The Phoenix Symphony opens its 79th season October 9-11 at Symphony Hall with Paolo Conducts Rachmaninoff & Prokofiev, led by newly appointed Virginia G. Piper Music Director Designate Paolo Bortolameolli and featuring celebrated pianist Olga Kern.
The opening weekend marks the beginning of Bortolameolli’s tenure as Music Director Designate, bringing an international perspective and dynamic artistic vision to the orchestra. Announced in March 2026, he will assume the role of Virginia G. Piper Music Director beginning with the 2027/28 season.
The program opens with Glinka’s spirited Overture to Ruslan and Ludmilla and features Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3, performed by Kern, a Gold Medalist of the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. Known for its technical demands and expressive range, the concerto pairs with Prokofiev’s Symphony No. 5, celebrated for its sweeping melodies, rhythmic drive and rich orchestration.
“This season represents an extraordinary moment for The Phoenix Symphony as we begin a new chapter with Music Director Designate Paolo Bortolameolli,” said Peter Kjome, president and CEO of The Phoenix Symphony.
Opening-day programming begins with a Coffee Classics performance Friday, October 9, at 11 a.m. Additional performances take place Saturday, October 10, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, October 11, at 2 p.m., all at Symphony Hall in downtown Phoenix.
