There’s a reason Memphis is known as a music city, and this year the Memphis Symphony Orchestra (MSO) is turning the volume all the way up for its 74th season with Music Director Robert Moody celebrating his 10th year at the helm!
Whether you’re a seasoned symphony-goer or new to the scene, this is your guide to one of the most anticipated seasons in the city’s cultural calendar.
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What Are the Can’t-Miss Concerts in the 2025-2026 Season?
The MSO is going all in with a mix of beloved masterpieces, modern storytelling, and meaningful tributes. Here are just a few of the headliners you should already have on your calendar:
🎻 Opening Weekend (Sept. 13 & 14, 2025) – Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto, featuring Memphis-born rising star Randall Goosby, paired with Sibelius’ Symphony No. 2. It’s a strong, emotional start to a powerful season.
🌌 Symphonie Fantastique Meets Animation (Oct. 25 & 26, 2025) – Berlioz’s intense, cinematic masterpiece gets a modern twist with Mason Bates’ Philharmonia Fantastique, blending live orchestra with animation. Bring the kids. Bring your curiosity.
🎶 Verdi’s Requiem with Opera Memphis (March 28, 2026) – One night only. One epic experience. Don’t sleep on this haunting, grand choral masterwork.
🎆 America’s 250th Birthday Bash (May 2 & 3, 2026) – A red, white, and bold celebration featuring works by American legends like Bernstein and Ives, joined by the MSO Chorus and special guests.
🌅 Sunset Symphony at Overton Park Shell (May 24, 2026) – An open-air favorite returns to cap off the season with Memphis vibes and symphonic sounds.
🎟️ Want the best seats in the house?
Who’s Leading the Memphis Symphony Orchestra This Season?
This year marks Robert Moody’s 10th season as Music Director, and if you’ve been to an MSO performance lately, you know he’s been instrumental in taking the orchestra to new heights. Over the past decade, Moody has championed musical excellence, made classical music more accessible, and brought a new sense of excitement to the symphony experience.
Under his direction, the MSO has become one of the region’s most respected cultural institutions, and this anniversary season is both a celebration of what’s been achieved and a look ahead to what’s possible.
What Special Tributes and Performances Should I Look Out For?
This season includes deeply moving tributes that reflect the heart and history of our nation and our people.
💛 Devotion: A Salute to America’s Armed Forces (Dec. 6, 2025) – This one-night-only event pays tribute to U.S. military service members, featuring the world premiere of a new Requiem dedicated to those who served in the Pacific Theater of WWII.
🎄 Handel’s Messiah (Dec. 1-4, 2025) – A holiday tradition returns, delivering goosebumps and grandeur with every note.
What Kinds of Music Can I Expect From the MSO This Year?
Whether you’re a classical purist or just orchestra-curious, there’s something for every kind of listener in the MSO’s signature series:
🎼 Masterworks Series (First Horizon Foundation) – Big names, big sounds. Think Brahms, Stravinsky, and Copland’s Appalachian Spring.
🎻 Classic Accents Series (Paul and Linnea Bert) – Smaller in scale, but equally powerful. Perfect for intimate evenings that hit deep.
✨ Special Concerts – From “Go for Baroque” to bold brass features, these concerts showcase soloists like Audrey Wright (violin) and Will Leathers (trumpet) doing what they do best.
🎧 Don’t miss out on this sonic journey.
How Can I Get Involved or Attend These Performances?
You don’t have to be a music major or symphony snob to fall in love with the MSO. They’ve made sure there are entry points for everyone:
🎟️ Season Subscriptions – Best value with 20% off single tickets, priority seating, and early access to special events.
💸 Discounts – Students, military, seniors, and groups can all score deals on individual tickets.
👥 Young Symphony Patrons – For those 35 and under who want to experience high-quality culture without the high cost.
📞 Call the MSO Box Office at 901-537-2500 or visit memphissymphony.org to explore ticket packages and upcoming events.
🎤 Pro Tip: Want to be a part of the scene instead of just watching from the sidelines? Look into volunteering or supporting the MSO’s education and outreach initiatives.
Why Does the Memphis Symphony Orchestra Matter to Our City?
In a city known for blues, soul, and rock & roll, it’s easy to forget that Memphis also has a world-class symphony. But the MSO proves time and time again that orchestral music belongs here.
With a commitment to community engagement, education, and cultural preservation, each performance helps fund programs that bring music into classrooms, neighborhoods, and lives.
So, when you buy a ticket, you’re investing in Memphis.
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Let the Music Move You
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Let’s fill the concert halls, support our musicians, and keep the Memphis spirit strong.
