The Lakeland Symphony Orchestra (LSO) has officially announced its 61st season lineup for 2026–2027, themed “Tradition and Tomorrow.” Under the leadership of Executive Director Ashley Miller and Interim Lead Jason Thomas Aylward, the upcoming season balances classical traditions with intimate chamber music and local educational outreach.
Symphony Series (Branscomb Auditorium at Florida Southern College)
- America: Our New World (Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026 at 7 p.m.) — Honoring America’s 250th anniversary with Aaron Copland’s Lincoln Portrait (narrated by Dennis Ross), Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9, and works by Samuel Ward and Jason Thomas Aylward.
- Carols (Saturday, Dec. 19, 2026 at 7 p.m. & Sunday, Dec. 20, 2026 at 2 p.m.) — Festive holiday program.
- Vienna Nights (Saturday, March 13, 2027 at 7 p.m.) — Featuring world-renowned flutist Ransom Wilson.
- Debussy & Friends (Saturday, March 27, 2027 at 7 p.m.) — Highlights a semi-staged production of Claude Debussy’s rarely performed one-act opera L’Enfant Prodigue (The Prodigal Son) with local Polk County vocalists, alongside pieces by Lili Boulanger and Maurice Ravel.
Gallery Concert Series (AGB Museum of Art)
Intimate, ensemble-focused performances at 7 p.m., preceded by a 6 p.m. pre-concert reception:
- Resonancia (Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026) — A celebration of Hispanic brass music by the LSO Brass Quintet.
- American Ingenuity (Thursday, Nov. 19, 2026) — Chamber orchestra performance.
- Winds of Winter (Thursday, Feb. 18, 2027) — Showcase of the LSO Chamber Winds.
- In St. Petersburg (Thursday, April 8, 2027) — Performance by the LSO String Quartet.
Youth & Community Initiatives
- Free Student Admission: Students can attend all Symphony Series concerts at Branscomb Auditorium for free.
- School Day Enrichment Concerts: Continuing in October 2026 and March 2027 to reach every 5th-grade student across Polk County.
- Cookie Concert: The popular family tradition returns in March 2027, featuring a hands-on “Instrument Playground” and a free one-hour concert.
- Beth Mason Young Artist Award: Includes a scholarship and an opportunity for the winner to perform live with the orchestra.
Ticketing Details
- Symphony Series: $60 reserved / $30 general admission (Students free).
- Gallery Series: $60 general admission (includes pre-concert reception with light refreshments).
- Subscriptions: Single tickets and full season packages (including a 10% mix-and-match discount for 4+ performances or full VIP passes) are available via the LSO Box Office (863-688-3743) or online.
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