News Summary
The Grand Rapids Symphony is set to launch its 96th season with an exceptional performance of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony on September 12 and 13. Featuring the Grand Rapids Symphony Chorus, this highlight will culminate in the famous ‘Ode to Joy.’ The concert supports the chorus’s upcoming performance at Carnegie Hall. This season includes a modified program also featuring Dolly Parton’s multimedia show and various classic films in concert, alongside community-focused performances and programming.
Grand Rapids – The Grand Rapids Symphony will kick off its 96th season with a remarkable presentation of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony on September 12 and 13. This performance will feature the Grand Rapids Symphony Chorus, under the direction of Dr. Pearl Shangkuan, as they prepare for their significant upcoming performance at Carnegie Hall.
The highlight of this concert will be the final movement of Beethoven’s Ninth, known as “Ode to Joy,” which will be performed in its original German. The event aims to not only celebrate Beethoven’s timeless music but also support the chorus’s journey to Carnegie Hall, where they will perform Z. Randall Stroope’s composition, Franklin, in the spring of 2026. This performance will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
Music Director Marcelo Lehninger will lead the symphonic performance, and tickets are available for purchase through various channels, including online platforms, by phone, and in person. A promo code (GRSCODE) is being offered to assist in funding the chorus’s Carnegie Hall endeavor by helping patrons avoid Ticketmaster fees.
This upcoming season is not solely defined by the Grand Rapids Symphony’s opening concert, but also includes an innovative multimedia show curated by music icon Dolly Parton, titled “Threads: My Songs in Symphony,” scheduled for March 20-21, 2026. This performance aims to deliver a unique storytelling experience through some of Parton’s most celebrated songs, such as “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You.”
Additionally, the season will feature live-to-picture presentations of classic films and their accompanying scores, including The Polar Express in Concert and The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. This diverse programming seeks to emphasize the importance of storytelling through music, showcasing a variety of musical traditions from around the globe.
The Grand Rapids Symphony’s season encompasses a blend of both classical and modern works, with performances scheduled at venues like DeVos Performance Hall and St. Cecilia Music Center. This year, the Symphony will also welcome a range of guest artists, including Emmy-nominated musician Ben Folds and Grammy-nominated pianist Joyce Yang, among others.
A special series of concerts has been announced, featuring the Richard and Helen DeVos Masterworks Series, Fox Motors Pop Series, and Chamber and Coffee Masterworks Series. These performances will focus on community engagement and accessibility, offering a selection of programs and discounts for students and teachers.
Tickets can be purchased for individual performances or as part of season subscriptions, allowing audience members to immerse themselves in a variety of musical experiences throughout the season.
This season represents a commitment by the Grand Rapids Symphony to not only uphold classical traditions but also to embrace contemporary influences and social themes, creating a rich, engaging cultural landscape for its audience.
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Additional Resources
- GR Symphony Announces 96th Season Lineup
- Wikipedia: Grand Rapids Symphony
- Michigan Symphony Orchestra’s Winter Concerts
- Google Search: Michigan Symphony Orchestra
- Beat of a Different Drummer: Bill Vits’ Legacy
- Google Scholar: Grand Rapids Symphony
- Grand Rapids Symphony Review
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Symphony
- Springfield Symphony Orchestra Closes Season
- Google News: Symphony Orchestra
Author: STAFF HERE GRANDRAPIDS WRITER
GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER The GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGrandRapids.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Grand Rapids, Kent County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as ArtPrize, Festival of the Arts, and World of Winter. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and Grand Rapids Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in furniture, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Steelcase, Spectrum Health, and Meijer. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
