Crank up the guitars and let the orchestra roar. In Southern Rock: The Symphony Sessions, your RPO brings the grit, groove, and swagger of Southern Rock’s most iconic bands into the symphonic spotlight. Legendary music from The Allman Brothers Band, Creedence Clearwater Revival, and Lynyrd Skynyrd explodes with new power as driving rhythms, soaring strings, and blazing brass amplify every riff and chorus. These larger-than-life arrangements from Jeff Tyzik capture the soul of the originals while adding cinematic scale and dramatic punch. From bluesy jams to fist-pumping anthems, this is Southern Rock as you’ve never heard it before—bold, loud, and built for the full force of the orchestra,

Sponsored by BRX Research
Get ready for an unforgettable night of music, memories, and pure symphonic rock & roll energy as Billy Joel’s greatest hits burst to life like you’ve never heard them before. With the soulful vocalist and dynamic pianist Paul Loren at center stage and GRAMMY winner Jeff  Tyzik’s brilliant orchestrations, this concert experience is a full-throttle celebration of one of the greatest songwriters of our time. Audiences will be on their feet for favorites like Uptown Girl, For the Longest Time, Only the Good Die Young, and You May Be Right, while lush arrangements of New York State of Mind, Vienna, She’s Always a Woman, and And So It Goes showcase Joel’s timeless ballads. From the instant nostalgia of Piano Man to the high-octane punch of Movin’ Out and It’s Still Rock ’n Roll to Me, this symphonic celebration brings the pure excitement of Billy Joel’s beloved music to your RPO.

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You’ve seen these iconic films based on musicals before; now hear the music live with your Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra!
This vibrant program brings together favorites from South Pacific, Oklahoma!, The Sound of Music, My Fair Lady, West Side Story, Les Misérables, Wicked, and more. From stirring ballads like “Bring Him Home” and “Think of Me” to showstoppers like “Don’t Rain on My Parade” and “Dancing Queen,” it’s a celebration of Broadway’s most iconic moments, all brought to life by the full power of a live orchestra.
Leading the evening is conductor Evan Roider (who just completed a 4-year Wicked tour), joined by Broadway veterans Brittney Johnson (first Black woman to play Glinda in Wicked on Broadway), Nathaniel Hackmann (the original Biff in Back to the Future), and Amy Owens (Johanna in Sweeney Todd with Utah Opera and Michigan Opera Theatre). Their dynamic performances and deep connection to the stage bring authenticity, energy, and heart to every numbermaking this concert feel like a night on Broadway itself.

Sponsored by Heathwood Assisted Living & Memory Care
Your RPO joins the acclaimed Classical Mystery Tour for a symphonic celebration of The Beatles. Backed by the full power of the orchestra, this world-renowned “Fab Four” brings stunningly authentic performances of timeless hits like “Yesterday,” “A Day in the Life,” “All You Need Is Love,” and “Hey Jude”—recreated with remarkable precision and showmanship. From the Sydney Opera House to the Boston Pops, these musicians have thrilled audiences worldwide, and now bring their Beatles magic back to Rochester. With iconic songs, dazzling costume changes, and a vibrant trip through the sounds of the 1960s, this two-hour concert is a feel-good journey through the music that changed the world.

Roll out the red carpet—your RPO is heading to Broadway! In Wickedly Broadway, conductor Evan Roider leads the orchestra through a glittering parade of show-stopping hits from the greatest musicals of all time. From the soaring wonder of Over the Rainbow and the heart of West Side Story to the magic of Beauty and the Beast, the drama of Les Misérables, and the spellbinding power of Wicked, every moment bursts with color, sparkle, and symphonic sweep. Whether you’re belting along in your seat or simply soaking in the spectacle, this musical-theater celebration blends big voices, big stories, and big orchestral sound into one dazzling, curtain-up party with friends, family, and your RPO.

Your RPO invites you to a blockbuster night with the music of John Williams—no popcorn required. The first half dives into some of the most unforgettable scores ever written for film, including E.T., Raiders of the Lost Ark, Star Wars, Jaws, and much more! After intermission, the mood turns proudly red, white, and blue as the RPO performs a selection of Williams’s all-American works in celebration of the nation’s 250th anniversary. Grand, gleaming, and full of heart, this half blends pageantry with warmth, honoring both our country and the composer who has scored so many of its milestones. From Hollywood thrills to hometown pride, this is a celebratory evening that’s big, bold, and distinctly John Williams.

Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra presents Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark™ Live in Concert featuring John Williams’ GRAMMY Award winning score performed live to the film. Celebrating its 45th anniversary, originally released in 1981 as a collaboration between George Lucas and Steven Spielberg, Raiders redefined the possibilities of adventure cinema and launched actor Harrison Ford to legendary status. Indiana Jones is the classic hero in this adventure set in the 1930s which follows the quick-witted and determined archaeologist as he hunts for the Lost Ark of the Covenant. Often facing insurmountable odds, Indy always manages to succeed in the nick of time, joined by endearing companions and opposed by notorious villains. With an impressive team of supporting actors including Karen Allen, John-Rhys Davies, Denholm Elliott, and Paul Freeman, combined with innovative special effects techniques by Industrial Light & Magic, Raiders has captured the spirits of movie-goers for generations and continues to inspire adventures yet to come

Series sponsored by Wegmans Food Markets
Sponsored by Grace & Disgrace
 
Experience the power, passion, and unmistakable sound of the Queen of Soul as the RPO and powerhouse vocalist Sheléa bring the timeless music of Aretha Franklin to the stage. This electrifying concert celebrates one of the most influential voices in American music, featuring iconic songs that defined generations—including Respect, Chain of Fools, Say a Little Prayer, and (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman. Backed by the full symphonic sound of your RPO, this program honors Aretha’s extraordinary artistry, emotional depth, and enduring cultural impact, blending gospel roots, soulful grooves, and unforgettable melodies into one exhilarating evening. The music comes alive in a powerful tribute that captures the joy, resilience, and brilliance that made Aretha Franklin a legend.
RPO Recommends…
If you like pop music you can hear on the radio, check out Classical Mystery Tour.
If you like female vocalists, join us for Wickedly Broadway.

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Grab your sweetheart and join RPO’s own Herb Smith for his Pops Series conducting debut! Two of Broadway’s best, Chester Gregory (The Jackie Wilson Story, Motown: The Musical) and Shayna Steele (Rent, Hairspray) perform some of the greatest classic love songs for the ages, including Could It Be I’m Falling in Love, What’s Love Got To Do with It, Let’s Get It On, and The Best!

Journey back to the ’60s and ’70s California rock scene with a tribute to the legendary artists who defined a generation and continue to inspire countless artists today. This unforgettable concert will transport audiences from Kodak Hall to Laurel Canyon, the creative birthplace of timeless music of groundbreaking artists such as The Mamas & The Papas, Joni Mitchell, Carole King, Linda Ronstadt, The Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, and Crosby, Stills and Nash.

NOTE: The dates on this concert have changed due to a scheduling conflict.
Original dates: Friday and Saturday, November 21 & 22, 2025
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Embark on an interstellar musical adventure with this cosmic Pops program! Reprising and expanding on 2024’s Eclipse concert, Jeff Tyzik and your RPO soar through the galaxy with iconic tv and film themes and classical masterpieces. Experience the mystery and majesty of outer space with celestial soundscapes and stunning visuals—prepare for liftoff!