Symphony Nova Scotia has unveiled its 2025/2026 season, with a mix of classical masterworks, Maritime collaborations, pop crossovers, and baroque rarities, with programming that ranges from Beethoven to Journey.
Live music has the power to excite, inspire, heal, and bring so much joy. Come experience it for yourself. – Julia Wedman
“At Symphony Nova Scotia, our joy is to create moving, inspiring, and unforgettable musical experiences,” says artist in residence & community ambassador Daniel Bartholomew-Poyser in a media release. “It’s why we practice, why we rehearse, why we perform. Music is a unifying and celebratory force in Nova Scotia, and you are the most important part of that.”
The Symphony’s new season features three core concert series — Spotlight, Fusion, and Baroque — as well as a slate of special events. Concerts will be held at Halifax’s Rebecca Cohn Auditorium and St. Andrew’s United Church.
“There is so much to warm your hearts and lift your spirits, including some of the greatest baroque, classical, and popular music ever written,” says principal Baroque leader Julia Wedman. “Live music has the power to excite, inspire, heal, and bring so much joy. Come experience it for yourself.”
Spotlight Series: classical repertoire with international talent
The Spotlight Series anchors the season with major works from the classical canon, alongside high-profile guest soloists. The season opens with a dynamic triple bill: Mozart’s Marriage of Figaro Overture, Dinuk Wijeratne’s Clarinet Concerto performed by Syrian-born clarinetist Kinan Azmeh, and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7.
Other highlights include:
- Mendelssohn’s Scottish Symphony and Mozart’s Prague Symphony
- Beethoven’s “Emperor” Piano Concerto and Violin Concerto
- Mahler’s Titan Symphony in a rarely heard chamber arrangement
- Mozart’s Concerto for Two Pianos with Philip Chiu and Nova Scotian pianist Devin Huang
- A season finale featuring Dvořák’s Cello Concerto, with Canadian cellist Cameron Crozman, and Dvořák’s Symphony No. 8
Fusion Series: pop, folk, and local stars with a symphonic twist
The Symphonic and Maritime Fusion Series continues to expand the orchestra’s genre reach, pairing full symphonic arrangements with pop, rock, and folk music.
Among the featured performers are:
- Reggae artist Jah’Mila, returning for a genre-blending collaboration
- Cape Breton fiddler Natalie MacMaster, joined by her daughter Mary Frances
- East Coast favourites Heather Rankin, J.P. Cormier, Dave Gunning & Neon Dreams
- Jim Witter returns with a Beatles tribute program, The Long & Winding Road
- Jeans ’n Classics in a symphonic salute to Journey
- American Idol finalist LaKisha Jones performs in Queens of Rock ’n Soul, featuring music by Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner, and Whitney Houston
The series also includes two film- and TV-themed concerts: Star Wars vs. Star Trek and Disney Pride in Concert, a collaboration with the Halifax Gay Men’s Chorus.
Baroque Series: historic works, modern lens
The Baroque Series brings early music to life with fresh interpretations and unusual pairings.
Highlights include:
- A reimagining of Bach’s Goldberg Variations and his Concerto for Three Violins
- Vivaldi Meets the Middle East, a cross-cultural folk-baroque exploration featuring Iranian musician Mohammed Sahraei (tar, daf) and Kirsty Money (nyckelharpa)
- Highlights from Purcell’s King Arthur and The Fairy Queen, featuring Vox Luminis’ Lionel Meunier and soprano Sinéad White
Special Events: collaborations and traditions
The Symphony’s slate of special performances includes several major one-night events and holiday staples:
- The return of The Nutcracker, co-produced with Halifax Dance and Mermaid Theatre
- The annual performance of Handel’s Messiah, conducted by chorus master Joel Tranquilla
- Two Orchestras Play Berlioz, a collaboration with the Nova Scotia Youth Orchestra featuring more than 80 musicians
- A special appearance by Jeremy Dutcher and the National Arts Centre Orchestra
Tickets and subscriptions
Season subscriptions and ticket packages are now available. More details are available at symphonynovascotia.ca.