The Carmel Symphony Orchestra’s 50th Season features the artistic leadership of newly-appointed Music Director, David Commanday. Maestro Commandaywas invited to guide the CSO in the design of the 2026-27 season, and will be on the podium for three out of four of our Masterworks concerts.
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.
Saturday, July 4th, 2026 – 8 -9:40 p.m.
Fireworks at 9:45 p.m.
Gazebo at Civic Square, 2026 – 7 p.m.
Join us as the Carmel Symphony Orchestra celebrates the 250th Anniversary of our country. Enjoy classic patriotic tunes leading up to the best fireworks display in the state of Indiana.
For more information about CarmelFest,
visit CarmelFest.net
October 10, 2026 – 7 p.m.
50th Anniversary Season Opener
Music Director/Conductor: David Commanday
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:
Saturday, November, 28 2026
2 and 7 p.m.
Sunday, November, 29 2026
1 and 6 p.m.
Join us for one of the most beloved holiday productions, The Nutcracker. This show is enhanced with all the emotion and vibrancy that can only be experiened by the addition of a live symphony orchestra.
Sunday, December 13, 2026
2 p.m. Family Matinee and
7 p.m. Full Concert
Guest Conductor: Benjamin Firer
With St. Luke’s United Methodist Church Chancel Choir, Michael Conley, Director
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:
February 13, 2027 – 7 p.m.
Music Director/Conductor: David Commanday
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:
Artwork by Nancy Noël, provided by Noël Studio
March 27, 2027 – 7 p.m.
Guest Conductor: Mélisse Brunet
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:
April 24, 2027 – 7 p.m.
Music Director/Conductor: David Commanday
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:
Saturday, March 21, 2026 – 7 p.m.
Welcome in the spring with the CSO’s fresh program of classical masterworks by Finnish composer Jean Sibelius.
Sibelius’ Symphony No. 2 is ethereal and organic, growing and evolving just as nature reawakens after the harsh winter months. His Karelia Suite opens the program and personifies the beauty of Finnish folk themes. Rounding out this program is Thomas Adès’ Air – Homage to Sibelius. This is another work with organic and expanding themes, played on the solo violin by none other than CSO’s concertmaster, Davis Brooks.
Repertoire:
– Jean Sibelius – Karelia Suite, op. 11
– Thomas Adès – Air – Homage to Sibelius featuring soloist Davis Brooks, violin
– Jean Sibelius – Symphony No. 2, op. 43
Featuring Conductor Kelly Kuo
Saturday, February 21, 2026 – 7 p.m.
Continue your Valentine’s Day celebrations with the Carmel Symphony Orchestra! The CSO is elated to present Mozart’s “Paris” Symphony alongside The Lovers by Jean Sibelius. Join us for romantic, heartfelt works that are sure to leave you swooning. The orchestra is excited to perform Mozart’s Concerto for Flute and Harp, with much-beloved soloists coming from our very own symphony! Join us for this special night!
Repertoire:
– Jean Sibelius – Rakastava, op.14, “The Lover”
– Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – Symphony No. 31, K. 297, “Paris”
– Edward Elgar – Salut d’amour, op. 12, “Love’s Greeting”
– Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – Concerto for Flute and Harp, K. 299 featuring soloists Tamara Thweatt, flute and Melanie Mashner, harp
Featuring Conductor Kelly Corcoran
Sunday, December 14, 2025
2 p.m. Matinee and 7 p.m. Concert
Take a moment from your busy holiday preparations and celebrate the season with the Carmel Symphony Orchestra. Led by Maestro Kuo, we can’t wait to be the soundtrack to your festivities. The Symphony is excited to fill the Palladium with joyful tunes that will make your spirit soar!
Repertoire:
– The Snowman
– Music from Frozen
– Chanukah Festival Overture
– Selections from The Nutcracker
– plus other Holiday Classics
Featuring Conductor Kelly Kuo
Narration by Don Farrell
Saturday, November 29, 2025 &
Sunday, November 30, 2025
The Carmel Symphony Orchestra is delighted to partner with the Indiana Ballet Conservatory again! The iconic music of holiday celebrations around the world will accompany the Conservatory’s dancers with live orchestra for an unforgettable and magical experience. Please join us this holiday season for a wonderful continued partnership.
Repertoire:
Pytor Ilych Tchaikovsky – The Nutcracker
Saturday, October 11, 2025 – 7 p.m.
So much can be said about Beethoven, Grieg, and Brahms. Join the Carmel Symphony Orchestra as it presents these masterworks and listen for yourself! Beethoven’s Egmont Overture, born of incidental music from Goethe’s dramatic play, pairs exceptionally well with Brahms’ First Symphony. Brahms was hyper-critical of his own writing, feeling he could simply never measure up to Beethoven’s genius. Brahms dedicated himself to the Symphony for more than 20 years! The CSO invites the audience to enjoy a beautiful Norwegian dance suite for strings, showcasing dance rhythms of the eighteenth-century.
Repertoire:
– Ludwig van Beethoven – Egmont Overture
– Edvard Grieg – Holberg Suite, op. 40
– Johannes Brahms – Symphony No. 1, op. 68
Featuring Conductor Kelly Corcoran