Dvořák New World Symphony
2026-03-21 | Ambassador Auditorium, 131 S St. John Avenue, Pasadena, CA, 91105, United States
Ambassador Auditorium

March 21, 2026
2:00pm & 8:00pm Brett Mitchell, conductor
Juan Pablo Contreras, composer & special guest
Bernstein Three Dance Variations from Fancy Free
Juan Pablo Contreras Symphony No. 1
“MyGreat Dream” (co-commission)
Dvořák Symphony No. 9 “From the New World” Buy Tickets Be among the first to experience acclaimed composer Juan Pablo Conteras’ first symphony, capturing his journey to becoming a composer and a US citizen, and get lost in one of the most popular symphonies of all time – a tribute to the American spirit. ArtistsJuan Pablo ContrerasComposer & Special Guest Brett MitchellMusic Director Video Sponsors
Individual Concert Underwriter:
The Executive Committee of the
Pasadena Symphony Association Board of Directors

Insights Sponsor:
Alan Fisher, MD
& Hear MD

Beethoven Eroica
2026-04-25
Ambassador Auditorium

April 25, 2026
2:00pm & 8:00pm Brett Mitchell, conductor
Julian Schwarz, cello
Quinn Mason Heroic Overture (Overtura Eroica)
Jennifer Higdon Cello Concerto (West Coast Premiere)
Beethoven Symphony No. 3 “Eroica” Buy Tickets A grand display of musical innovation across centuries, with the west coast premiere of Grammy-winning composer Jennifer Higdon’s cello concerto, and the bold spirit of Beethoven’s ground-breaking Eroica Symphony—revolutionary, heroic and full of power.
Join us one hour before the performance for Insights – a free pre-concert dialogue with KUSC Host Brian Lauritzen and Music Director Brett Mitchell. Learn about the works being performed and get a behind-the-scenes look at our guest artists and conductor. ArtistsBrett MitchellMusic Director Julian SchwarzCello Quinn MasonComposer Jennifer HigdonComposer Video Sponsors
Concert Underwriter:
Linda & William Krantz

Insights Sponsor:
Alan Fisher, MD
& Hear MD

America @ 250
2026-05-30
Ambassador Auditorium

May 30, 2026
2:00pm & 8:00pm Brett Mitchell, conductor
Alec Baldwin, narrator
Terrence Wilson, piano
John Williams Liberty Fanfare
Gershwin Concerto in F for Piano and Orchestra
Copland Appalachian Spring Suite
Copland Lincoln Portrait Buy Tickets
The season closes with a celebration of American orchestral music – John Williams, Gershwin and two seminal pieces by Copland. Terrence Wilson dazzles on Gershwin’s vibrant Concerto in F and acclaimed actor Alec Baldwin brings a distinctive voice to Copland’s ode to Lincoln. It’s a season finale you won’t want to miss!
Join us one hour before the performance for Insights – a free pre-concert dialogue with KUSC Host Brian Lauritzen and Music Director Brett Mitchell. Learn about the works being performed and get a behind-the-scenes look at our guest artists and conductor. ArtistsTerrence WilsonPiano Alec BaldwinNarrator Brett MitchellMusic Director Video Sponsors
Individual Concert Underwriter:
Georgianna Bray Erskine
In memory of her mother, Evelyn Bray, and in honor of
the Women’s Committee of the Pasadena Symphony Association

Insights Sponsor:
Alan Fisher, MD
& Hear MD

Brahms Symphony No. 1
2026-10-24
Ambassador Auditorium

October 24, 2026
2:00pm & 8:00pm Brett Mitchell, conductor
Benjamin Beilman, violin
Joan Tower Made in America
Barber Violin Concerto
Brahms Symphony No. 1 BUY TICKETS ArtistsBrett MitchellMusic Director Benjamin Beilman Video Sponsors
Concert Underwriter:

Insights Sponsor:

Beethoven Symphony No. 7
2026-11-14
Ambassador Auditorium

November 14, 2026
2:00pm & 8:00pm Brett Mitchell, conductor
Michael Kaufman, cello
Carlos Simon Fate Now Conquers
Elgar Cello Concerto
Beethoven Symphony No. 7 BUY TICKETS ArtistsBrett MitchellMusic Director Michael Kaufman Video Sponsors
Concert Underwriter:

Marlene R. Konnar & John D. Baldeschwieler

Insights Sponsor:

Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 2
2027-02-13
Ambassador Auditorium

February 13, 2027
2:00pm & 8:00pm Brett Mitchell, conductor
Clayton Stephenson, piano
Jennifer Higdon blue cathedral
Stravinsky Suite from The Firebird
Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No.2
BUY TICKETS ArtistsBrett MitchellMusic Director Clayton Stephenson Video Sponsors
Concert Underwriter:

Barbara Mann Steinwedell

Insights Sponsor:

Vivaldi Four Seasons
2027-03-20
Ambassador Auditorium

March 20, 2027
2:00pm & 8:00pm Brett Mitchell, conductor
Simone Porter, violin
Bach Brandenburg Concerto No. 3
Stravinsky Dumbarton Oaks
Vivaldi The Four Seasons
BUY TICKETS ArtistsSimone PorterViolin Brett MitchellMusic Director Video Sponsors
Concert Underwriter:

Linda & William Krantz

Insights Sponsor:

Tchaikovsky & Shostakovich
2027-05-01
Ambassador Auditorium

May 1, 2027
2:00pm & 8:00pm Brett Mitchell, conductor
Paul Huang, violin
Kevin Puts Millennium Canons
Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto
Shostakovich Symphony No. 5
BUY TICKETS ArtistsBrett MitchellMusic Director Paul Huang Video Sponsors
Concert Underwriter:

Susan and Bill Schieff

Insights Sponsor:
