New West Symphony 2026 Masterpiece Series

Happy 250th Birthday America! Featuring Rachmaninoff and Gershwin - Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 7pm

New West Symphony’s yearlong celebration of America’s musical heritage launches with quintessential patriotic favorites, the emotional power of Rachmaninoff’s sweeping Second Piano Concerto paired with the swinging, jazz-infused sounds of Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess (“Catfish Row” suite) Romanticism, patriotism, and American ingenuity in one exciting season-opening performance.

Michael Christie, conductor

Harmony Zhu, piano

Smith/Key | The Star Spangled Banner

Sousa | Stars and Stripes Forever March

Rachmaninoff | Piano Concerto No.2, C minor,

                                Op. 18

Gershwin | Suite from Porgy and Bess “Catfish Row”

Mozart and American Voices - Saturday, March 7, 2026 at 7pm

Revel in the memorable melodies of Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro – selected scenes and arias offer a view into this timeless chaotic comedy. Musical Theater and American opera’s powerful arias and stirring choruses by legendary composers show their extraordinary range of musical storytelling. This unique program blends timeless elegance with bold American spirit in a program of extraordinary music.

Michael Christie, conductor

Angels Vocal Art,

Kristof Van Grysperre, artistic director

New West Symphony Chorus,

Dr. Wyant Morton, director

Mozart | The Marriage of Figaro (Selections)

Selections from Bernstein’s Candide, Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess, hits by Sondheim, Glass, Barber, and more!

Bernstein, Brahms & Blues - Saturday, April 11, 2026 at 7pm

Be inspired by two “greatest of all time” works, Brahms’ First Symphony and Leonard Bernstein’s West Side Story; both convey extraordinary emotional depth with spectacular instrumental color. Violinist Tai Murray made her concert debut with the Chicago Symphony at age nine and is one of America’s foremost virtuosos. A program where Broadway meets the symphonic tradition—bold, beautiful, and unforgettable.

Michael Christie, conductor

Tai Murray, violin

Bernstein | West Side Story Suite for Violin

                        and Orchestra

W.C. Handy | “Saint Louis Blues”

Ravel arr. Miloradovic | Blues for string orchestra

Brahms | Symphony No.1 in C minor, Op. 68

Beethoven & Copland - Saturday, October 3, 2026 at 7pm

Share in the timeless elegance and vigor of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 1, “Americana” personified in Copland’s Old American Songs, and the celebrated ballet, Appalachian Spring, a cornerstone of American classical music and dance. A captivating program that bridges classical tradition and American spirit.

Francesco Lecce-Chong, conductor

Pacific Festival Ballet, Kim Maselli, director

Los Robles Children’s Choir, Emma Roche, director

Beethoven | Symphony No.1 in C Major, Op. 21

Copland | Old American Songs

Copland | Appalachian Spring

Symphony Goes to Cirque - Saturday, November 7, 2026 at 7pm

Back by popular demand! Prepare to be dazzled as Troupe Vertigo joins the Symphony for a breathtaking fusion of music and circus inspired feats. Beloved symphonic works unite with performances of skill, strength, and daring for a night of spellbinding spectacle and beautiful music.

Michael Christie, conductor

Troupe Vertigo

Too Hot to Handel 

The Gospel Messiah - Saturday, December 5, 2026 at 7pm 

Rejoice with Too Hot to Handel: The Gospel Messiah—where Handel’s classic meets the jubilant power of gospel, jazz, and R&B. A thrilling, spirit-lifting fusion that will move your heart and shake the rafters!

“…perhaps the jazziest, most soulful reinterpretation of Handel’s Messiah you’ll ever hear.”

– New York Post

Michael Christie, conductor

New West Symphony Chorus,

Dr. Wyant Morton, director

Alfreda Burke, soprano

Rodrick Dixon, tenor

Handel Arr. Christianson/Anderson

| The Gospel Messiah