In a season inspired by the natural world Hamilton Phil welcomes audiences to join us in celebrating the start of 26-27 with Beethoven’s iconic Symphony No. 6 “Pastoral”. Music Director, James S. Kahane conducts this performance, kicking off his third season with the Orchestra. Canadian soloist Jessica Linnebach takes centre-stage on Ernest Chausson, Poème for Violin and Orchestra and we hear the world premiere of 26-27 Hamilton Phil Composer Fellow, Leo Purich’s Forest Paths Imagined.  

Highlights of the evening include Linnebach, who brings a richly expressive voice to Chausson’s work, unfolding its rhapsodic lines with both intimacy and intensity. Not only that, for an evening of earthly resemblances, a global premiere brings the picture to an inflated scale. Composer Fellow Leo Purich unveils a brand-new work, bringing a contemporary voice to the stage and underscoring the Orchestra’s commitment to creativity and innovation.  

“Purely practically, Beethoven’s Sixth is a Symphony in five movements, whereas the general ‘norm’ is four,” says Music Director James Kahane. “From a musical point of view, it is governed by an aesthetic of serene ‘beauty’ rather than dramatic struggle and embraces cheerful feelings unlike any other Beethoven symphony.” 

Rather than depicting nature literally, Beethoven invites us to experience nature in a figurative manner, evoking feelings of joy, power, and serenity. The evening promises audiences a dramatic storm of colour, peaceful flowing brooks, and beautiful, sunny countrysides. The natural elements of this work are echoed throughout the entirety of the 26-27 Hamilton Phil Season.

Beethoven’s Sixth 
October 3, 2026, 7:30PM 
FirstOntario Concert Hall (1 Summers Ln, Hamilton) 
Tickets on sale at hpo.org 

About the Hamilton Phil: For more than 140 years, the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra has been a pillar of our city’s arts and culture scene with a mission to connect our community through inspiring orchestral music and engaging experiences. Hamilton Phil presents dynamic orchestral performances ranging from standard classical repertoire to popular music and world premieres by living composers. As one of Canada’s leading professional orchestras, the Hamilton Phil has proudly contributed to shaping Hamilton’s cultural landscape.

Hamilton Phil Media Contacts:

Megan Nourse 

Marketing & Strategic Initiatives Manager 
289-216-8273 
mnourse@hpo.org