Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra Celebrates Black Music, Heritage, and Performers
The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and Cincinnati Pops Orchestra have announced a dynamic new season featuring an expanded lineup of artists and programs celebrating African American musical excellence. This year’s highlights include performances led by conductor Damon Gupton, as well as appearances by Boyz II Men, trumpeter Wynton Marsalis, saxophonist Steven Banks, and pianist Isata Kanneh‑Mason. With a season that blends iconic voices, rising stars, and genre‑spanning artistry, tickets are expected to go fast—secure yours today!
Upcoming Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra Events featuring Black music, vocalists, violinists, dancers, and conductors
La La Land in Concert
September 5 – September 6
Music Hall (OTR)
Here’s to the fools who dream. Celebrate the 10th anniversary of Lionsgate’s 2016 Academy Award-winning film, La La Land, in a swoon-worthy concert experience featuring the Cincinnati Pops, conductor Damon Gupton (who also appears in the film!), a full jazz band, and all of the unbelievable piano solos performed live-to-film.
Starring Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone, written and directed by Damien Chazelle, La La Land showcases the captivating story of a promising pianist and aspiring actress who cross paths and fall in love, while attempting to harmonize their career journeys in the city of stars. Set in modern-day Los Angeles, this original musical begs the question: can love endure the heartbreak of chasing one’s dreams?
Boyz II Men with the Cincinnati Pops
September 16, 7:30 p.m.
Music Hall (OTR)
Grammy-winning R&B legends Boyz II Men bring their silky harmonies and unmatched charisma to the Cincinnati Pops stage for a night of pure musical magic. Known for their smooth ballads, tight a cappella grooves, and iconic hits like “End of the Road,” “Motownphilly,” “I’ll Make Love to You” and “On Bended Knee,” the group infuses each song with soulful harmony — and enough butterfly-inducing feels to make hearts melt.
CSO + Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestral Festival
October 2 – October 4
Music Hall (OTR)
This weekend-long festival celebrates CSO Music Director Cristian Măcelaru’s enduring partnership with Wynton Marsalis. Featuring thrilling performances with the combined forces of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, violinist Nicola Benedetti, and the CSO, this festival highlights new works and fresh takes on orchestral classics, while showcasing the multiple Grammy-winning JLCO.
NYE: Dancing in the Street: Music of Motown
December 31, 8 p.m.
Music Hall (OTR)
On New Year’s Eve, the Cincinnati Pops becomes a soul-powered time machine and a living jukebox of some of Motown’s greatest hits. From the very first downbeat, the air crackles with that unmistakable Detroit groove — brassy riffs, velvet harmonies, and basslines so smooth they practically dance on their own.
You’ll hear from the iconic catalogs of artists like Marvin Gaye, The Four Tops, Diana Ross, The Temptations, and the one and only Stevie Wonder, all sung by the incredible vocal talents of Chester Gregory — star of Motown: The Musical! — American Idol finalist Michael Lynche and superstar songstress Cystal Monee Hall. This will be a feel-good, get-on-your-feet, and groove into the new year kind of party!
Cristi Conducts Brahms Symphony No. 3
January 8 – January 9
Music Hall (OTR)
A chance discovery led to the revival of Florence Price’s music, including her Ethiopia’s Shadow in America, a full-bodied orchestral work which depicts the plight of Africans, from enslavement to resignation, faith, and adaptation.
Come As You Are
January 15 – January 16
Music Hall (OTR)
To tell the story of the American cultural tapestry, we use love, spirituality, innovation and diversity. Bernstein’s musical retelling of the Romeo and Juliet story, set in a modern-day American city, is infused with our human desire to find common ground despite tragic loss. Steven Banks refers to his own roots and spirituality in his composition Come As You Are.
The contemporary American sound, defined by intricate rhythms and innovative textures, is heard in Jessie Montgomery’s Snapshots. Completing this beautiful American tapestry is none other than Duke Ellington, whose style was defined by the elegance and sophistication he brought to the swing and jazz genre.
Stravinsky X Kendrick Lamar
January 29 – January 30
Music Hall (OTR)
Who bears the curse — the puppet or its master? Steve Hackman’s Stravinsky X Kendrick Lamar confronts this question in a daring fusion of Stravinsky’s Petrushka and Kendrick Lamar’s Pulitzer Prize–winning DAMN., two works linked by their “show-within-a-show” format and their protagonists’ struggles with identity and reality. As Stravinsky’s puppets awaken to human emotion, the score weaves seamlessly through corresponding tracks from DAMN. — including “LOVE.,” “FEAR.,” “XXX.,” “FEEL.,” “LOYALTY.” and “HUMBL
About the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra
The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra is an American orchestra based in Cincinnati, Ohio. Its primary concert venue is Music Hall. In addition to its symphony concerts, the orchestra gives pops concerts as the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra. The Cincinnati Symphony is the resident orchestra for the Cincinnati May Festival, the Cincinnati Opera, and the Cincinnati Ballet.
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Related Article: Need more Symphony Events? Visit our calendar to discover the whole season.
Music Hall Venue Information
Parking
Near Music Hall, there is a 450-space underground garage, surface lots, and on-street parking. Use the Cincy EZ Park App to pay for parking as appropriate. Take the Cincinnati METRO to the venue.
Accessibility
The accessible entrance is located on the southeast side of the building, facing Elm Street. Please ask a Music Hall usher or staff member for additional assistance or directions.
Prohibited Items
Music Hall restricts bag sizes to 12 inches x 12 inches for your safety. A staff member can make an exception for individuals with medical necessity. All bags and jackets are subject to inspection upon entry.
View a list of prohibited items.
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