Halifax-based orchestra broadens programming with mix of traditional repertoire, pop culture concerts and marquee guest artists
HALIFAX/KJIPUKTUK, N.S. — Symphony Nova Scotia has announced its 2026/27 concert season, unveiling a broad slate of performances that blends core classical repertoire with contemporary crossover programming as the organization looks to attract both longtime patrons and new audiences.
The Halifax-based orchestra said the upcoming season will feature performances ranging from Beethoven and Brahms to ABBA, anime soundtracks and Broadway favourites, with programming spread across its Spotlight, Fusion, Baroque, Mozart+ and Special Concert series.
“We invite audiences to experience the breadth of live music we offer, exploring diverse perspectives and sharing powerful stories in sound,” says CEO Scott Tresham. “Symphony Nova Scotia brings people together through music and programmes that reflect the world around us and the human experiences that connect us.”
“This season brings together cherished traditions alongside new ideas and collaborations,” Scott continues. “Whether you’re stepping into the concert hall for the first time or you’ve been with us for years, we look forward to welcoming you to the concert hall in 2026/27.”
Spotlight Series Anchored by Major Symphonic Works and Canadian Commission
The orchestra’s Spotlight Series, held Thursday evenings at the Rebecca Cohn Auditorium in Halifax, will showcase traditional orchestral repertoire alongside newer works and commemorative programming.
Opening Program Features Brahms, Barber and World Premiere
The season opens Oct. 15, 2026, with Shadows & Light: Barber & Brahms, featuring Johannes Brahms’ Symphony No. 1, Samuel Barber’s Violin Concerto performed by Robert Uchida, and the world premiere of Aperture Widening by Canadian composer Matthew-John Knights.
Additional Spotlight concerts include Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6 “Pastoral,” Schumann’s Symphony No. 3 “Rhenish,” and Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 4 “Italian.”
Anniversary Programming Highlights Reflection and Remembrance
A November performance titled Peace & Remembrance: Ravel & Vaughan Williams will honour the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Legion and the 50th anniversary of the Nova Scotia Choral Federation.
The orchestra will also present Magnificent Mozart in January 2027 featuring Music Director Laureate Bernhard Gueller and Principal Horn Carys Sutherland, followed by themed concerts celebrating Spanish repertoire and April Fools’ comedic classical programming.
Fusion Series Continues Push Into Mainstream and Popular Genres
Symphony Nova Scotia’s Fusion Series, held on weekends at the Rebecca Cohn Auditorium, will continue the orchestra’s strategy of combining symphonic arrangements with artists from popular, folk, jazz and world music traditions.
East Coast Artists and Canadian Talent Featured
The series begins with Flying On Your Own: A Tribute To Rita MacNeil, featuring Lucy MacNeil and The Men of the Deeps in an orchestral tribute to the late Cape Breton singer.
Other Atlantic Canadian acts scheduled to appear include Aquakultre, Rum Ragged and Lennie Gallant.
Pop Culture Programming Targets Broader Audiences
The Fusion lineup also includes Rajaton Sings ABBA, Bravo Broadway! with Hugh Panaro and Alli Mauzey, Vinyl Favourites of the ’60s & ’70s with Jim Witter, and SymphoniCon: Music of Anime.
Cuban-Canadian Grammy and JUNO Award winner Alex Cuba will perform with the orchestra for a one-night-only concert in October 2026.
Baroque and Mozart+ Series Expand Artistic Offerings
The orchestra’s Baroque Series and newer Mozart+ Series, both staged at St. Andrew’s United Church in Halifax, will provide smaller-scale programming focused on historical repertoire and thematic pairings.
Baroque Series Highlights Bach Dynasty and Women of Venice
The Baroque lineup includes Bach, Bach, Bach, & Bach, a program exploring multiple generations of the Bach family, and The Extraordinary Women Of Venice, which spotlights female Baroque composers and performers from Venice.
A third Baroque program, Four Seasons, Four Elements, will feature violinist Emmanuel Resche-Caserta in a performance centred on Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons.
Mozart+ Series Explores Composer Pairings
The Mozart+ Series will include Mozart + Le Chevalier, pairing works by Mozart and Joseph Bologne, and Mozart + Handel, featuring repertoire from Mozart and Handel performed by principal orchestra members.
Holiday and Special Events Return
Seasonal programming remains a core part of the orchestra’s calendar, with The Nutcracker returning for its 35th anniversary in partnership with Halifax Dance and Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia.
The orchestra’s annual presentation of Handel’s Messiah will return in December 2026, this time featuring the original “Dublin” version under conductor Kevin Mallon.
Symphony Nova Scotia will also host Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra: Staircases for a one-night performance in Halifax in November 2026.
Tickets Now Available
Ticket packages for the 2026/27 season are now on sale through the Dalhousie Arts Centre Box Office, with full season details available through Symphony Nova Scotia.
The announcement comes as arts organizations across Canada continue to diversify programming and experiment with crossover collaborations in an effort to strengthen ticket sales, broaden demographic reach and reinforce live performance attendance in a competitive entertainment market.