26-27 includes beloved masterworks, celebrated guest artists, pops tributes to trailblazing women singer-songwriters and Elton John, the return of special holiday and movie weekends
The Hanes Erie Pops Series opens with a return by popular demand as Michael Cavanaugh brings The Music of Elton John, launching the season with all-time favorites from across the Rocket Man’s catalogue. The Pops lineup continues withTim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas in Concert, featuring the film on a large screen above the stage as the Erie Phil performs Danny Elfman’s iconic score live. Other concerts will include the Philharmonic’s annual Come Home for the Holidays weekend, a celebration of trailblazers Joni Mitchell, Carole King, and Carly Simon, and a Broadway finale featuring show-stopping performances by outstanding local singers from Erie’s robust musical theatre community.
On the Lincoln Recycling Symphonic Series, each concert invites audiences into a distinct emotional world, brought vividly to life by the Erie Philharmonic’s musicians. Highlights include Gershwin’s Piano Concerto in F with pianist Joyce Yang, Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons, Elgar’s Enigma Variations, and Vaughan Williams’s The Lark Ascending featuring Concertmaster James Thompson. The season concludes in grand style with Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4, Saint-Saëns’s Cello Concerto No. 1 with rising-star cellist Sterling Elliott, and a celebratory reprise of Moby Dick by Erie native Peter Mennin, marking 75 years since its composition and world premiere with the Erie Philharmonic.
“Daniel Meyer has outdone himself with a season of exhilarating masterworks and the kind of lesser-heard gems we have come to love in his nearly 20 seasons of his artistic leadership and vision,” said Bobby Pape, Executive Director. “Concertgoers are going to feel the incredible power of music in every one of these programs as they are brought to live by our world-class orchestra, in our stunning historic home at the Warner Theatre.”
Subscriptions for the 2026–27 season go on sale Friday night and offer patrons the best seats at the best prices. Subscriptions also play a critical role in ensuring a fiscally healthy and strong Philharmonic, enabling education and community engagement programming including youth concerts, in-school programs and more.
ERIE PHILHARMONIC 2026-2027 SEASON AT A GLANCE
Saturday, September 26 • 7:30 PM
Sunday, September 27 • 3 PM
(Pops) By popular demand! Music of Elton John Starring Michael Cavanaugh, who rocked the Warner last season with his Billy Joel tribute.
Saturday, October 10 • 7:30 PM
Cinematic Splendor
(Symphonic) Music from Spartacus and Grieg’s Piano Concerto featuring pianist Evren Ozel.
Saturday, October 24 • 7:30 PM
Sunday, October 25 • 3 PM
(Pops) Movie Weekend, just in time for Halloween! Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas in Concert.
Saturday, November 14 • 7:30 PM
Gershwin Swings
(Symphonic) Joyce Yang plays Gershwin’s Piano Concerto in F alongside music by Debussy and Carlos Simon.
Saturday, December 5 • 7:30 PM
Sunday, December 6 • 3 PM
(Pops) Our favorite holiday tradition. Come Home for the Holidays, featuring youth performers and special guests.
Saturday, January 23 • 7:30 PM
The Four Seasons
(Symphonic) Vivaldi’s tour-de-force masterwork plus music by Alberto Ginastera and Margaret Brouwer.
Saturday, February 20 • 7:30 PM
Sunday, February 21 • 3pm
(Pops) Clouds in My Coffee: The Music of Joni Mitchell, Carole King, and Carly Simon with spellbinding soloists.
Saturday, March 6 • 7:30 PM
Spring in England
(Symphonic) Elgar’s Enigma Variations, Vaughn Williams’s The Lark Ascending and a rare gem from Gerald Finzi.
Saturday, April 10 • 7:30 PM
Sunday, April 11 • 3 PM
The Best of Broadway
(Pops) A night of all-time Broadway blockbusters featuring Erie’s brightest stars of the stage as our featured guests!
Saturday, May 1 • 7:30 PM
The Passion of Tchaikovsky
Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4 and Saint-Saëns Cello Concerto No.1 with rising star Sterling Elliott.
Press photos available here: 2026-27 Season Media
Full season details and subscription information are available at eriephil.org.
