Palm Beach Symphony Launches 2025-2026 Season Celebrating American Music for Nation's 250th Birthday

The Palm Beach Symphony has announced its 2025-2026 Masterworks Series with individual tickets now available for purchase. The season opens on November 9, 2025, at Dreyfoos Hall in the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, featuring pianist Shelly Berg performing George Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue under Music Director Gerard Schwarz's leadership. This performance, sponsored by Patricia Lambrecht, represents a significant cultural moment as the symphony dedicates substantial programming to American music in honor of the nation's 250th birthday celebration.

Maestro Schwarz emphasized the importance of this thematic focus, noting that Gershwin stands as one of the most popular symphonic composers despite his limited output, beautifully blending jazz with classical traditions. The opening concert program includes Gershwin's An American in Paris, Alan Hovhaness' Prelude and Quadruple Fugue, and Ottorino Respighi's Pines of Rome, creating a comprehensive presentation of 20th century compositions. Schwarz described Respighi as one of history's greatest orchestrators, with The Pines of Rome featuring innovative elements including recorded bird chirping and six off-stage brass players creating dramatic effects.

Shelly Berg brings substantial credentials to the season opener as a five-time Grammy Award-nominated artist whose recent album Alegría was released in July 2024. His original composition At Last earned a 2025 Grammy nomination for Best Instrumental Composition, and his previous work includes collaborations with major artists including Tony Bennett, Steve Miller, and Seal. Berg's extensive educational background includes his current position as Dean and Patricia L. Frost Professor of Music at the University of Miami's Frost School of Music, though he announced he will step down from this role in Spring 2026.

The Masterworks series continues throughout the season with performances by distinguished artists including Misha Dichter in December, Alisa Weilerstein in January, Vadim Repin in March, Simon Trpčeski in April, and Emanuel Ax in May. Concert tickets range from $27.50 to $104.50 and are available through multiple channels including online at https://palmbeachsymphony.org, by telephone at (561) 281-0145, and at the Symphony's box office located at 700 South Dixie Highway in West Palm Beach.

Complementing the concert series, the Symphony Sessions: Lunch & Learns program offers deeper engagement opportunities on Thursdays preceding each concert. The November 6 session will feature principal cellist Claudio Jaffé, described by the New York Times as an elegant and accomplished artist. These educational sessions include gourmet catering and wine selections while providing behind-the-scenes insights into concert preparation and repertoire selection. Individual Lunch & Learn tickets cost $125, with subscription packages available for all six sessions at $600.

The complete 2025-2026 season schedule provides substantial cultural programming for Palm Beach area residents and visitors, with the American music focus serving as both entertainment and historical celebration. The symphony's commitment to diverse repertoire and community engagement continues through these Masterworks performances and educational initiatives, maintaining its position as South Florida's premier orchestra while marking the significant national milestone through musical celebration.