This Week in Orchestral Music: Exciting Premieres, Landmark Performances, and Season Announcements

May 2, 2025 – by Chris

The orchestral music world is buzzing with activity this first week of May, from monumental performances of classical masterpieces to exciting season announcements. Whether you’re a seasoned symphony-goer or just developing an appreciation for orchestral music, there’s something remarkable happening across concert halls nationwide. All images courtesy of their respective parties.

Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Presents Beethoven’s Missa Solemnis

This week marks a significant milestone in the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra’s acclaimed “Beethoven Project” as Music Director Nathalie Stutzmann prepares to lead the orchestra and chorus in Beethoven’s monumental Missa Solemnis on May 8-11. The ASO welcomes four acclaimed soloists from the world of opera for this rarely performed sacred work, written by Beethoven as “an appeal for peace and in praise of God.”

Beethoven biographer Jan Swafford described the Missa solemnis as “the greatest piece never heard,” noting its challenging nature – “almost too big for the concert hall, too dramatic for the church, and notoriously difficult for the singers.” The internationally renowned Atlanta Symphony Chorus is more than up to the challenge, with soloists Julia Grüter (soprano), Anna Goryachova (mezzo-soprano), Miles Mykkanen (tenor), and Lawson Anderson (bass-baritone) joining for what promises to be a powerful performance.

Music critics are watching with interest, as the Missa solemnis is known to be a challenging choral-orchestral work that even gave former conductors difficulties during past performances. The concert will take place at Atlanta Symphony Hall in the Woodruff Arts Center.

Chicago Symphony Orchestra Features Celebrated Pianist Daniil Trifonov

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra is showcasing the extraordinary talents of their Artist-in-Residence Daniil Trifonov this week as he performs Brahms’ Piano Concerto No. 2 under the direction of Klaus Mäkelä. The program weaves together Brahms’ virtuosic piano concerto with Dvořák’s stirring Symphony No. 7 and Boulez’s innovative Initiale.

This performance holds special significance as it marks one of Mäkelä’s appearances before he officially takes the reins as Music Director in 2027. Music lovers can enhance their concert experience with a free preconcert conversation featuring Max Raimi in Orchestra Hall 75 minutes before the performance, and Trifonov will hold a CD signing after Thursday’s concert.

City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra Announces Compelling 2025-26 Season

The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO) has revealed its exciting plans for the 2025-26 season, presenting a program deeply connected to Birmingham’s vibrant cultural identity. The CBSO’s new “Listening Project” – a West Midlands focused research initiative – reveals the city’s strong cultural confidence, with 60% of Birmingham residents considering attending arts and cultural events to be a vital aspect of their free time.

The upcoming season brings together world-class classical performances, diverse cultural collaborations, and accessible community events. Music Director Kazuki Yamada enters his second year leading more than 10 concerts in Birmingham, including performances of monumental works such as Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade, and Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini.

Highlights of the season include:

• The return of The Orchestral Qawwali Project, blending Sufi poetry, Indian Classical dance, and symphony orchestra
• A full Mahler Symphony Cycle beginning with Symphony No. 1
• A special Star Wars Original Trilogy Weekender (October 24-26, 2025)
• Symphonic Queen celebrating one of the UK’s greatest rock bands
• 36 concerts specifically designed for young people, including 4 family concerts

The CBSO’s commitment to community engagement is evident in their planned “CBSO in the City” week (July 23-28, 2025), delivering free music in public spaces throughout Birmingham.

Beck Announces North American Orchestral Shows

Fans of alternative music and orchestral arrangements have reason to celebrate as musician Beck has announced a series of orchestral performances across North America. The shows will feature Beck accompanied by native orchestras for nine performances in eight cities across the U.S. and Canada.

During these special concerts, Beck and the orchestras will reimagine hits and deep cuts from across his discography, including works from ‘Odelay,’ ‘Mutations,’ ‘Sea Change,’ and ‘Morning Phase,’ along with various surprises. This follows his successful orchestral US tour in 2024 and recent performances at London’s Royal Albert Hall with the BBC Concert Orchestra.

BBC Music Magazine Explores WWII’s Musical Legacy

The May 2025 issue of BBC Music Magazine offers a fascinating exploration of classical music’s role during World War II, marking 80 years since VE Day. The issue examines how British composers played a vital role in lifting spirits during wartime through symphonies, film scores, and even jam.

The magazine also investigates how music was controlled as part of Nazi propaganda in Germany and occupied countries, and celebrates pianist Myra Hess, who did much to raise wartime morale with daily recitals. The cover CD features Benjamin Britten’s Spring Symphony, alongside works by Walton, Eric Coates, and Aaron Copland, performed by the BBC National Orchestra and Chorus of Wales.

American Symphony Orchestra Celebrates 63rd Season

The American Symphony Orchestra (ASO) continues its 63rd season with noteworthy performances this spring. Their upcoming performance of Richard Strauss’ first opera, Guntram, on June 6 at Carnegie Hall is particularly significant as it marks the first time this rarely performed work has been heard in New York City this century.

Completed in 1893, Guntram reveals a young Strauss positioning himself as Wagner’s successor, showcasing his masterful orchestral and vocal-writing techniques. The performance will feature the American Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Leon Botstein, with the Bard Festival Chorale and soloists to be announced.

Rising Stars in Orchestral Music

Among the emerging talents to watch is young Oregon musician Elaina Stuppler, who continues to collect impressive accolades. The rising trombone/piano/composer was named a YoungArts Award Winner with Distinction in the Voice/Singer-Songwriter Category, selected from among 11,000 student applicants nationwide.

Stuppler’s composition “Rose City Wonderland” was recently performed by the Bloomington Symphony Orchestra, and she was chosen as one of three national finalist trombone players by Music Teachers National Association. At just 16 years old, she has already performed at prestigious venues including the Hollywood Bowl, Carnegie Hall, and the Sydney Opera House.

Looking Ahead: May’s Orchestral Releases

For those who prefer to enjoy orchestral music at home, several notable album releases are scheduled for this month. On May 2, The Flower Kings will release “Love” on the InsideOut label, while May 9 brings new releases from several classical and progressive artists.

---

Whether you’re planning to attend a live performance or enjoy recorded orchestral works, the rich tapestry of symphonic music continues to evolve and inspire. This week’s developments across the orchestral landscape demonstrate the enduring power and relevance of this art form as it bridges traditional masterworks with contemporary innovation.

For concert tickets and more information, please visit the respective orchestra websites above.