Palm Beach Symphony Launches 2025-2026 Season Celebrating American Music
The Palm Beach Symphony's upcoming Masterworks Series features a celebration of American music timed with the nation's 250th birthday, showcasing Grammy-nominated artists and innovative programming that bridges classical and jazz traditions.
Palm Beach Symphony has announced its 2025-2026 Masterworks Series with individual tickets now available for purchase. The season opens on November 9 at Dreyfoos Hall in the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, featuring a program that celebrates American music in honor of the nation's 250th birthday. Music Director Gerard Schwarz will lead the orchestra in a performance that highlights the intersection of classical and jazz traditions.
The season opener showcases pianist Shelly Berg performing George Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue, alongside Gershwin's An American in Paris. Berg, a five-time Grammy Award-nominated artist and Steinway piano artist, brings significant credibility to the performance. His recent album Alegría, released in July 2024, demonstrates his ongoing relevance in the music world, while his original song "At Last" earned a 2025 Grammy nomination for Best Instrumental Composition.
Maestro Schwarz emphasized the significance of the American music focus, stating that Gershwin represents one of the most successful composers in symphonic repertoire despite his Broadway origins. The program also includes Alan Hovhaness' Prelude and Quadruple Fugue, marking the 25th anniversary of the composer's death, and concludes with Ottorino Respighi's Pines of Rome, known for its innovative orchestration including off-stage brass players creating bird chirping effects.
The complete 2025-2026 Season schedule is available at https://palmbeachsymphony.org. Ticket prices range from $27.50 to $104.50 and can be purchased through multiple channels including online at https://palmbeachsymphony.org, by phone, or at the Symphony's box office. The series continues through May 2025 with featured artists including Misha Dichter, Alisa Weilerstein, Vadim Repin, Simon Trpčeski, and Emanuel Ax.
Complementing the concert series, Symphony Sessions: Lunch & Learns will be held preceding each performance, offering attendees deeper insight into the music and performers. The first session on November 6 features principal cellist Claudio Jaffé, described by the New York Times as "an elegant and accomplished artist." These sessions include gourmet catering and wine selection while providing background on concert preparation and repertoire selection.
The season represents a significant cultural offering for Palm Beach County, combining educational opportunities with high-quality musical performances. The inclusion of both established masters and contemporary works demonstrates the Symphony's commitment to diverse programming that appeals to both traditional classical audiences and those interested in American musical innovation.