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Horizons to Heroes
A Season of Celebration

From sweeping landscapes to deeply human stories, the Carmel Symphony Orchestra’s 2026–2027 season traces a journey from Horizons to Heroes. This Season of Celebration honors the richness of music shaped in America—by composers born here and those inspired by its spirit.

Across four distinctive programs, we explore vast natural beauty, the power of love and longing, moments of quiet reflection, and the resilience that defines the human experience. With beloved masterworks and compelling contemporary voices, we celebrate our 50th season, looking at where we are, and who we are – together.

Image of the Grand Canyon
The promise of a vast land

October 10, 2026 – 7 p.m.

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50th Anniversary Season Opener

Experience the spirit of discovery and the vast beauty of America. Copland’s Fanfare for the Common Man and Grofé’s Grand Canyon Suite set the stage for Dvořák’s deeply expressive Cello Concerto—written in America and inspired by its promise.

Repertoire:

  • Aaron Copland – Fanfare for the Common Man
  • Ferde Grofé – Grand Canyon Suite
  • Antonín Dvořák – Cello Concerto featuring Guest Artist, Cellist, Alexander Hersh

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White snowy lantern in wintery setting with red berries
Traditions, nostalgia and joy
Presented by IU Health

December 13, 2026 – 2 p.m. Family Matinee and 7 p.m. Full Concert

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Celebrate the season with music that sparkles, soars, and brings us together. From the brilliance of choral masterworks to the charm of sleigh rides and beloved holiday classics, this festive program blends tradition, nostalgia, and joy.

The 2 p.m. Family Matinee will have a one-hour run time with no intermission. A musical instrument scavenger hunt for curious music lovers of all ages will follow the performance in the lobbies of the Payne & Mencias Palladium..

Repertoire:

  • Randol Alan Bass – Gloria 
  • Tchaikovsky – Selections from Nutcracker Suite
  • Clement Moore  – ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas including a visit from Santa Claus
  • Leroy Anderson – A Christmas Festival
  • Alan Silvestri – Polar Express Suite
  • John Williams – Holiday Songs from Home Alone
  • Leroy Anderson – Sleigh Ride

2 p.m Matinee

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7 p.m. Concert

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Roses in pastel colors 170x170 for Hearts concert
Romance, longing, and devotion

February 13, 2027 – 7 p.m.

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An evening of unforgettable melody and passion. Bernstein’s sparkling Candide Overture opens the program, followed by Rachmaninoff’s beloved Piano Concerto No. 2 and Hanson’s sweeping “Romantic” Symphony—music that captures love in its most powerful forms.

Repertoire:

  • Leonard Bernstein – Candide Overture
  • Sergei Rachmaninoff – Piano Concerto No. 2
    • Guest Artist: Pianist Anila Aliu
  • Howard Hanson – Symphony No. 2, “Romantic”

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Nancy Nöel artwork, a cherub with wings in pastel tones, with curly blonde hair
Art, light and the unseen

Artwork by Nancy Nöel, provided by Noel Studio

March 27, 2027 – 7 p.m.
Guest Conductor: Mélisse Brunet

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Music and visual art come together in a program of reflection and radiance. Antheil and Gould showcase the expressive power of strings, leading into Copland’s Appalachian Spring, paired with a multimedia presentation inspired by the luminous artwork of Nancy Noël.

Repertoire:

  • George Antheil – Serenade for Strings
  • Morton Gould – Spirituals for Strings
  • Aaron Copland – Appalachian Spring featuring Nancy Noël Multimedia Presentation

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Silhouette of people on a hill, arms raised against a backdrop of a sunset for us with Heroes concert
Legends of American song and stage

April 24, 2027 – 7 p.m.

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Celebrate the music that shaped America’s cultural voice. Gershwin’s vibrant rhythms and beloved songs lead to Bartók’s dazzling Concerto for Orchestra, a thrilling showcase of orchestral virtuosity and heroic spirit.

Repertoire:

  • George Gershwin – Cuban Overture
  • George Gershwin – Selections from Porgy and Bess
  • Gershwin Song Suite featuring Guest Artist, Soprano, Angela Brown
    • My Man’s Gone Now, Summertime, Embraceable You, I Got Rhythm
  • Béla Bartók – Concerto for Orchestra

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