Palm Beach Symphony Unveils a Powerhouse 2025–2026 Season Filled with Passion, Premieres, and Pianos
July 14th, 2025 – Palm Beach Symphony has raised the curtain on its highly anticipated 2025–2026 season, and it’s one that promises to strike every chord—emotionally and musically. With a theme of “Passion, Power and Premiere,” the season offers six dynamic Masterworks concerts under the baton of Music Director Gerard Schwarz. From crowd-favorite compositions by Gershwin, Rachmaninoff, and Shostakovich to a world premiere by Paul Moravec, the series once again affirms the Symphony’s place at the heart of Palm Beach’s cultural identity.
Performances will take place at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts in West Palm Beach, with the series running from November 2025 through May 2026. Among the guest artists are legendary pianists Shelly Berg, Misha Dichter, Simon Trpčeski, and Emanuel Ax, as well as renowned soloists Alisa Weilerstein and Vadim Repin.
“This will be reflected through the passionate works of composers Brahms, Rachmaninoff and Schumann and powerful pieces by Strauss, Shostakovich and Holst.”
David McClymont, CEO of Palm Beach Symphony
He continued: “We have an unforgettable season to look forward to that also includes the world premiere of Pulitzer Prize-winner Paul Moravec’s Lullaby, generously commissioned for Palm Beach Symphony by Bonnie McElveen-Hunter.”
A Season of Masterworks: Six Performances, Infinite Depth
Masterworks #1 – November 9, 2025, at 3 p.m.
Shelly Berg, piano
The opening concert celebrates George Gershwin’s genius with Rhapsody in Blue and An American in Paris, paired with Respighi’s Pines of Rome and Alan Hovhaness’ Prelude and Quadruple Fugue. A five-time Grammy-nominated artist and Dean of the Frost School of Music, Berg’s interpretation adds contemporary resonance to these American classics.
Masterworks #2 – December 16, 2025, at 7:30 p.m.
Misha Dichter, piano
A stop on Dichter’s 80th birthday tour, this concert features Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Rimsky-Korsakov’s The Snow Maiden Suite, Manuel de Falla’s The Three Cornered Hat, and Gabriela Lena Frank’s Elegía Andina. Dichter, a pianist of profound sensitivity and historic acclaim, brings decades of artistry to the stage.
Masterworks #3 – January 13, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.
Alisa Weilerstein, cello
With her acclaimed emotional depth, Weilerstein performs Shostakovich’s Cello Concerto No. 1, paired with Strauss’s cinematic An Alpine Symphony and Daniel Asia’s Gateways. A MacArthur “genius grant” recipient and advocate for expanding the cello repertoire, Weilerstein brings contemporary relevance to timeless form.
Masterworks #4 – March 2, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.
Vadim Repin, violin
This performance includes the highly anticipated world premiere of Moravec’s Lullaby, alongside his Miami Variations, Prokofiev’s Violin Concerto No. 2, and Brahms’ Symphony No. 3. With Repin’s nuanced virtuosity and Moravec’s Pulitzer-winning voice, this evening promises powerful artistic resonance.
Masterworks #5 – April 19, 2026, at 3 p.m.
Simon Trpčeski, piano
A dazzling display of rhythm and range, this concert features Stravinsky’s Scherzo Fantastique, Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No. 3, and Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 5. Known for his expressive energy and magnetic stage presence, Trpčeski brings a touch of Macedonian brilliance to Palm Beach.
Masterworks #6 – May 17, 2026, at 3 p.m.
Emanuel Ax, piano
Closing the season is a trio of orchestral masterpieces: Beethoven’s Egmont Overture, Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 22, and Holst’s The Planets. Ax—whose discography includes multiple Grammy-winning recordings—imbues every note with power and grace.
Beyond the Stage: Education and Engagement
In addition to its marquee Masterworks Series, the Symphony deepens its community impact through the Dale A. McNulty Children’s Concert Series, returning October 5, 2025, with A TV Guide to the Orchestra. A collaboration with young artists from the Goldner Conservatory at the Maltz Jupiter Theatre, the program introduces young audiences to Britten’s The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra and familiar TV themes through interactive storytelling and music.
Maestro Schwarz, now in his seventh season, emphasized the Symphony’s dual mission of artistic excellence and community engagement:
“We’ll continue to build on our tradition of presenting timeless masterpieces and American voices of the 20th and 21st centuries... There is no greater joy than making music with our remarkable orchestra and sharing it with our passionate, curious and dedicated audience.”
Maestro Gerard Schwarz
Ticketing and Symphony Sessions
Classical subscription packages for the Masterworks Series start at $120, with individual tickets and mini-packages available beginning September 2. Symphony Sessions—intimate “Lunch & Learn” events hosted by principal musicians and conductors—return as well, offering a behind-the-scenes look at each performance’s context and craft.
Palm Beach Symphony continues to shape Florida’s cultural landscape with bold programming, revered soloists, and a commitment to accessibility and education. For tickets, subscriptions, and additional details, click HERE.
This season, the orchestra invites its community not only to witness musical mastery—but to be moved by it.