on the Phoenix Symphony’s website.
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About The Phoenix Symphony
The Phoenix Symphony is one of the state’s most important cultural assets. In addition to performing traditional and modern repertoire in Symphony Hall and around the Valley, its world-class musicians are actively engaged in the community thanks to generous foundation, corporation, and individual support. The Symphony is strengthened by collaborating with renowned guest conductors and artists.
The core mission of the Phoenix Symphony is to provide extraordinary musical experiences that inspire and advance our community, enriching the lives of people of all ages and backgrounds. Annually, orchestra members empower more than 100,000 students through education and partnerships and create opportunities for deeper connection for tens of thousands of adults experiencing homelessness, in Alzheimer’s care facilities, in hospitals and in hospice. Overall, Phoenix Symphony musicians traveled more than 14,000 miles across Arizona in 2024 to volunteer in Community Engagement and Education activities.
To learn more, please visit phoenixsymphony.org.
