Next season’s highlights include Interstellar, Studio Ghibli, Harry Potter and more
All tickets for the Kansas City Symphony’s 2026/27 season are now on sale to the public. The upcoming season, kicking off this fall, will feature an array of dynamic shows in the Classical and Pops series, transformative films accompanied by a live orchestra, and other unforgettable special presentations. Preview the entire season here.
Newly announced among the lineup are “The Music of Studi Ghibli” on November 14 and “Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves in Concert” on May 27–28, 2027.
Those interested in becoming subscribers can sign up today and customize their season package here.
Classical Highlights
The 2026/27 season will open with a must-see performance of Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring, paired with a performance of Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto by Kansas City fan favorite Augustin Hadelich, Oct. 2–4. The following week will feature a musical trip to the stars with Gustav Holst’s The Planets Oct. 9–11.
Other classical performances not to miss include “Prokofiev’s Sixth and Barber’s Violin Concerto” with violinist Stella Chen (Oct. 31–Nov. 1); “Brahms’ German Requiem” featuring the Kansas City Symphony Chorus (Nov. 20–22); Handel’s Messiah featuring the Kansas City Symphony Chorus (Dec. 4–6); and much more in 2027.
Powerful Pops
The 2026/27 Pops Series kicks off with “Dancing in the Street: Music of Motown” Oct. 16–18. This electric show will feature all-time hits from Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, The Temptations, Stevie Wonder and more.
2027 Pops performances include:
- “Clouds In My Coffee: The Music of Joni Mitchell, Carole King and Carly Simon” (Feb. 12–14)
- “Tropical Rock for Five O’Clock Somewhere: Jimmy Buffett and Friends” (March 12–14)
- “The Voice of Whitney: A Symphonic Celebration” (April 16–18)
- “Bugs Bunny at the Symphony” (May 21–23)
Film Favorites with KCS
Film performances for the season, accompanied by the Kansas City Symphony live, include:
- “Interstellar” (Oct. 23–25)
- “The Muppet Christmas Carol” (Nov. 27–29)
- “The Polar Express” (Dec. 23–24)
- “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” (Jan. 28–31)
- “Skyfall” (March 19–21)
- “Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves” (May 27–28)
In addition, concert organist and composer Dorothy Papadakos will return to improvise a spooky live-organ accompaniment for the silent film “Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde” (Oct. 28).
Specials Not To Miss
On August 21, the Kansas City Symphony will play a send-off show at Helzberg Hall for its second European tour, including the full repertoire the Symphony will play in the storied halls of Germany and the Netherlands.
Music Director Matthias Pintscher will also present his innovative curation, “Prometheus,” on Sept. 9. The show will feature three gripping musical works combined with theatrical immersive lighting for a captivating multisensory experience.
The Symphony also newly announced it will perform the magical music of Studio Ghibli’s films on Nov. 14, featuring themes from favorites like “Howl’s Moving Castle,” “Spirited Away,” “Kiki’s Delivery Service” and more.
Join World-Renowned Soloists ‘On Stage’
The new season marks the return of the Kansas City Symphony’s unique On Stage series, a one-of-a-kind chamber music experience exclusively designed for 100 audience members. Guests are greeted by an elevated VIP experience, featuring drinks and light bites, and invited directly onto the stage of Helzberg Hall to view an up-close performance by visiting soloists and KCS musicians. Following the performance, a post-concert reception allows guests to meet with the musicians. Hosted by Music Director Matthias Pintscher, On Stage offers four specialized shows per season.
Next season’s On Stage performances feature:
- Augustin Hadelich, violinist (Oct. 1)
- Olga Neuwirth, composer (Jan. 14)
- Emanuel Ax, pianist (March 4)
- Joyce DiDonato, mezzo-soprano (June 3)
Secure Your Tickets Today
Don’t wait! Purchase tickets for the 2026/27 season here, and become a subscriber here. For questions, call the Symphony Box Office at 816.471.0400 or visit our website at kcsymphony.org.