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
Holiday Pops
December 11 – 13
Music Hall (OTR)
Featuring talented choirs and dancers from around our city, plus special guests and a few surprises along the way, this is the Cincinnati Pops concert that captures all the wonder, warmth, and togetherness of the holidays.
The program includes a performance by award-winning Latina vocalist Gaby Moreno, known for blending Latin, blues, folk, and soul influences.
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 & 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 & 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 & 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 “HUMBLE.”
Extraordinary Women
March 5 & 6
Music Hall (OTR)
Celebrate the extraordinary voices of women in music, from pioneers of the 19th-century to trailblazers of today. The program includes music by pioneering Black composer Errollyn Wallen, who broke barriers as the first Black woman featured at the BBC Proms and the first Black woman appointed Master of the King’s Music by King Charles III.
Billy Joel Songbook with Tony DeSare
March 19 – 21
Music Hall (OTR)
A concert for all generations of music fans: experience the legendary songs of Billy Joel backed by the power of the Cincinnati Pops! Tony DeSare lends his signature vocals and dynamic piano playing to a symphonic celebration of the Piano Man’s most iconic rock hits. Hear favorites including “Only the Good Die Young,” “Just the Way You Are,” “Piano Man,” “New York State of Mind,” “You May Be Right,” “Movin’ Out,” “My Life,” “Don’t Ask Me Why” and more in this unforgettable tribute to one of music’s greatest storytellers.
Billy Joel Songbook with Tony DeSare will be brought to life under the baton of acclaimed Black conductor Damon Gupton.
Mozart & Prokofiev
April 10 & 11
Music Hall (OTR)
It’s rare that two such in-demand artists make their CSO debuts on the same program, one that takes the listener on a journey from spark, to intimacy, to ultimate triumph. Dobrinka Tabakova’s fanfare Orpheus’ Comet opens the program with a burst of energy, its buzzing horn sounds passing through the Orchestra in a hypnotic loop. Pianist Isata Kanneh-Mason brings us into a more reflective, lyrical world with Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 27. Prokofiev’s Fifth Symphony, written in the final years of World War II, reveals perhaps the greatest melodist of the 20th century. His symphony is filled with both memorable tunes and sardonic humor, culminating in a chaotic whirlwind that hurtles the piece to an abrupt finale.
Featuring renowned Black classical pianist Isata Kanneh-Mason.
Classical Roots
April 17, 7:30 p.m.
Music Hall (OTR)
For more than two decades, Classical Roots has stood as a beloved Cincinnati tradition, honoring the powerful legacy and enduring influence of African American music. This year, love and unity will fill every corner of Music Hall as the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, the Classical Roots Community Choir, members of the Nouveau Program and special guests join together for an evening of joyous celebration. Led by JMR, this inspiring program promises to warm your heart, lift your spirit and have you on your feet before the night is through!
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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Discount Options
The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra offers a variety of discounts, including First-Timer Tickets for $10 each (limit two) for new attendees from OH, KY, or IN, and Pay What You Wish tickets for those with financial need. Students can get $15 tickets or join Student Access Plus for $50 to attend unlimited eligible concerts for a season. Kids’ tickets start at $10–$15, with free admission for lap children under 2 at Lollipops concerts. Groups of 10+ can save up to 20%, with extra savings for seniors, students, and free tickets for leaders of groups of 25+. Active military receive 25% off select concerts, and seniors 62+ get 25% off many CSO performances. The HarmonyPass membership program allows access to select CSO and Pops concerts with plans starting at just $12.99/month. Employees of Corporate Sponsors and Corporate Partners save up to 35% on tickets to select CSO and Pops concerts each season. Exclusions apply; call for details.
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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