Don’t miss a note

The Ocala Symphony Orchestra performs Oct. 18, 2025, at the Reilly Arts Center during opening night for its 50th anniversary season. The 2026-27 season is underway, with the first subscription concerts set for Oct. 24 and 25. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette file photo]

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Posted July 8, 2026 | By Susan Smiley-Height, [email protected]

The Ocala Symphony Orchestra is composed of seriously talented performers, led by longtime noted maestro Matthew Wardell. The OSO has hundreds of dedicated followers who are season subscription holders to ensure they don’t miss a single note.

As the symphony heads into its 2026-27 season, those subscriptions are now on sale.

The season kicked off on June 27 with the patriotic “Red, White and OSO Blue: 250 Years” concert. Subscription performances will begin in October, with this lineup:

“Pictures at an Exhibition,” Oct. 24, 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 25, 3 p.m.

“Pops! Goes the Holidays,” Dec. 5, 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 6, 3 and 7:30 p.m.

“Enchanted,” Jan. 23, 7:30 p.m. and Jan. 24, 3 p.m. –

“The Long Arc,” Feb. 27, 7:30 p.m. and Feb. 28, 3 p.m.

“Fate Awakens,” March 20, 7:30 p.m. and March 21, 3 p.m.

“Famous Last Words,” April 17, 7:30 p.m. and April 18, 3 p.m.

The season also will offer signature events such as Disney’s “Aladdin in Concert” live-to-film, a symphonic Allman Brothers collaboration with Steeln’ Peaches and the beloved “Nutcracker” with Dance Alive National Ballet and live orchestra, a choral series and five chamber music performances.

“As we enter this new season, I keep coming back to a phrase that has guided my work for many years: Your Orchestra, Your Music. For me, that means creating programs that reflect the curiosity, passion and spirit of this community—music that honors where we’ve been, embraces where we are now and invites every listener to feel a genuine sense of connection and ownership,” Wardell, music director and conductor, noted in a news release.

“This season is deeply rooted in storytelling, from the vivid, imaginative world of “Pictures at an Exhibition: From Dalí to Mussorgsky” to the emotional depth of masterworks like Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony and Tchaikovsky’s “Pathétique.” It’s a season that celebrates tradition while embracing innovation and I am continually inspired by the passion of our musicians and the enthusiasm of our audience. I can’t wait to welcome everyone into the hall for what promises to be an unforgettable journey,” he continued.

The OSO also will offer open rehearsals and Coffee/Cocktails with the Conductor events, providing audiences with behind-the-scenes access to the music-making process and opportunities to connect with the orchestra.

The Reilly Arts Center is located at 500 NE 9th St., Ocala. In addition to serving as the home of the OSO, the venue hosts a wide range of other programming, and its leadership team also manages the historic Marion Theatre.

For details and listings, go to reillyartscenter.com