10 Can’t-Miss Classical Events in the New Season

By UMS

Only in Ann Arbor can audiences experience such an innovative lineup of classical artists from around the world! From anticipated UMS debuts and celebrations of masterful modern composers to boundary-pushing programs, check out 10 not-to-miss performances in the 25/26 season:

Season Opener: Verdi’s Requiem

Fri Sep 26 // Hill Auditorium

The new season opens with Verdi’s monumental Requiem, performed by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, the UMS Choral Union, DSO music director Jader Bignamini, and a stellar international cast of soloists. This program by the DSO will only be performed here in Ann Arbor.

Philharmonia Orchestra, London

Fri Oct 24 // Hill Auditorium

London’s Philharmonia Orchestra returns to Hill Auditorium, with both the exciting Finnish conductor Santtu-Matias Rouvali and superstar Icelandic pianist Víkingur Ólafsson making their UMS debuts.

On the program

Gabriela Ortiz Si el oxígeno fuera verde
Ludwig van Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 5 in E-flat Major, Op. 73 (“Emperor”)
Dmitri Shostakovich Symphony No. 5 in d minor, Op. 47

Imani Winds with Andy Akiho

Sun Oct 26 // Rackham Auditorium

The Imani Winds have led both a revolution and an evolution of the wind quintet through their energetic playing and adventurous programming. This collaboration features composer and percussionist Andy Akiho, a trailblazing Pulitzer Prize finalist and five-time Grammy-nominated composer whose bold works surpass preconceived boundaries of Western classical music.

On the program

Andy Akiho Solo Work
Paquito D’Rivera Kites
Andy Akiho The Synesthesia Suite
Jason Moran Cane
Andy Akiho BeLoud, BeLoved, BeLonging

Orquesta Sinfónica de Minería

Wed Jan 21 // Hill Auditorium

After their roaring UMS debut in 2023, México’s Orquesta Sinfónica de Minería and conductor Carlos Miguel Prieto return to the Hill Auditorium stage. This time, they join dynamic trumpet soloist Pacho Flores in a program of rarely heard orchestral works by leading composers from the Americas, in addition to two trumpet concerti.

On the program

Silvestre Revueltas Sensemayá
Franz Joseph Haydn Trumpet Concerto in E-flat Major
Paquito D’Rivera Venezuelan Concerto
Alberto Ginastera Suite from Panambí, Op. 1a
Alberto Ginastera Ollantay, Op. 17
Alberto Ginastera Dances from Estancia, Op. 8a

Wynton Marsalis Symphony No. 5

Fri Feb 6 // Hill Auditorium

Wynton Marsalis and his Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra will be joined by orchestral musicians from the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance in a preview performance of Marsalis’s all-new Symphony No. 5.

Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir

Fri Feb 13 // Hill Auditorium

The esteemed Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, under the direction of Tõnu Kaljuste, celebrates the famed Estonian composer Arvo Pärt and the indelible mark he has left on choral singing and classical music over his 90 years.

Chicago Symphony Orchestra

Mon Feb 23 // Hill Auditorium

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra returns to Hill Auditorium for the first time in more than a decade, under the leadership of their incoming music director, Klaus Mäkelä.

On the program

Ludwig van Beethoven Symphony No. 7 in A Major, Op. 92
Hector Berlioz Symphonie fantastique

Karajan-Akademie of the Berliner Philharmoniker

Fri Mar 13 // Rackham Auditorium

The Karajan-Akademie of the Berliner Philharmoniker serves as the training ground for both the next generation of musicians for the Philharmoniker and orchestras around the world. This concert, part of a larger residency that will include campus engagement and learning activities, will feature several Akademie scholars alongside Philharmoniker musicians in an evening of Beethoven, Shostakovich, and Bartók.

The Complete Philip Glass Piano Etudes

Sat Apr 18 // Hill Auditorium

In a rare concert performance of master piano works co-presented with the Gilmore International Piano Festival, 10 outstanding pianists will perform all 20 of Philip Glass’s études on the Hill Auditorium stage.

Jean-Yves Thibaudet, piano

Wed Apr 22 // Hill Auditorium

Short in length but limitless in imagination, all 24 of Claude Debussy’s magical Preludes for piano are performed by one of their supreme living interpreters, Jean-Yves Thibaudet.

Looking for Tickets?

The best seats at the best prices are available now as part of a UMS Season Ticket package. Customize 5+ events of your choice and save 10% off standard ticket prices with a Series:You subscription (our most popular option!), or explore our Choral Union and Chamber Arts package options.

Individual event tickets will go on sale Tuesday, July 29.