Making music for 50 years
The Ocala Symphony Orchestra’s new season begins Aug. 24 with a special concert in the NOMA Black Box.
The Ocala Symphony Orchestra will celebrate its 50th anniversary with the 2025-2026 season. [Photo courtesy MAVEN Photo + Film]
The Ocala Symphony Orchestra’s has announced the lineup for its 2025-2026 season, which will include six subscription concerts and eight special events, all under the baton of Maestro Matthew Wardell.
The OSO also will launch a new Music Box Series, in which musicians will host intimate chamber music experiences.
The upcoming season will be the OSO’s 50th.
“Planning our 50th anniversary season was both a joy and a responsibility. After much research, listening and reflection, each piece I’ve programmed was thoughtfully chosen and has deliberate meaning. This milestone season reflects the heart of ‘Your Orchestra, Your Music,’” said Wardell, music director and conductor of the OSO, in a news release.
“It features repertoire that will absolutely thrill and delight, world-class soloists joining us from home and abroad, and a collective program that surpasses anything we’ve done before. The 2025-26 season is not only a celebration of our first 50 years but a bold statement that—with your continued support—your orchestra will be playing your music for the next 50 years and beyond,” he added.
SUBSCRIPTION CONCERTS:
“Nights in the Gardens of Spain”
Oct. 18, 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 19, 3 p.m., with free open rehearsal at 7 p.m. Oct. 17
“Pops! Goes the Holidays”
Dec. 6, 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 7, 3 and 7:30 p.m.
“Romantic America”
Jan. 24, 2026, 7:30 p.m. and Jan. 25, 3 p.m., with free open rehearsal at 7 p.m. on Jan. 23
“Film Music Spectacular”
Feb. 14, 2026, 7:30 p.m. and Feb. 15, 3 p.m., with free open rehearsal at 7 p.m. Feb. 13
“To Spring!”
March 21, 2026, 7:30 p.m. and March 22, 3 p.m., with free open rehearsal at 7 p.m. March 20
“I Got Rhythm: Bernstein, Gershwin and Copland”
April 11, 2026, 7:30 p.m. and April 12, 3 p.m. with free open rehearsal at 7 p.m. April 10
SPECIAL CONCERTS:
“Tasha Robinson: Bach to Zeppelin with 94 Strings!”
Aug. 24, 3 p.m.
“Threads of Light: A New Requiem”
Sept. 28, 3 p.m.
“Pictures at an Exhibition” with Jose Maria Ingles
Oct. 16, 7:30 p.m.
Handel’s “Messiah”
Nov. 23, 3 p.m.
“Symphony Under the Lights”
Dec. 5, 7:30 p.m.
“Nutcracker” with the Ocala Symphony
Dec. 13, 7 p.m.
“Young Artist Competition Finals”
Jan. 11, 2026, 3 p.m.
“Celtic Visions II”
March 15, 2026, 3 p.m.
MUSIC BOX SERIES:
“Music Box 1: Joshua and Hannah Mazur”
Sept. 7, 3 p.m.
“Music Box 2: The Tritium Ensemble”
Nov. 9, 3 p.m.
“Music Box 3: Kristen Stoner and the Flutes of the Ocala Symphony”
March 1, 2026, 3 p.m.
“Music Box 4: Arnold Irchai and Dale Fedele”
May 3, 2026, 3 p.m.
For information about season subscriptions and individual tickets, go to reillyartscenter.com/ocala-symphony
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