Grand Rapids Symphony Upcoming Events & Tickets
Event Details
Grand Rapids Symphony 2025-26 Season Info
The Grand Rapids Symphony, led by Music Director Marcelo Lehninger, is celebrating its 96th season with a bold, storytelling-focused lineup spanning classical masterpieces, multimedia experiences, pop tributes, and family favorites. Kicking off with Beethoven’s monumental Symphony No. 9, the season reflects a rich tapestry of cultural narratives — from French impressionism to American pop, and from orchestral standards to live-to-film performances.
As part of the Richard and Helen DeVos Masterworks Series, audiences can look forward to works like Ravel’s La Mer, Debussy’s Une barque sur l’océan, Amy Beach’s Gaelic Symphony, Jennifer Higdon’s Loco, Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2, Mahler’s Sixth Symphony, Ravel’s Daphnis et Chloë, and Respighi’s beloved Fountains of Rome and Pines of Rome — the latter recalling Lehninger’s early connection to the orchestra.
In the Fox Motors Pop Series, the orchestra will bring the music of Hans Zimmer, festive Holiday Pops, a Boston Pops Tribute, Dolly Parton’s Threads: My Songs in Symphony, and the classic sounds of Laurel Canyon’s 60s and 70s rock legends to life.
The Chamber & Coffee Masterworks Series presents more intimate programming at St. Cecilia Music Center, featuring composers like Francisco Braga, Rossini, Stravinsky, Respighi, and more.
Season favorites also include Special Concerts — from Mariachi Cobre’s 40th anniversary performance, to appearances by Ben Folds, The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring in live-to-film format, The Polar Express in Concert, and a Celebration of Soul in February.
Throughout the season, the Symphony is joined by standout guest artists such as Ben Folds, pianist Joyce Yang, violinist Guido Sant’Anna, celebrated pianist Garrick Ohlsson, soprano Mikaela Bennett, and cellist Alban Gerhardt. Guest conductors include Lina González‑Granados, award‑winning Giancarlo Guerrero, and Sylvain Cambreling, bringing global perspectives to West Michigan audiences.
The season unfolds under a compelling theme of global storytelling, with music drawn from traditions across France, Italy, Russia, Germany, Spain, and the Americas — sparking both nostalgia and discovery. With storytelling that spans continents, multimedia highlights, and an array of styles — from lush symphonic works to multimedia and pop — this season promises to offer something memorable for every listener.
Grand Rapids Symphony 2025-26 Tickets Info
Tickets for Grand Rapids Symphony 2025-26 live performances are available now through EventsChaser, with NO hidden service fees. Prices generally range from $70 to $150 for most classical and pops concerts at DeVos Performance Hall, depending on the performance, seat location, and day of the week. Top-tier events — such as film-with-orchestra presentations, appearances by major guest artists like Ben Folds, or holiday specials — can reach $200 or more for premium seating in high-demand sections.
Mid-range tickets typically fall between $90 and $125, offering strong acoustics and unobstructed views from the orchestra level and front mezzanine. For more budget-conscious audiences, rear and side seating often starts around $60–$70, making the performances accessible to a wide range of listeners. Select concerts, including community engagement programs and coffee series performances, offer lower pricing and relaxed formats, helping ensure that high-quality orchestral music remains approachable for all.
About Grand Rapids Symphony
The Grand Rapids Symphony is one of Michigan’s most respected performing arts institutions, known for its artistic excellence, innovative programming, and deep community engagement. Founded in 1930, the orchestra has grown from a small civic ensemble into a fully professional organization with national recognition. It performs primarily at DeVos Performance Hall and also presents chamber and family concerts at venues such as St. Cecilia Music Center and other locations throughout West Michigan.
Under the direction of Marcelo Lehninger, the Symphony has continued to expand its reach, drawing internationally acclaimed guest artists and conductors while also nurturing local talent. The orchestra presents a wide variety of programming — from core classical repertoire to pops, film scores, jazz collaborations, and educational events. Its long-standing partnership with the Grand Rapids Symphony Chorus, Youth Symphony, and Grand Rapids Ballet has strengthened its role as a cultural cornerstone in the region.
Beyond the concert stage, the Grand Rapids Symphony is committed to accessibility and education. Its outreach initiatives, such as Music for Health, Lollipop Concerts, Gateway to Music, and the Artists in Residence program, bring music into schools, hospitals, and underserved communities. Through these efforts, the Symphony plays an active role in enriching lives and making orchestral music meaningful and inclusive for all.
