As the United States prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary in 2026, the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra (LPO) is tuning up for a season that bridges the nation’s musical past with its future. The LPO’s newly unveiled 2025-26 lineup is designed as a tribute to American artistry, featuring iconic composers like Gershwin and Copland alongside living trailblazers such as Carlos Simon and Stacy Garrop.
Opening September 26, 2025, the season marks the return of the LPO to its home base at the Orpheum Theater, as well as to venues across the Greater New Orleans area, including the New Marigny Theatre and Covington’s Fuhrmann Auditorium.
A Season Rooted in American Voices
Music Director Matthew Kraemer expressed his excitement for the upcoming season, emphasizing the balance between time-honored masterpieces and innovative new works.
“From Bach, Beethoven, and Tchaikovsky to Ellington, Gershwin, and Florence Price, we’re offering something for every musical taste,” Kraemer said. “But this season is also about elevating contemporary American voices.”
Executive Director Anwar Nasir echoed that sentiment, highlighting the LPO’s commitment to diversity and musical evolution. “This season will be a tribute to American culture and innovation,” Nasir said. “Composers like Carlos Simon and James Lee III reflect the future of orchestral music while honoring our nation’s past.”
Season Highlights: World Premiere and Star Performances
One of the season’s standout moments will be the world premiere of composer James Lee III’s “Concerto in A,” performed by pianist Jeffrey Biegel. The piece commemorates the 100th anniversary of George Gershwin’s “Concerto in F,” a work that redefined American orchestral music.
The orchestra will also spotlight its own talent, with featured performances by LPO musicians like Associate Concertmaster Hannah Yim, Principal Trombone Austin Richardson, and Principal Clarinet Shaquille Southwell.
Beloved Traditions and Film Magic
While the season leans heavily on celebrating American composers, beloved traditions return as well. The annual holiday performances, including Classical Christmas: Messiah and Holiday Spectacular, will once again offer festive cheer to audiences.
Film buffs can rejoice too—the LPO brings back The Music of John Williams in February, featuring iconic scores from Star Wars, Jurassic Park, and Harry Potter. A sold-out hit in 2023, the concert promises to be a crowd favorite.
Music Under the Stars: Free Community Concerts
Recognizing the importance of accessibility, the LPO will host free outdoor performances, including Sunset Symphony in Mandeville on October 25 and the beloved Swing in the Oaks at City Park on April 21. The latter will feature young musicians from the LPO Academy, a program providing local youth with mentorship and music education.
Tickets and Subscriptions
Subscription packages are now available, starting at $162 for the Orpheum Series and $200 for the Chamber Orchestra Series. Single tickets will go on sale in August 2024. For more information, visit www.lpomusic.com.
A Soundtrack to America’s Story
As the nation reflects on 250 years of history, the LPO’s season aims to provide more than entertainment—it offers a musical journey through America’s struggles, triumphs, and evolution.
“This season is our way of inviting the community to experience America through music,” Nasir said. “We hope audiences will find themselves inspired by the voices—past and present—that continue to shape our shared cultural heritage.”
Chronological Season
Weigel Violin Concerto
- Thursday, September 11, 2025, at 6:00 PM (New Marigny Theatre)
- Friday, September 12, 2025, at 7:30 PM (Fuhrmann Auditorium)
- Orpheum Theater
- Matthew Kraemer, conductor
Program:
- Britten: Soirées Musicales, op. 9
- Jay Weigel: Violin Concerto (World Premiere)
- Price: Suite of Dances (LPO Premiere)
- Miguel del Aguila: Salón Buenos Aires
Verdi’s Requiem (Opening Night)
- Friday, September 26, 2025, at 7:30 PM
- Orpheum Theater
- Matthew Kraemer, conductor
Program:
- Verdi: Messa da Requiem
Hungarian Dances
- Thursday, October 9, 2025, at 7:30 PM
- Orpheum Theater
- Alexandra Preucil, guest concertmaster
- Antoine Tamestit, viola
Program:
- Haydn: Symphony No. 60 in C major (“Il distratto”)
- Ligeti: Old Hungarian Ballroom Dances (LPO Premiere)
- Bartók: 44 Duos for Two Violins No. 43: Pizzicato
- Weber: Andante e Rondo ungarese
- Bartók: 44 Duos for Two Violins No. 32: Dance from Maramaros
- Sarasate: Zigeunerweisen for Violin and Orchestra
- Brahms: Hungarian Dance No. 1 in G minor
- Brahms: Hungarian Dance No. 2 in D minor
- Brahms: Hungarian Dance No. 5 in G minor
- Brahms: Hungarian Dance No. 10 in F major
An American in Paris
- Thursday, October 23, 2025, at 7:30 PM
- Orpheum Theater
- Matthew Kraemer, conductor
- Jeffrey Biegel, piano
Program:
- James Lee III: Concerto in A (World Premiere)
- Ellington: New World A-Comin’ (LPO Premiere)
- Bernstein: Three Dance Episodes from On the Town
- Ingram: RAINN (LPO Premiere)
- Gershwin: An American in Paris
Shostakovich Symphony No. 10
- Thursday, November 6, 2025, at 7:30 PM
- Orpheum Theater
- Matthew Kraemer, conductor
Program:
- Shostakovich: Symphony No. 10
