American classics and favorite works by classical composers — including one rarely performed in its totality — are highlights of the Allentown Symphony Orchestra’s upcoming 76th season.
The season will be special in other ways, as well: Each concert will feature a female composer and it’s the final full season for conductor and musical director Diane Wittry, who’s announced plans to step down starting at the end of 2027 after 33 years, the longest tenure in the orchestra’s history.
“Her legacy will be a legacy of growth and taking this organization and the greater Lehigh Valley to new heights with music,” said Al Jacobsen, executive director of the Allentown Symphony Association. “Diane’s tenure almost directly mirrors the overall growth in live performance offerings in the Lehigh Valley. There’s so much we have in the Lehigh Valley today that did not exist.”
Diane Wittry will step down as musical director and composer for the Allentown Symphony Orchestra starting at the end of the year. (Contributed photo)
Subscriptions are available now for the season, with single tickets on sale Aug. 3.
The Pops Season begins Sept. 26 at Miller Symphony Hall with the Great American Swing Book, featuring vocalist Dee Daniels in a tribute to swing-era legends including Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Billie Holiday and Nat King Cole.
The first concert of the Classical Series follows Oct. 10 and 11 with “Fire & Passion,” featuring Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No. 3, performed by acclaimed pianist Joyce Yang; and Brahms’ Symphony No. 1. The concert also will be the Pennsylvania premiere for “Can(n)ons of Freedom,” a new work by Chris Brubeck, son of renowned jazz musician Dave Brubeck.
In a nod to the nation’s 250th anniversary, each concert will feature at least one American composer, and, Wittry promised, plenty of surprises.
“I think I’ve developed a reputation that people will always be surprised at something,” she said. “There will always be something new and fresh, so people come to see what’s going to happen at the concert.”
Other highlights of the season include:
Saint-Saens’ Organ Symphony on Nov. 7 and 8, featuring internationally celebrated organist Paul Jacobs in partnership with Lehigh Valley-based Allen Organ Co. In addition to Saint-Saens’ iconic work, the concert also will include Richard Strauss’ vivid tone poem “Don Juan” and Steven Paulus’ Grand Concerto No. 3 for Organ and Orchestra.
Holiday Pops on Dec. 19 featuring seasonal favorites, sparkling orchestral arrangements and joyful surprises for audiences of all ages. A guest vocalist will join the orchestra to perform classic holiday songs alongside symphonic renditions.
Country Hits: Songs of Nashville on Jan. 23 features songs from classic country artists including Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, Garth Brooks, Tim McGraw and others who define country music.
Stravinsky’s “Firebird Suite,” performed in collaboration with the Pennsylvania Youth Ballet on Feb. 13 and 14, 2027. Also on the program is the Pennsylvania premiere of “Ode to Carmen Miranda” by the symphony’s composer-in-residence Clarice Assad. The winner of the 2026 Schadt String Competition also will take the stage with their winning violin concerto.
She’s Got Soul: Whitney Houston, Adele and More, on March 13, 2027, features vocal powerhouse Capathia Jenkins performing songs from legendary artists including Houston, Adele, Gladys Knight and Chaka Khan.
Mozart’s 40th Symphony on April 10 and 11, 2027. In addition to Mozart’s famous symphony, the concert will feature “Overture (Sinfonia) in C Major” by Marianna Martines, an overlooked female composer and a contemporary of both Mozart and Haydn. The Allentown Symphony Chorus will join the orchestra for Moren Lauridsen’s “Lux Aeterna.”
Holst’s “The Planets”: One of the most popular works of orchestral music, the full piece hasn’t been performed by the orchestra since 2012, Jacobsen said. It will return May 22 and 23, 2027. It will be played with a film backdrop and, for the final movement, “Neptune,” the women of the Allentown Symphony Chorus. The concert opens with Richard Strauss’ “Fanfare” from “Also sprach Zarathustra.”
Rock Legends: Queen and Journey on July 17, 2027. The Pops Series concludes with a mix of arena-rock anthems, with the addition of Jeans ‘n’ Classics musicians and a chorus.
The always popular Holiday Pops seasonal concert will return to Miller Symphony Hall on Saturday, Dec. 19, 2026, in Allentown. (Marco Calderon)
Allentown Symphony Orchestra will kick off its 76th season in October with a concert series that includes American composers, female composers and classical favorites. (Bill Basta)
Allentown Symphony Orchestra will kick off its 76th season in October with a concert series that includes American composers, female composers and classical favorites. (Bill Basta)
The always popular Holiday Pops seasonal concert will return to Miller Symphony Hall on Saturday, Dec. 19, 2026, in Allentown. (Marco Calderon)
The always popular Holiday Pops seasonal concert will return to Miller Symphony Hall on Saturday, Dec. 19, 2026, in Allentown. (Marco Calderon)
The always popular Holiday Pops seasonal concert will return to Miller Symphony Hall on Saturday, Dec. 19, 2026, in Allentown. (Marco Calderon)
Allentown Symphony Orchestra will kick off its 76th season in October with a concert series that includes American composers, female composers and classical favorites. (Bill Basta)
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The always popular Holiday Pops seasonal concert will return to Miller Symphony Hall on Saturday, Dec. 19, 2026, in Allentown. (Marco Calderon)
“People in our area have different interests and are motivated by different things,” Wittry said. “We want to make sure we were eclectic in the types of concerts we present, to appeal and grow the audience. Always backed up by our phenomenal orchestra.”
Said Jacobsen: “There’s a lot to be excited about.”
Subscriptions for the upcoming season and single tickets for current and upcoming shows of the 75th season and the Jazz Upstairs series are available at MillerSymphonyHall.org, or call the box office at 610-432-6715.
A look at Allentown Symphony Orchestra’s 75th season
Classical series
Saturday concerts are at 7:30 p.m. Sunday concerts are at 2 p.m.
Fire & Passion: Prokofiev & Brahms, Oct. 10 and 11
Saint-Saëns’ Organ Symphony, Nov. 7 and 8
Stravinsky’s Firebird, Feb. 13 and 14, 2027
Mozart’s Symphony No. 40, April 10 and 11, 2027
Holst’s The Planets, May 22 & 23, 2027
Pops series
The Great American Swing Book, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 26
Holiday Pops, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 19.
Country Hits: Songs of Nashville, 7:30 p.m. Jan. 23
She’s Got Soul: Whitney Houston, Adele and More, 2 and 7:30 p.m. March 13, 2027
Rock Legends: Queen and Journey, 2 and 7:30 p.m. July 17, 2027