Announcing our 2026/2027 season, which marks Marcelo Lehninger’s 10th season as Music Director. It’s a season of unforgettable performances and exciting guest artists.
✨Featuring @simontrpceski , Midori, @@andrewvonoeyen ,@nathan.amaral.violin , and more in our Richard & Helen DeVos Masterworks Series.
🎤 Take a trip to the stars and pay tribute to the iconic songs of Billy Joel with @tonydesare as part of our Fox Motors Pops Series.
🎻 The 97th season showcases several of our musicians soloing in performances across multiple series, including James Crawford, Alicia Eppinga, Grace Kim, and Mary Beth Orr.
This season is our love letter to you. Learn more at grsymphony.org/subscribe
In recognition of Healthcare Workers Week, our GRS Music for Health musicians performed today at one of our partner sites alongside a music therapist. 🏥⭐
Across five sessions in public spaces, they offered moments of relaxation and rejuvenation for healthcare workers, patients, and caregivers throughout the hospital. 🎶
Learn more about the Symphony's Music for Health program at grsymphony.org/music-for-health
🚨 TICKETS ON SALE NOW 🚨
Featuring patriotic favorites by Aaron Copland, Duke Ellington, John Williams, and more. Conducted by Bob Bernhardt, Happy Birthday, America is a signature event of the citywide @gr_a250 celebration!
Tickets start at just $35 (Adult) / $20 (Child).
Family Four Packs & Group Discounts are also available. Learn more at grsymphony.org/picnic-pops26 or using the link in our bio.
🎤 Sing with the Grand Rapids Symphony Chorus!
Have you ever wanted to experience the power of live symphonic music from the stage? Auditions for the Grand Rapids Symphony Chorus are happening this summer, and we’re looking for passionate, skilled vocalists to join us!
📅 2026 Audition Dates
• July 20
• August 17
No prepared piece required — auditions include vocal exercises, tonal memory, and sight-singing.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the summer, so apply early before sections fill!
👉 Apply using the link in our bio.
📩 Questions? Contact Whitney Brainard at [email protected]
🎶 Welcome Geoffrey Larson!
The Grand Rapids Symphony is excited to announce the appointment of Geoffrey Larson as Assistant Conductor, beginning July 2026.
Larson currently serves as Music Director of the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber Orchestra and Resident Conductor of the Windsor Symphony Orchestra.
"I am thrilled to begin my collaboration with the Grand Rapids Symphony and Marcelo Lehninger as Assistant Conductor,” Larson said. “I was impressed by the artistry of the orchestra and the warmth of the Grand Rapids community on my audition visit; I am looking forward to the exciting musical projects ahead."
Please join us in welcoming Geoffrey! 👏 To learn more about @geoffreyconducts , view the full press release on our website.
📷: Sean Salamon
🚨 JUST ANNOUNCED 🚨
The beloved Grand Rapids Symphony’s Picnic Pops tradition returns, and it’s bigger than ever as we take the stage for the first time at the spectacular new Acrisure Amphitheater for two concert events this summer.
Tickets for the 4th of July concert go on sale May 14, 2026, AT 10:00 AM online, by-phone & in-person.
Tickets for July 23 will be sold at a later time.
Learn more at grsymphony.org/picnic-pops26
Meet the Musicians: Retirees Edition 🎶
Mary Jane Miller, viola
Kathleen Gomez, English horn/oboe
From their journeys before joining the Grand Rapids Symphony to reflections on the art form itself, MJ and Kathleen share memories, gratitude, and what performing for this community has meant throughout their careers.
🎆 Orchestral Fireworks
📍 DeVos Performance Hall
📅 May 9, 2026 | 7:30 PM
Tune in to Blue Lake Radio on Sunday, May 10, at 1:00 PM for this week’s Grand Rapids Symphony broadcast of An Evening Concert with Duo. Join conductor @conductorduoshen for a unique arrangement of Pachelbel's Canon in D, entitled
Remix in D, by Grand Rapids Symphony's own Alexander Miller. Plus, Shostakovich's
Chamber Symphony Op. 110A (Kammersinfonie) and Haydn’s Symphony No. 96, 'Miracle Symphony.'
Tune in at 90.3/88.9 public radio or stream at bluelakeradio.org/show/grand-rapids-symphony-orchestra.
⚠️ Heads up before the concert! ⚠️
If you’re joining us at DeVos Performance Hall this weekend for Orchestral Fireworks, please plan ahead for downtown traffic and road closures related to the Amway River Bank Run. Allow extra time for travel and parking so you can arrive stress-free and ready for a great night of music. 🎶
For more information, head to: /parking-and-transportation-2/ or use the link in our bio.
Meet the Musician: Retirees Edition✨🎶
Christine Golden, violin 🎻
From sharing music through the Instrument Discovery Ensembles to unforgettable moments backstage and onstage, Christine reflects on the joy of performing with her colleagues and for the community.
Celebrate Christine and the rest of the 2026 retirees at Orchestral Fireworks on May 8 & 9 at DeVos Performance Hall.
Returning by popular demand - the Create Your Own Series is back! Join us as we celebrate @marcelolehninger 's 10th season as Music Director by Creating Your Own 2026/2027 series.
🎵 Looking for blockbusters? How about Mahler’s “Resurrection” Symphony and Ravel’s Rapsodie espagnole?
⭐ Pop Culture more your jam? May we suggest the Music of Star Trek or Cirque de la Symphonie: Fire & Ice?
🎹 More of a piano fan? Why not add @simontrpceski Playing Prokofiev or @evrenozelpiano playing Beethoven’s “Emperor” Piano Concerto?
Mix & match all your favorites and create your perfect symphonic adventure. And when you buy 4 or more concerts, get a 5th concert FREE! But hurry, this offer expires June 18, 2026.
Learn more at grsymphony.org/cyo or using the link in our bio.
Meet the Musician: Retirees Edition 🎵
Diane McElfish Helle, violin 🎻
From DeVos Performance Hall opening in 1980 to reflecting on the privilege of connecting with audiences through live music in a time when so much feels mediated and secondhand through screens, Diane shares what performing with the Grand Rapids Symphony has meant throughout her career.
We congratulate her on her wonderful years of music and dedication to this community!
