The Wichita Symphony Orchestra returns with an inspiring 2026-27 season featuring powerful Masterworks performances, Broadway favorites, Pops concerts and cinematic scores. From Beethoven and Brahms to Tina Turner, Annie Get Your Gun and Star Wars, this season offers something for longtime symphony lovers and first-time concertgoers alike.
Below is the current schedule for the Wichita Symphony Orchestra's 2026-27 season. Unless otherwise noted, performances take place at Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center.
October 2026
Oct. 4 – Fate, Fury and Beethoven's Fifth
Experience an emotional journey through the highs and lows of the human spirit with Polina Nazaykinskaya's Fractures, Brahms's Double Concerto and Beethoven's Symphony No. 5.
Featuring Emily and Julia Bruskin, violin and cello.
Oct. 24 – Defiance
Explore the courage and resilience of the creative spirit through Jessie Montgomery's Overture, Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto No. 1 and Shostakovich's Symphony No. 5.
Featuring Clayton Stephenson, piano.
November 2026
Nov. 7 – Simply the Best: The Music of Tina Turner
Celebrate the legendary Queen of Rock 'n' Roll with symphonic performances of hits including "Proud Mary," "Private Dancer" and "What's Love Got to Do With It."
December 2026
Dec. 6 – Handel's Messiah
Experience Handel's beloved masterpiece performed in its entirety as the Wichita Symphony Orchestra and Chorus present all three parts of the timeless work, from the Nativity through the Resurrection.
January 2027
Jan. 23 – A Breath of Fresh Air
February 2027
Feb. 6-7 – Annie Get Your Gun in Concert
Music Theatre Wichita joins the Wichita Symphony Orchestra for a concert presentation of Irving Berlin's beloved Broadway musical. Follow Annie Oakley and Frank Butler through a story filled with humor, romance and classic songs, including "There's No Business Like Show Business."
Feb. 21 – Intertwined Destinies
Discover the remarkable relationship among Robert Schumann, Clara Schumann and Johannes Brahms through music and live readings from their personal letters and journals. The program includes Brahms's Tragic Overture, Clara Schumann's Piano Concerto and Robert Schumann's Symphony No. 2.
Featuring Gabriela Martinez, piano.
March 2027
March 20 – An Evening with Chris Thile
Grammy Award-winning mandolinist, singer-songwriter and MacArthur "Genius Grant" recipient Chris Thile joins the Wichita Symphony Orchestra for ATTENTION!, his autobiographical song cycle for mandolin and orchestra that blends bluegrass, classical and contemporary music.
April 2027
April 18 – Wind, Waves & Skyfire
The Wichita Symphony Orchestra's Principal Clarinet, Rachelle Goter, takes center stage for Mozart's Clarinet Concerto in a program that also includes Barber's School for Scandal Overture, Stacy Garrop's Spectacle of Light and Debussy's La Mer.
Featuring Rachelle Goter, clarinet.
May 2027
May 8-9 – Star Wars at 50
Celebrate the 50th anniversary of Star Wars with an evening of John Williams' unforgettable music spanning the entire Skywalker Saga and newer favorites like The Mandalorian. Whether you're a lifelong fan or introducing a new generation to the Force, this concert brings some of cinema's most recognizable scores to life.
Plan Your Night Out
Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or looking for the perfect date night {link to date night blog from Jan 2026}, a Wichita Symphony Orchestra performance pairs perfectly with dinner at one of Wichita's 1,200-plus restaurants, drinks in nearby Old Town or an overnight stay downtown.
Season subscriptions and single tickets are available now. Visit the Wichita Symphony Orchestra website for ticket information and the latest performance details.
For more performing arts experiences and trip ideas, browse our Visitors Guide, explore our events calendar and start planning your visit to Wichita.
