The Eugene Symphony has announced its 2026/27 season, a celebration of the orchestral masterworks that have shaped generations of listeners and the extraordinary artists who bring them to life. Under the leadership of Music Director Alex Prior, the season takes place at Silva Concert Hall and introduces a brand-new intimate concert experience, the Soreng Chamber Series.
The season opens with Prior on the podium for a program pairing Stravinsky’s Firebird Suite and Dvořák’s New World Symphony alongside Anna Clyne’s Color Field. Other highlights led by Prior include an all-Tchaikovsky evening featuring violinist Simone Porter in the Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto; a program of Sibelius, Strauss’ Four Last Songs, and Brahms’ Symphony No. 2 with soprano Meghan Kasanders; and an American music celebration with the Eugene Symphony Chorus and guest narrator Dan Carlin. Prior also leads the season finale, featuring pianist Orli Shaham and Sibelius’ Symphony No. 2.
The season’s marquee event features the return of legendary violinist Itzhak Perlman, appearing with Prior and the orchestra in a program of Rachmaninoff’s Symphony No. 3 followed by a cinematic celebration of John Williams’ Hollywood scores with Perlman performing unforgettable themes from films including Schindler’s List, Out of Africa, and Cinema Paradiso.
Additional highlights include a maritime-themed program led by guest conductor Cosette Justo Valdés, anchored by Debussy’s La Mer; Handel’s Messiah as a holiday tradition with the Eugene Symphony Chorus; a Side x Side concert with the Eugene-Springfield Youth Orchestras.
New this season, the Soreng Chamber Series brings two intimate performances to the Soreng Theater. Music Director Alex Prior leads the opening program of fanfares and ceremonial brass, while internationally acclaimed violinist Yura Lee leads the second, culminating in Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons.
The 2026/27 season promises to be a landmark year for the Eugene Symphony and for Prior, as he continues to shape the orchestra’s artistic identity and deepen its ties to the Eugene community.
