We bring our orchestral energy to the people.
MAINSTAGE CONCERTS
Beethoven’s Sixth
Saturday, October 3, 2026 at 7:30PM
FirstOntario Concert Hall
James S. Kahane, Conductor
Jessica Linnebach, Violin
Music Director James Kahane leads the Orchestra in a vibrant opening to the 26-27 season, beginning with the dazzling energy and sweeping melodies of Hector Berlioz’s Roman Carnival Overture. Ernest Chausson’s Poème for violin and orchestra unfolds with rhapsodic freedom and rich expression and we hear the world premiere of a new work by 26–27 HPO Composer Fellow, Leo Purich. Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6, “Pastoral,” brings the performance to a close with the composer’s radiant tribute to the natural world, moving from birdsong and flowing brooks to a dramatic summer storm and serene gratitude.
Symphony in Space: The Ultimate Sci-Fi Concert
Saturday, October 24, 2026 at 7:30PM
FirstOntario Concert Hall
Evan Mitchell, Conductor
Blast off with the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra for an out-of-this-world symphonic adventure led by conductor Evan Mitchell. From distant galaxies to dystopian futures, this electrifying program celebrates the music that has defined sci-fi on screen and in our imaginations for generations. Audiences will be immersed in the bold heroism, haunting mystery and heart-pounding intensity of music from Star Trek, Star Wars, Battlestar Galactica, E.T., Alien, Interstellar, Tron, Dune, Back to the Future and more.
Schubert & Tchaikovsky
Saturday, November 14, 2026 at 7:30PM
FirstOntario Concert Hall
James S. Kahane, Conductor
Rachel Mercer, Cello
An evening of passion, lyricism and emotional depth awaits as Music Director James Kahane leads the Orchestra and welcomes acclaimed Canadian cellist Rachel Mercer. Franz Schubert’s Symphony No. 8, “Unfinished,” opens the concert with haunting beauty and intensity, its mystery lingering long after the final note. Rachel Mercer brings warmth and expressive depth as soloist on Max Bruch’s Kol Nidrei and Dvořák’s Silent Woods, which creates a dreamy moment of tranquility. The concert concludes with Tchaikovsky’s Souvenir de Florence for strings, a vibrant showcase brimming with lush melodies, virtuosic interplay and radiant energy.
Murdoch Mysteries: Sugar Plum Murdoch
Saturday, December 12, 2026 at 7:30PM
FirstOntario Concert Hall
Lucas Waldin, Conductor
For the first time in Hamilton, experience Murdoch Mysteries: In Concert with the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra and conductor Lucas Waldin! Hosted by a star of the hit CBC series, this holiday-themed whodunnit pulls back the curtain on the music of Murdoch Mysteries, featuring behind-the-scenes insights from composer Robert Carli, festive sing-alongs, and a live orchestral performance of “Sugar Plum Murdoch” on the big screen.
Mendelssohn & Schumann
Saturday, January 16, 2027 at 3PM (MATINEE)
FirstOntario Concert Hall
James S. Kahane, Conductor
Marc-André Hamelin, Piano
The New Year starts with shimmering delight as Felix Mendelssohn’s Overture to A Midsummer Night’s Dream transports us to an enchanted world through dreamy soundscapes. We hear the world premiere of a brand-new work by Composer-in-Residence Abigail Richardson-Schulte and Canadian virtuoso Marc-André Hamelin is soloist on Beethoven’s sparkling second Piano Concerto. The concert culminates with Robert Schumann’s First Symphony, bursting with youthful energy and radiant optimism, evoking the fresh awakening and emotional renewal of springtime.
Bizet’s Carmen in Concert
Saturday, February 13, 2027 at 7:30PM
FirstOntario Concert Hall
James S. Kahane, Conductor
Bayerische Staatsoper Opera Studio, Guest Artists
Bizet’s iconic opera Carmen comes to life on stage in this vivid semi-staged production, with Music Director James Kahane. From the sultry allure of the Habanera to the swagger of the Toreador Song, every scene pulses with rhythmic vitality and cinematic intensity. Rising stars from the Bayerische Staatsoper Opera Studio, one of Europe’s most prestigious opera training programs, lend their voices and artistry to this gripping tale of freedom, obsession and jealousy.
Natalie MacMaster with the Hamilton Phil
Saturday, March 6, 2027 at 7:30PM
FirstOntario Concert Hall
Rosemary Thomson, Conductor
Natalie MacMaster, Fiddle
Canada’s Celtic music icon Natalie MacMaster joins forces with your Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra for an unforgettable evening of music and celebration. Renowned for her electrifying fiddle playing and vibrant stage presence, MacMaster brings the spirit of Cape Breton to the concert hall in a joyful program filled with energy, rhythm and dazzling musicianship.
Sibelius & Saint-Saëns
Saturday, April 17, 2027 at 7:30PM
FirstOntario Concert Hall
Simon Proust, Conductor
Stories, characters and musical imagination come to life in this colourful concert led by guest conductor Simon Proust. Sibelius’s atmospheric The Wood Nymph opens the evening, followed by the elegance of Mozart’s iconic Eine Kleine Nachtmusik. The concert concludes with the wit and charm of Saint-Saëns’s beloved Carnival of the Animals, a playful showcase of orchestral storytelling and character.
Prokofiev & Dvořák
Saturday, May 15, 2027 at 7:30PM
FirstOntario Concert Hall
James S. Kahane, Conductor
Jean Phillippe Sylvestre, Piano
Music Director James Kahane leads the Orchestra in a dynamic season finale of striking contrasts and vivid orchestral colour. Borodin’s In the Steppes of Central Asia and Stéphane Pépin’s Un Monde Nouveau set an atmospheric stage. Pianist Jean-Philippe Sylvestre brings brilliance to Prokofiev’s electrifying Piano Concerto No. 3. The evening culminates in the sweeping power of Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9, “New World,” bringing the 26–27 season to a thrilling and resonant close.
OFF THE MAINSTAGE CONCERTS
Handel’s Messiah
December 4, 2026 at 7:30PM
December 6, 2026 at 3PM
St. Catherine of Siena Roman Catholic Church (620 Rymal Rd. E.)
Co-production with Bach Elgar Choir
The HPO and the Bach Elgar Choir come together for Handel’s monumental work Messiah. From the soft beauty of the opening notes to the resounding joy of the Hallelujah Chorus, this performance promises to uplift and delight audiences during the festive season.
Intimate & Immersive
Thursday, April 1, 2027, at 7:30PM
The Cotton Factory (270 Sherman Ave. N.)
James S. Kahane, Conductor
HPO’s Intimate & Immersive series draws audiences into an atmospheric journey that blurs the lines between performer and spectator in one of Hamilton’s most inspiring and historic venues, the Cotton Factory. Hear the music unfold all around you while the space is visually transformed with a multimedia artistic installation designed to respond to and elevate the sonic experience. HPO Intimate & Immersive is not just a concert — it’s a deep sensory encounter. Whether you’re a lover of contemporary art, classical music, or unforgettable spaces, this concert promises a night of bold creativity and connection.