WATERBURY — Riding the momentum of three consecutive years of record audience growth, including three sold-out performances this past season, Waterbury Symphony Orchestra (WSO) announces its 2026-27 season, "What the World Needs Now." The orchestra's 88th season reflects WSO's commitment to presenting world-class performances that inspire, entertain, and unite audiences of all ages.

The season theme reflects the orchestra's belief that music has the unique ability to inspire hope, celebrate shared humanity, and strengthen communities. Across ten concerts and three distinctive series, audiences will experience music that spans centuries, styles, and traditions while affirming the timeless power of live performance.

Music Director and Conductor Maestro Leif Bjaland continues to lead WSO, now entering his remarkable 32nd season. From the brilliance of Beethoven, Gershwin, and Rachmaninoff to intimate chamber music, Broadway favorites, Halloween thrills, and candlelight concerts, the season celebrates the extraordinary power of music to bring people together.

WSO Executive Director Doug Donato said the orchestra’s audiences have embraced the artistic journey “we've been on together over the past several years.

“This new season builds on the momentum of the past few years with inspiring music, outstanding guest artists, and unforgettable experiences that truly offer something for everyone," he added.

The season will open on Sunday, October 4, with “MasterWorks: American Voices,” featuring Van Cliburn Competition winner pianist Evren Ozel performing Rachmaninoff's monumental Piano Concerto No 3, alongside works by Chris Brubeck, Gabriela Lena Frank, and George Gershwin.

The holiday season returns with one of Connecticut's favorite musical traditions, “Holiday Pops: Christmas in Connecticut — Return of the Ugly Sweater,” on Saturday, December 5, when audiences will be invited to celebrate the season with festive music, laughter, and their most gloriously outrageous holiday attire.

The MasterWorks Series will continue on March 14 with “Nordic Winds, Bohemian Meadows,” featuring the winner of the Thomas C. Clark Young Artist Competition performing Nielsen's Flute Concerto alongside Dvořák's beloved Symphony No 8. The season reaches its inspiring conclusion on April 18 with Beethoven's Symphony No 9 "Ode to Joy," presented with The Hartford Chorale and distinguished vocal soloists in one of the greatest masterpieces ever composed.

The MasterWorks and Holiday Pops Concert performances are at CT State Community College’s Naugatuck campus, within the Fine Arts Center, 750 Chase Parkway in Waterbury.

Newtown Series Returning

The orchestra's popular Newtown Series will also return, with three distinctly different musical experiences being offered at the historic Edmond Town Hall.

October will bring “The Haunting of Edmond Town Hall,” blending haunting John Williams and Danny Elfman and other orchestral scores with music ideal for Halloween. February will welcome the 3rd Annual Candlelight String Quartet, this time performing “Yacht Rock,” featuring timeless hits by Steely Dan, Hall & Oates, Toto, Christopher Cross, and more, performed amid thousands of candles.

The series will conclude in April with Chris Brubeck's Triple Play, showcasing an exciting fusion of jazz, blues, folk, and classical influences.

Litchfield Series

The Litchfield Series will also continue its tradition, offering intimate chamber performances at Litchfield Community Center.

November's “November Song: Gounod & Dvořák” will celebrate the beauty of the wind ensemble repertoire. January will feature the annual Young Artist Chamber Concert in partnership with Yale School of Music, while May will conclude the season with “American Songbirds,” starring Broadway soprano Maria Wirries and acclaimed pianist Alex Rybeck in a tribute to the legendary women of The Great American Songbook.

Single tickets are on sale now. Season subscriptions are available through August 31, 2026. Subscribers enjoy significant savings through either traditional subscription packages or now with WSO's Flex Mix and Match Packages. Traditional subscription packages offer 15% savings on all ticket prices, waived per-ticket booking fees, and the security of reserved seating for every MasterWorks performance.

MasterWorks subscriptions including all four concerts begin at $90, with savings per person available for the ten concert full-season packages ranging from approximately $125 to $200, depending on seating location.

Subscriptions may be ordered by contacting the box office at 203-346-2000 or info@waterburysymphony.org.

Complete season information is available at waterburysymphony.org.