Hot on the heels of announcing its 2026/2027 Season, the Calgary Philharmonic is extending an invitation to music lovers to “Meet you at the Phil” for a stellar array of diverse concerts — from Bollywood to Dollywood, Mozart to Munsch, and so much more.
Among the epic classics, rockin’ pops, spectacular specials, blockbuster movie concerts, and other family-friendly fare that are the cornerstone of Calgary Phil’s programming, 2026/2027 Season audiences can expect a bold array of new works, new productions, and first-time forays for the Phil.
Five-time Grammy-winning Beninese music legend Angélique Kidjo joins the Orchestra onstage for the first time for a performance of her new African Symphony (May 15), featuring orchestral interpretations of music by icons such as Fela Kuti and Miriam Makeba, along with hot hits by Burna Boy, Rema, and other contemporary artists. Highly distinguished UK Master of the King’s Music, Errollyn Wallen, whose Violin Concerto had its world premiere here in 2024, returns to present another new work co-commissioned by the Calgary Phil. That piece will be premiered as part of the program for A Sunrise Odyssey (May 7 + 8). It is one of two concerts next season led by Principal Guest Conductor — and Grammy Award winner in her own right — Karen Kamensek (the other being Tchaikovsky’s Sixth: The Final Symphony, November 6 and 7). And Dreams of Bollywood (October 17), featuring the extraordinary Veils of Bollywood Dance Company, sees the Orchestra exploring the sounds of the South Asian cinematic musical sensation for the very first time.
More magnificent moments from the classical canon are hardly amiss with former Music Director Rune Bergmann in his first return to the Jack Singer podium since concluding his tenure as Calgary Phil Music Director in 2025. He leads Bergmann + Beethoven (March 20) featuring the all-time epic Ninth Symphony plus four contemporary responses to the great composer’s works — commissioned by the Calgary Phil to celebrate his 250th birthday in 2020.
Look out for a dazzling range of soloists, from innovative violinist Maria Ioudenitch on Mozart’s Violin Concerto No. 5 as part of Mozart + Mahler (November 20 and 21) to Canadian star pianist Angela Cheng, performing Saint-Saëns Piano Concerto No. 2 as part of Rachmaninoff Symphonic Dances (March 6). Other incredible guests from across a wide array of styles and genres include acclaimed pianists Inon Barnatan and Stewart Goodyear, powerhouse vocalists Capathia Jenkins, Tony DeSare, and Arielle Jacobs, singer-songwriter Celeigh Cardinal, and rising star cellist Santiago Cañón-Valencia, to name a few, along with turns in the spotlight for Calgary Phil Concertmaster Diana Cohen and Principal Harp Emily Melendes.
The Calgary Phil’s goal to make orchestral music accessible to everyone is also reflected in its many offerings for families. Highlights from the next Symphony Sundays for Kids series include: A Robert Munsch Storytime (January 17), based on two of the beloved Canadian author’s most popular tales, The Paper Bag Princess and Thomas’ Snowsuit; and Peter and the Wolf with the Old Trout Puppet Workshop (May 16), which sees the Phil collaborating with the innovative Calgary troupe. Whether you have a young one in tow or are simply young at heart, you’ll be on the edge of your seat at this season’s fun film concerts, including the Thanksgiving weekend feature: Disney’s Moana Live-to-Film Concert.
Of course, that’s not nearly all. Other highlights happening at the Jack Singer Concert Hall include Dolly Parton’s Threads: My Songs in Symphony, a multimedia experience featuring Dolly narrating on the big screen. A bountiful selection of Pops and Specials follow, celebrating Beyoncé, Billy Joel, and the Bee Gees, as well as iconic film composers John Williams (The Music of John Williams, September 25 and 26) and Joe Hisaishi (Spirited Soundtracks: The Music of Studio Ghibli, January 30). The latter is presented in partnership with One Yellow Rabbit for the 2027 High Performance Rodeo.
Believe it or not, with 71 scheduled concerts, there’s much more to explore. You can check out the full line-up here. Meet you at the Phil!
Header image: Angélique Kidjo
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