This piece is thanks to contributing author, Jensen Fitch, Publicity Manager with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra.

 

The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra has been a major fixture in Cincinnati's local arts scene since 1895. CSO performances take place at historic Cincinnati Music Hall, one of the most beloved and iconic landmarks in the entire region. If you've never had a night out at the symphony, it's time for you to add it to your must-do list. Here is some insider information regarding the 2025 - 2026 season. 

Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra - Cristian Macelaru
Debuting as the CSO's new Music Director is Cristian Măcelaru (photo: Mark Lyons)

1) A New Era of Music-Making: Enjoy Concerts under the CSO’s New Music Director Cristian Măcelaru

The Orchestra is excited to welcome new Music Director, Cristian Măcelaru, for his season debut! The 44-year-old Romanian-born and American trained conductor is the CSO’s 14th Music Director. Music Directors are a critical piece to the orchestra, preparing and leading the musicians through the entire season’s performances. Life is good when you’re surrounded by music, so come out and enjoy this new chapter with the Orchestra. You can learn more about Cristian and where his passion for music comes from in our new series, Introducing Cristian Măcelaru. 

Cristian Măcelaru's Debut Oct 03

Cristian Măcelaru's Debut

Cristian Mӑcelaru makes his highly anticipated debut as the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra (CSO)'s Music Director in this celebratory and historic program you won’t want to miss. Time stands still as opening pedal tones in Anna Clyne’s Abstractions draw you right in. Then…

2) Find Your Moment: Choosing a Concert

There is something for everyone at the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. We seek to share inspiration through sound, and you don’t need a musical background to enjoy the symphony! The CSO performs a robust variety of music throughout the season, with the music director ensuring a quality at every concert by preparing and leading the musicians of the Orchestra. If you’re not sure which concerts to choose from our 25/26 season, check out our suggestions.

For First-Timers: Handel’s Messiah

For Date Night: Stravinsky’s Firebird

To find a full list of our concerts this season, check out our calendar.

A group of women watching the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra read through a copy of Fanfare Magazine.
Be sure to grab a copy of Fanfare Magazine, the CSO's program book, for the total inside scoop! (photo: Mark Lyons)

3) Read Between the Notes: Explore Exclusive Content in Fanfare Magazine

For an inside look into this season’s concerts, check out our program book: Fanfare Magazine. The printed and digital magazine includes content to help shape your understanding of the music you will experience, stories of the people who work on and off the stage, and information about organization-wide initiatives and developments. The digital version includes exclusive online-only content, like videos and links to additional articles. You can explore each issue weeks ahead of scheduled concerts to find inspiration before your trip to Music Hall.

A group of singers perform for the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra
"Classical Roots" is a concert that specifically showcases Black excellence in the arts (photo: Mark Lyons)

4) Find Inspiration Through Inclusion: Performances for Everyone

We believe that music lives within all of us, no matter your age or background. That’s why we make it our priority to offer inclusive events, including our Classical Roots concert, where a diverse community gathers to celebrate Black excellence in the arts. We also offer sensory-friendly events, like our “Access to Music” concert, which allows attendees to explore how sound can shape emotions, as well as inspire people of all ages to connect with music in their own unique way.

 

5) Beyond Music Hall: Community Events Around Cincinnati

The CSO is committed to giving back to the community through music. We currently serve more than 80-thousand people every year through free concerts, music education and outreach programs. Come experience us in your neighborhood at our Free Brady Block Parties during the summer, as well as through our school programs, like our mobile Music Lab. We also offer free livestreams of select concerts throughout the season!

A group of musicians with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra smile at one another during a music break.
A night out with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra is a must-do experience to add to your list while visiting (photo: Mark Lyons)

6) Stay Connected: Be the First to Receive Information

For the latest and most up-to-date information, be sure to follow us on social media and join our digital newsletters. To be the first to know all things CSO, sign up quickly here. You can also follow us on our social platforms: Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.