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May 24, 2022
The Grand Rapids Symphony has wrapped up the 2021-22
concert season and is looking forward to summer! The orchestra will offer a little bit of
everything and something for everyone this July!
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April 01, 2022
Following the retirement of John Varineau in May 2021, a search committee was formed to discuss the process to find a replacement. This past November we announced the position opening for the Assistant Conductor of the Grand Rapids Symphony and received an extensive number of highly qualified, diverse, and talented conductors from across the globe.
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March 25, 2022
The transformative music of Johann Sebastian Bach has
motivated the work of nearly every western composer to follow, and continues to inspire those
who hear it more than 270 years after his death.
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March 18, 2022
The Grand Rapids Symphony is full of gratitude to be presenting a full lineup of concerts in full capacity venues for the 2022-23 season!
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February 17, 2022
The Grand Rapids Symphony returns to celebrate diversity and inclusion.
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January 24, 2022
Music of R. Strauss and Villa-Lobos
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September 02, 2021
Agreement restores pre-pandemic pay levels with path for future increases.
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August 10, 2021
The Grand Rapids Symphony Celebrates Over 40 years in
DeVos Performance Hall
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June 29, 2021
The Grand Rapids Symphony is pleased to announce the one-year appointment of Yaniv Segal as Conductor of the Grand Rapids Youth Symphony, an affiliate of the Grand Rapids Symphony.
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June 24, 2021
The Grand Rapids Symphony Announces its Summer Programming
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May 04, 2021
The Grand Rapids Symphony announces its 2021-2022 concert season.
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March 11, 2021
Michael Naess named Vice President of Development after a nationwide search
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February 24, 2021
The Grand Rapids Symphony is pleased to announce that Carlos Vicente has been named Vice President of Marketing and Communications.
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February 15, 2021
The Grand Rapids Symphony's annual celebration of diversity and inclusion will be hosted virtually.
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January 15, 2021
Innovative re-imagined concerts to reflect Grand Rapids Symphony’scommitment to continue its mission of great music during the pandemic
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August 20, 2020
Your Grand Rapids Symphony announces dynamic, innovative concerts to reflect its commitment to performing live music during pandemic
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July 29, 2020
Experience a summer's evening of live, outdoor entertainment with Grand Rapids Symphony's Sidewalk Serenades
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July 06, 2020
See Deborah Henson-Conant, the 'Wild Woman of the Harp,' with the show widely seen on PBS-TV
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June 04, 2020
Grand Rapids Symphony is one of 28 U.S. orchestras to receive money to promote EDI within their organization
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May 22, 2020
The collective bargaining agreement between the Grand Rapids Symphony and its musicians continues provisions of the expiring contract
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May 20, 2020
All GRS concerts and events through July 31 have been canceled, but plans are underway for community performances in August.
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May 08, 2020
Music Director Marcelo Lehninger's mother, pianist Sônia Goulart, is piano soloist for 18th variation of Rachmaninov’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini.
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April 29, 2020
Grand Rapids Symphony reaches into its archives to present some of its best concerts in recent years, performed live and unedited.
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April 09, 2020
More than 70 musicians, recording at home, join together for an online performance of the famous chorus from Handel's 'Messiah'
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March 31, 2020
GRS musicians are posting video performances only daily because we need 'Music More than Ever'
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March 27, 2020
All GRS concerts and public events through May 16 have been cancelled to support public efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19
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March 26, 2020
Hear your Grand Rapids Symphony at 1 p.m. on Sundays through April on Blue Lake Radio
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March 19, 2020
Healthcare workers can get two free lawn tickets to select Picnic Pops concerts at Cannonsburg Ski Area in July
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March 12, 2020
Previously purchased tickets can be exchanged for future Grand Rapids Symphony concerts through May 2021
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March 08, 2020
Some 330 adults and children join Grand Rapids Symphony for feast of multicultural and modern music for voices
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March 01, 2020
'Clara's Circle of Friends' welcomes female guest conductor and piano soloist for music by Fanny Mendelssohn and Clara Schumann
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February 26, 2020
Films including 'The Princess Bride' and 'Coco,' music from 'South Pacific,' music of Mardi Gras are part of next Pops season.
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February 19, 2020
Marcelo Lehninger leads the orchestra in Villa-Lobos’ ‘Scenes from The Amazon Forest,' Debussy’s ‘Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun’
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February 12, 2020
Beethoven's 5th, Mozart's Requiem, violinist Sarah Chang, pianist Nelson Freire, new music, new concert series all are part of the Grand Rapids Symphony's 2020-21 Classical Season.
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February 10, 2020
Blanchard performs music he wrote for Spike Lee films including 'Malcom X' and 'BlacKkKlansman'
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February 10, 2020
See the sixth film in the Harry Potter Film Concert Series with live music by the Grand Rapids Symphony
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February 03, 2020
Concerts include a recent work by Grand Rapids native Andrew Norman, a Grammy and Pulitzer Prize-nominated composer
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January 16, 2020
Four stellar shows in July at the D&W Fresh Market Picnic Pops include stars of pop music of Hanson, bluegrass to Bach from Kittel & Co, world music from Ladysmith Black Mambazo, and classic all-male vocals of The Doo Wop Project
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January 15, 2020
Prokofiev’s classic tale, “Peter and the Wolf" remains the best-known, best-loved work ever composed for symphony orchestras to perform for its youngest audiences.
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January 02, 2020
Grand Rapids Symphony plays great movie music from 'Magnificent Seven' to 'Lawrence of Arabia', Jan. 17-19
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January 01, 2020
Pianist Jeffrey Kahane and guest conductor Peter Oundjian join together for Mozart Piano Concerto No. 22 plus Shostakovich's Symphony No. 11 "The Year 1905"
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December 18, 2019
See 'The Snowman,' an Oscar-nominated film, and enjoy the magical musical score featuring voices from the Grand Rapids Symphony Youth Chorus
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December 17, 2019
The Israeli-American pianist, a 1995 Gilmore Young Artist, replaces the previously announced pianist Ingrid Fliter, the 2006 Gilmore Artist.
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November 25, 2019
See a guest student conductor at each Holiday Pops concert, and a world-renowned Grand Rapids-born aerialist at Cirque de Noel.
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November 13, 2019
Wolverine Worldwide Holiday Pops, Old National Bank Cirque de Noël return to DeVos Performance Hall for family entertainment for the Christmas season
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November 08, 2019
Grand Rapids Community College culinary students are building a sugary wonderland especially for December performances of Grand Rapids Symphony’s Holiday Pops and Cirque de Noel and Grand Rapids Ballet’s ‘The Nutcracker’
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October 31, 2019
Grammy winning conductor JoAnn Falletta, prize-winning violinist Tai Murray return to DeVos Hall with Grand Rapids Symphony
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October 31, 2019
The family favorite for holidays features the Grand Rapids Symphony playing John Williams’ musical score performed live
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October 28, 2019
Ann Hampton Callaway and Liz Callaway join the Grand Rapids Pops for songs from "Defying Gravity" to "All that Jazz," Nov. 8-10
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October 26, 2019
The Grand Rapids Symphony's contract extension with the Brazilian-born conductor who arrived in 2016 now continues through the 2025-26 season
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October 11, 2019
Marcelo Lehninger leads the Grand Rapids Symphony in sensual music by Wagner, stirring music by Stravinsky, and rhythmic music by a fellow Brazilian composer
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October 07, 2019
Grand Rapids Pops presents 'Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix,' the fifth film in the Harry Potter Film Concert Series, with live music in DeVos Performance Hall.
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October 07, 2019
NOW through October 31, get tickets up to half-off for ‘Home Alone,’ Holiday Pops, Cirque de Noël and more Grand Rapids Symphony concerts!
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October 02, 2019
Tuneful 20th century music opens Great Eras Series under Music Director Marcelo Lehninger
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September 24, 2019
Olga Kern, who became the first woman in 2001 to win the Van Cliburn Piano Competition in 30 years, joins the Grand Rapids Symphony for an all-Tchaikovsky concert including his 'Pathetique' Symphony No. 6.
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September 16, 2019
Aretha Franklin's 'Respect,' Tina Turner's 'What's Love Got To Do With It,' and many more great hits by the great women of R&B and Soul open GRS Fox Motors Pops season
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September 11, 2019
Grand Rapids Symphony's Neighborhood Concert Series returns with the second annual 'Symphony on the West Side'
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September 11, 2019
Grand Rapids Symphony's Neighborhood Concert Series returns with the second annual 'Symphony on the West Side'
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August 29, 2019
Music by Beethoven, Brahms and Barber kicks off 2019-20 season, Sept. 13-14.
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August 29, 2019
The six-time Grammy Award winning musician and Academy Award-nominated film composer is a longtime collaborator with film director Spike Lee on films such as 'Malcom X,' '25th Hour,' 'Jungle Fever' and 'Clockers'
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August 26, 2019
Six Holiday Pops shows, five Beethoven piano concertos, four guest conductors, three works composed by women, two Harry Potter films, and one Van Cliburn Gold Medalist all are part of the 2019-20 season
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August 12, 2019
To thank its loyal patrons for nearly 90 years of support, the Grand Rapids Symphony is launching an unprecedented sale on tickets to say thank you!
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July 24, 2019
Nashville's Music City Hit Makers come to Cannonsburg Ski Area for Grand Rapids Pops finale.
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July 17, 2019
Enjoy songs such as Stevie Wonder's "Superstition," Four Tops' "Reach Out, I'll Be There," and Martha Reeves' "Dancing in the Street" for the third week of the 2019 Picnic Pops at Cannonsburg Ski Area.
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July 05, 2019
The world's best Beatles show featuring symphony orchestra returns with a special segment celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Fab Four's White Album
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June 27, 2019
The 25th anniversary of the Grand Rapids Symphony's Picnic Pops opens with 'Rhapsody in Blue,' a patriotic salute to America, and a pyrotechnic display
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June 10, 2019
The 25th year of the D&W Fresh Market Picnic Pops includes four weeks of music with a patriotic salute to America, a tribute to the Beatles, music of Motown, and songs from Nashville’s Music City Hit Makers.
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May 23, 2019
GRS is one of 23 orchestra participating in the new program made possible by The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation
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May 06, 2019
Marcelo Lehninger’s mother, pianist Sônia Goulart, joins her son on stage as soloist for Chopin's Piano Concerto No. 2
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May 01, 2019
Hear music from ‘Harry Potter' and ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ plus even more from 'Star Wars,' 'Star Trek,' 'Lord of the Rings' and more, May 10-12
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April 25, 2019
Grand Rapids Symphony's new Vice President and General Manager is from Washington National Opera at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.
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April 17, 2019
The former GRS principal trombonist returns as soloist in a concert of music by pioneering women who shattered glass ceilings and broke new ground
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April 02, 2019
Born in Grand Rapids, schooled at Calvin College, Michelle DeYoung, one of the world's foremost interpreters of Mahler, returns to DeVos Performance Hall for the first time in 14 years with Grand Rapids Symphony.
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March 15, 2019
Grand Rapids Symphony celebrates 25 years of ‘Symphony Under the Sky’ at Cannonsburg Ski Area at the 2019 D&W Fresh Market Picnic Pops. Four weeks of music include a salute to America, a tribute to the Beatles, music of Motown, and songs from Nashville’s hit makers in July and August.
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March 04, 2019
Pianist George Li, Silver Medalist in the 2015 International Tchaikovsky Competition, joins Grand Rapids Symphony for music of Rachmaninoff and Shostakovich.
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February 21, 2019
Grand Rapids Symphony presents the full-length, first film in the 'Pirates of the Caribbean' series with live music on March 8-9-10 in DeVos Performance Hall.
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February 15, 2019
Twenty years ago, British-born conductor David Lockington became the Grand Rapids Symphony’s 13th music director in January 1999. His 16 years of service until May 2015 is the longest tenure in the 89-year history of the GR Symphony. Now Music Director Laureate, Lockington returns on March 1-2 to conduct a program of music by English composers.
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February 11, 2019
Double bassist William McGregor, winner of the 2018 Stulberg International String Competition, joins Grand Rapids Symphony for Great Eras Series concert Feb. 22 in St. Cecilia Music Center.
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February 03, 2019
The 18th annual celebration of diversity and inclusion through music welcomes classically trained hip-hop group to DeVos Hall
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February 01, 2019
Six world-class pianists, five films with music, four guest conductors, three musical works by women, two Broadway stars, and one world premiere are part of the 2019-20 season
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January 23, 2019
Marcelo Lehninger will lead the Grand Rapids Symphony and Symphony Chorus plus the Gold Medal-winning cellist of the International Tchaikovsky Competition
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January 16, 2019
Furloughed or unpaid federal employees are eligible for free tickets to attend an upcoming Grand Rapids Symphony concert.
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January 10, 2019
Byron Stripling returns to DeVos Hall Jan. 25-27 with music of Louis Armstrong, Jelly Roll Morton, Muddy Waters and B.B. King.
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January 02, 2019
Music Director Marcelo Lehninger leads a program of Latinx-flavored music including the world’s most popular concerto for guitar and orchestra on Jan. 18-19
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December 26, 2018
Grand Rapids Symphony celebrates its 89th birthday on Jan. 11 with Haydn's Symphony No. 89 plus music by Mozart and Beethoven in St. Cecilia Music Center
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December 17, 2018
Diane Lobbestael, a 13-year veteran of the Grand Rapids Symphony, becomes Senior Vice President as incoming President Mary Tuuk prepares to take the helm from retiring President Peter Perez.
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November 19, 2018
Enjoy the full-length holiday film starring Macaulay Culkin plus John Williams’ musical score performed live by the Grand Rapids Symphony
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November 16, 2018
Mary Tuuk, an executive for Meijer, Inc., and a longtime Grand Rapids Symphony supporter, has been named President and CEO of the Grand Rapids Symphony.
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November 10, 2018
See 'The Snowman' or 'Home Alone' in November, and enjoy the Wolverine World Wide Holiday Pops and Old National Bank Cirque de Noel in December.
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November 05, 2018
DTE Energy Foundation Family Series opens with much-loved holiday film with live music plus holiday favorites.
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October 31, 2018
Hear three favorite works by Schubert, Ives and Mozart that are "Unfinished, Unanswered and Incomplete"
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October 24, 2018
Singer, pianist Tony DeSare, star of Off-Broadway show, 'Our Sinatra,' joins the Grand Rapids Pops for 'Sinatra and Beyond,' Nov. 9-11 in DeVos Performance Hall.
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October 17, 2018
Guest Conductor Carl St. Clair, a former protege of Bernstein, leads the Grand Rapids Symphony in an all-Bernstein concert with music from "West Side Story," "Candide," and more.
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October 04, 2018
The grant is among the largest awarded by the state agency as part of the $10.7 million package
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October 03, 2018
The full-length Tim Burton film with Danny Elfman's amazing musical score will be performed live by the Grand Rapids Symphony in DeVos Hall
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September 26, 2018
Bach's Air on a G String is part of The Baroque Concert: Bach and Beyond to open the Grand Rapids Symphony's 2018-19 Great Eras and Coffee Classics series
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September 19, 2018
Marcelo Lehninger leads orchestra in audience favorite ‘Scheherazade’ plus Jean-Yves Thibaudet in Khachaturian Piano Concerto, which features a musical saw.
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September 10, 2018
Paul McCartney personally invited jazz guitarist and singer John Pizzarelli to record Sir Paul's songs in the jazzy style of the Great American Songbook for the album 'Midnight McCartney'
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September 06, 2018
The philanthropist and patron of the art, together with his wife, Helen, was the Grand Rapids Symphony’s biggest supporter
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August 29, 2018
Karen Gomyo and her famous Stradivarius violin join music director Marcelo Lehninger for music made famous in the 2010 film "The King's Speech"
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August 27, 2018
Grand Rapids Symphony's 2018-19 season salutes Paul McCartney and Frank Sinatra, returns to ArtPrize, celebrates its 10th annual Cirque de Noel and welcomes new Artistic Director for 2019 Grand Rapids Bach Festival.
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August 09, 2018
The only person in GRS history to serve separately as Board Chair and as President will retire by the end of the year
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August 01, 2018
Guest conductor Jacomo Bairos leads nine free public concerts Septs. 28-29 at The Morton in collaboration with EarShot, the National Orchestral Composition Discovery Network
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July 30, 2018
Grand Rapids Symphony's 2018-19 season includes 'Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire,' 'Symphony with Soul' featuring Black Violin, violinist Karen Gomyo and pianist Jean Yves Thibaudet, salutes to the music of Paul McCartney and Frank Sinatra, films such as 'Home Alone' and 'Pirates of the Caribbean'
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July 25, 2018
Grand Rapids Pops welcomes Ben Folds for special, one-night-only show on Aug. 3 at Cannonsburg Ski Area
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July 18, 2018
Tito Puente Jr. plays music made famous by his father, the ‘King of the Timbales’
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July 18, 2018
Tito Puente Jr. toca la música que fuera hecha famosa por el ‘Rey de los Timbales’ en el Área de Esquí de Cannonsburg
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July 16, 2018
Grand Rapids Symphony's Picnic Pops explores music of British rock band with music of one of the greatest composers in history
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July 05, 2018
Enjoy "Symphony on the West Side" with the Grand Rapids Symphony in John Ball Park
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July 03, 2018
D&W Fresh Market Picnic Pops welcomes Mickey Thomas of Starship to Cannonsburg Ski Area, July 19-20
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June 28, 2018
A salute to America features patriotic melodies, Broadway show tunes, John Williams' film music and much more featuring three conductors.
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June 12, 2018
The program begins with a free community concert on July 21 at John Ball Park Zoo
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June 06, 2018
Ben Folds returns to the Grand Rapids Pops plus with a salute to the music of the 80s, the music of Coldplay, Latin jazz, and mambo and mure more
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June 04, 2018
American Composers Orchestra’s EarShot program is seeking work by emerging composers for the Grand Rapids Symphony to perform during ArtPrize in September
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May 07, 2018
Marcelo Lehninger conducts premiere of new work by Grand Rapids composer for Beethoven-themed concerts on May 18-19
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May 02, 2018
John Williams' film music closes Grand Rapids Symphony's 2017-18 Pops Series with music from 'Jurassic Park,' 'Jaws,' 'Home Alone,' 'Angela's Ashes' and all three 'Star Wars' trilogies.
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April 17, 2018
In 2005 for the first time in its 91-year history, a pianist not only won the top prize at the International Chopin Piano Competition, he won four more subsidiary prizes, sweeping the entire competition. Rafal Blechacz, the 2014 Gilmore Artist, appears with the Grand Rapids Symphony to play music of Chopin.
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April 12, 2018
Grand Rapids Symphony's tour of six area kitchens, organized by Symphony Friends, will raise money for music education and other programs
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March 30, 2018
Eminent Brazilian pianist Nelson Freire is guest soloist in Grand Rapids and New York City along with Grand Rapids Symphony Chorus
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March 22, 2018
Principal trumpeter Charley Lea, guest pianist Michael Brown, are soloists on the concert highlighting music of the 20th century for the Grand Rapids Symphony's Great Eras and Coffee Classics series in St. Cecilia Music Center.
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March 15, 2018
Ben Folds returns to the Grand Rapids Pops along with a salute to the 80s, a mashup of Beethoven and Coldplay, Latin jazz and mambo, and Classical Fireworks with the 3 Maestros all at Cannonsburg Ski Area in July and August.
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March 13, 2018
Principal Flutist Chris Kantner is soloist in Mozart's Flute Concerto No. 1 in G Major on the concert featuring Richard Strauss' epic tone poem, 'Ein Heldenleben' or 'A Hero's Life,' all conducted by Marcelo Lehninger
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March 05, 2018
Grand Rapids Pops brings famed comedy troupe Second City to Grand Rapids for symphonic satire at Gilda's LaughFest 2018.
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March 01, 2018
Jonathan Tuuk is featured soloist in Saint-Saëns’ brilliant “Organ” Symphony No. 3, and the Mayflower Congregational Church Chancel Choir plus soloists join the Grand Rapids Symphony for Mendelssohn's "Hymn of Praise" Symphony No. 2
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February 22, 2018
The husband-and-wife team of Grand Rapids Symphony Music Director Laureate David Lockington and world-famous violin soloist Dylana Jenson return to DeVos Performance for Grand Rapids Symphony concerts.
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February 13, 2018
The 'First Lady of Song' will be remembered at the 17th annual celebration of diversity and inclusion with multicultural music from gospel, jazz, classical and the Great American Songbook
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February 12, 2018
The Grand Rapids Symphony brings the fourth film in the Harry Potter franchise, 'Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire,' to Grand Rapids in February 2019.
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February 01, 2018
Classical blockbusters, eminent soloists, popular favorites, great films all come to Grand Rapids Symphony’s stage during the orchestra's 89th season in 2018-19
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January 24, 2018
See the full-length 'Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban' with the Grand Rapids Symphony performing live John Williams' magical movie score in its entirety.
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January 18, 2018
Marcelo Lehninger conducts the suite that’s inspired film scores for Star Wars, Star Trek, and countless more movies.
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January 10, 2018
Stars of Broadway, New York Cabaret join Grand Rapids Symphony for songs from Les Misérables, Chicago, Sound of Music, Jersey Boys, Annie and more, January 26-28
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December 28, 2017
Venezuelan pianist Gabriela Montero, a world-renowned soloist and acclaimed classical music improviser, joins Music Director Marcelo Lehninger, Jan. 12-13
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December 22, 2017
Music Director Marcelo Lehninger conducts Great Eras and Coffee Classics concerts in the 19th century elegance of St. Cecilia Music Center
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December 21, 2017
Back by popular demand, ‘Pokémon Symphonic Evolutions,' the multi-genre sensation returns with live music and visuals from the entire Pokémon franchise for one night only on Jan. 6 in DeVos Performance Hall.
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December 15, 2017
Bernhardt will remain on the Grand Rapids Pops podium, delighting audiences in DeVos Performance Hall and Cannonsburg Ski Area, through the 2020-21 concert season.
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November 29, 2017
Enjoy homegrown, holiday entertainment with the Grand Rapids Pops in December with the Wolverine World Wide Holiday Pops, Dec. 14-17, or the Old National Bank Cirque de Noël, Dec. 21-22, in DeVos Performance Hall.
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November 08, 2017
Music Director Marcelo Lehninger will lead the Grand Rapids Symphony in Verdi's Requiem, one of his all-time favorite pieces to conduct, on Nov. 17-18. Performances will be dedicated to the memory of the late Helen DeVos.
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November 01, 2017
Back by popular demand, the Grand Rapids Symphony performs Howard Blake's score for the 1982 Oscar-nominated film, 'The Snowman,' based on Raymond Briggs's beloved children's tale about a boy and a snowman who comes to life for an evening of adventure.
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October 25, 2017
See the full-length, award-winning 1951 film, "An American in Paris," starring Gene Kelly and Leslie Caron, featuring the Grand Rapids Symphony performing the songs and music of George and Ira Gershwin.
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October 19, 2017
Helen DeVos, a longtime GRS Board Member who was honored with the GRS BRAVO! Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007, played a leading role in transforming a community orchestra into a world-class, professional ensemble.
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October 10, 2017
17th century English and French music from the court of King Charles II of England opens Grand Rapids Symphony's Great Eras series
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September 22, 2017
Rune Bergmann, a Grand Rapids Symphony audience favorite, returns to conduct music from Scandinavia with a guest Norwegian mezzo soprano
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September 14, 2017
Grand Rapids Pops' Harry Potter Film Concert Series continues with three full-length screenings of 'Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets' with live music in DeVos Performance Hall on Sept. 29-30, 2017
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September 11, 2017
Fleetwood Mac tribute band Landslide joins the Grand Rapids Symphony to open 2017-18 Fox Motors Pops series on Sept. 22-24 in DeVos Performance Hall
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September 06, 2017
Grand Rapids Symphony's innovative program offering free concert tickets to those in need and to U.S. military personnel adds free admission at Grand Rapids Art Museum.
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September 05, 2017
Sarah Chang joins music director Marcelo Lehninger and the Grand Rapids Symphony for its season-opener featuring Suite from 'West Side Story' for violin and orchestra, plus Ravel's 'Bolero.'
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August 29, 2017
Big pieces, big-name soloists, old favorites, new surprises are all a part of the Grand Rapids Symphony's 88th season opening Sept. 15-16, 2017.
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August 17, 2017
Grand Rapids Symphony will give three performances of 'Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets,' the second film in the Harry Potter franchise, with live music accompanying the full-length film.
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July 31, 2017
Celebrate Harry Potter's birthday with tickets to a Grand Rapids Symphony concert including one of two Harry Potter movies during the 2017-18 season
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July 25, 2017
Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán, dubbed "el mejor mariachi del mundo" or "the best mariachi in the world" joins the Grand Rapids Pops at Cannonsburg on Aug. 5 for one-night only.
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July 21, 2017
Grand Rapids Symphony Music Director Marcelo Lehninger makes his Cannonsburg debut with classical favorites and pyrotechnics as special guests.
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July 12, 2017
Women Rock, a brand-new show, celebrates songs written or recorded by Carole King, Tina Turner, Janis Joplin and Aretha Franklin plus many more legendary women of rock
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July 05, 2017
Grand Rapids Pops welcomes Brass Transit and 'The Musical Legacy of Chicago' to D&W Fresh Market Picnic Pops with songs including 'Beginnings,' 'Saturday in the Park' and 'You're the Inspiration.'
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June 28, 2017
The Grand Rapids Symphony’s 2017 D&W Fresh Market Picnic Pops remembers 'The Music of ABBA' to open the 23rd annual summer of musical fun at Cannonsburg Ski Area.
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June 14, 2017
Classic rock, fireworks and mariachi are part of the Grand Rapids Pops' 23rd annual D&W Fresh Market Picnic Pops featuring the Cannonsburg debut of Music Director Marcelo Lehninger
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May 25, 2017
Grand Rapids Symphony Friends transform Blandford Nature Center into an enchanted world for fairies to help raise money for the orchestra's education programs.
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May 19, 2017
Five new directors were elected and 15 were reelected to the Grand Rapids Symphony's Board of Directors for the 2017-18 season.
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May 18, 2017
Diane McElfish Helle, program administrator of Music for Health Initiative, is one of only five musicians honored nationally for excellence in community service.
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May 08, 2017
Of the hundreds of thousands of works composed in the history of classical music, only a small handful changed the course of history. Beethoven’s “Eroica” or “Heroic” Symphony No. 3 was one. Claude Debussy’s “Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun" was another. The Grand Rapids Symphony plays both to conclude its 2016-17 Richard and Helen DeVos Classical series, May 19-20.
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April 17, 2017
Get tickets for two all-time favorite shows at 30 percent discount next season at Grand Rapids Pops' Gerber SymphonicBoom Series in DeVos Performance Hall.
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April 13, 2017
50 years ago, the Beatles' released the seminal album that Rolling Stone magazine named No. 1 on its list of the "500 Greatest Albums of All Time." Hear it performed live by your Grand Rapids Symphony
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April 06, 2017
Beethoven was the colossus of musical life of Vienna in the era of the Napoleonic Wars. Bernstein loomed large over the the musical scene in New York City in the post-world War II era. Grand Rapids Symphony salutes Ludwig and Lenny with the music of both in a concert titled "Beethoven & Bernstein"
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March 21, 2017
Past Board Chairperson and Co-Chair of the Grand Rapids Symphony's $40 million Legacy of Excellence Campaign has been named permanent president and CEO of the Grand Rapids Symphony.
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March 15, 2017
Classic Rock, international acts, and the debut of Music Director Marcelo Lehninger are highlights of the 23rd annual summer season at Cannonsburg Ski Area.
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March 09, 2017
Waltzes by Ravel and Strauss, a cryptic scherzo by Grand Rapids Symphony's own Alexander Miller, and pianist Fabio Bidini performing Ravel's jazzy Piano Concerto in G Major all coming to DeVos Performance Hall.
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March 06, 2017
Opening on St. Patrick's Day, the first-generation Irish-American singer from Detroit, former lead singer for the Irish group Cherish the Ladies, joins the Grand Rapids Symphony for three shows in DeVos Hall.
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February 21, 2017
Founded by Linn Maxwell Keller, the 11th Grand Rapids Bach Festival celebrates the life and music of one of the greatest, if not the greatest, composers in the history of Western Classical Music with a week's worth of events.
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February 17, 2017
The perennially popular "Pictures at an Exhibition" is music that was inspired by an art exhibition. Samuel Barber’s Adagio for Strings has appeared in films including “Platoon” and “Lorenzo’s Oil.” Before there was John Williams, there was Erich Korngold, the man responsible for the big, lush, cinematic film scores including the 1938 film “The Adventures of Robin Hood” starring Errol Flynn. You can hear hints of his film scores in his Violin Concerto. See and hear all of this with Marcelo Lehninger and guest violinist Stefan Jackiw on March 3-4 in DeVos Hall.
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February 15, 2017
Music Director Marcelo Lehninger unveils his first planned season of concerts in Grand Rapids with classical favorites such as Ravel's Bolero, Verdi's Requiem and Beethoven's Ninth Symphony; full-length movies in the Harry Potter Film Concert Series; and big-name artists such as violinist Sarah Chang.
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February 13, 2017
Bach, Handel and Vivaldi were the big names to emerge from the Baroque period in classical music. But they were just the cream of the crop from the era that spanned nearly 150 years from 1600 to 1750. Grand Rapids Symphony’s Crowe Horwath Great Eras series concert on Feb. 24, 2017, takes audiences back to the Baroque for one-night only with music of the era plus later inspired directly by music of the Baroque. Two-time Grammy Award winner Patrick Dupré Quigley, founder and artistic director of the chamber choir Seraphic Fire and the Firebird Chamber Orchestra, will be in St. Cecilia Music Center to lead The Baroque Concert: Respighi, Handel & Fireworks.
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February 01, 2017
You heard Lalah Hathaway on the soundtrack of 'Hidden Figures,' nominated for the 2017 Oscar for Best Picture. The three-time Grammy Award-winning singer, nominated for two more Grammys this month, joins the Grand Rapids Symphony for its 16th annual 'Symphony with Soul' on Saturday, Feb. 18, in DeVos Performance Hall.
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January 27, 2017
Grand Rapids Pops, which presented 'Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone' this season, welcomes the next two films in the franchise, 'Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets,' and 'Harry Potter and Prisoner of Azkaban,' to DeVos Performance Hall next season with live music performed by the Grand Rapids Symphony
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January 26, 2017
Grand Rapids Art Museum opens a mini exhibition of photo portraits of Grand Rapids Symphony’s new Music Director Marcelo Lehninger by Grand Rapids photographer Andy Terzes. The intimate portraits in black and white give added insight into the man behind the music. See "Marcelo" from Tues. Jan. 31 through Sun. Feb. 5 at GRAM.
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January 20, 2017
Grand Rapids Symphony’s new Music Director Marcelo Lehninger is back for the first time since October with “Mozart, Mahler & Marcelo” on Feb. 3-4. Guest pianist Andrew von Oeyen, returns to Grand Rapids as soloist in Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 17 in G major, and the Brazilian-born conductor also leads the orchestra in Mahler’s mighty Symphony No. 5 -- a big, brassy work that horn players salivate over. On the other hand, Mahler also wrote the fourth movement, scored only for harp and strings, as a love letter to his wife, Alma. It’s one of the most beautiful melodies he ever composed.
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January 13, 2017
For the first time in Grand Rapids, audiences will experience the Grand Rapids Symphony performing music to the entire film from one of the most beloved film franchises in history
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January 11, 2017
For a limited time, you can buy tickets to three or more concerts for the remainder of the Grand Rapids Symphony's 2016-17 for just $25 per ticket when you buy tickets to three or more concerts.
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January 09, 2017
If you’ve seen TV’s “The Nanny” starring Fran Drescher, you’ve heard the voice of Ann Hampton Callaway. What’s more, the Tony Award nominee actress, singer, songwriter and TV personality not only sang the song, she wrote the theme song “The Nanny Named Fran.” Besides Babs herself, possibly no one's better to fill in for Streisand. Callaway has written several songs recorded by Streisand and has toured the country with her show, "Ann Hampton Callaway Sings the Streisand Songbook."
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December 23, 2016
Grand Rapids Symphony opens the new year in DeVos Hall with Aaron Copland's Suite from 'Our Town' from the 1940 film starring William Holden and Martha Scott, plus Jean Sibelius' Symphony No. 5, which captures the sights and sounds of the Finnish countryside.
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December 21, 2016
See visual images from blockbuster video games including Mario, Zelda, Halo and Final Fantasy while the Grand Rapids Symphony plays the original scores live under guest conductor Emmanuel Fratianni.
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December 21, 2016
Grand Rapids Symphony’s new Music Director Marcelo Lehninger starts his New Year back in Grand Rapids with his debut in St. Cecilia Music Center on Jan. 6 to lead the orchestra in Romantic Era music of Brahms and Schumann with guest pianist Daniel Hsu, a 2016 Gilmore Young Artist of Kalamazoo’s Irving S. Gilmore International Keyboard Festival.
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December 16, 2016
Grand Rapids Symphony's annual 'Symphony with Soul' concert and 'Celebration of Soul' gala, which raises money for scholarship for young African-American and Latino musicians, has received three consecutive, biennial grants from the NEA's Challenge America program, which supports projects that extend the arts to underserved communities.
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December 13, 2016
Grand Rapids Symphony has appointed Grand Rapids businessman Peter Perez, a longtime Symphony board member and past Chairperson, as interim President and CEO following the departure after eight years of President and CEO Peter Kjome.
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December 06, 2016
Peter Kjome, the Grand Rapids Symphony's President and CEO for the past eight years, will become the next President and CEO of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. The GRS soon will begin a search for its next executive director.
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November 22, 2016
The Grammy-nominated Christian group joins the Grammy-nominated Grand Rapids Symphony for the only Christmas show MercyMe performs in the Midwest with symphony orchestra this holiday season. The ResLife Choir also performs at the one-night only special event on Nov. 29, 2016, at Resurrection Life Church in Grandville.
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November 08, 2016
Celebrate the season along with your Grand Rapids Symphony at four holiday programs shows in November and December
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November 02, 2016
'Lockington Conducts Dvorak' features the Grand Rapids Symphony Chorus and the world premiere of a new work by Jeremy Crosmer, inspired by the paintings of Grand Rapids' own Mathias Alten.
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October 20, 2016
Hear the Grand Rapids Symphony play John Williams' film score for 'E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial' live in DeVos Performance Hall as you watch the entire 1982 Steven Spielberg film on the big screen.
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October 13, 2016
Marcelo Lehninger makes his debut as Music Director with an all-Russian evening of music featuring the ravishingly beautiful Rachmaninoff Symphony No. 2, and the Tchaikovsky Violin Concert starring Russian violinist Philippe Quint.
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October 11, 2016
See highlights from some of the best movies DreamWorks Animation has ever made, such as 'Rise of the Guardians,' 'Mr Peabody and Sherman,' and 'Puss in Boots' while your Grand Rapids Symphony plays film scores by Hans Zimmer, John Powell and Danny Elfman and more.
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October 06, 2016
Grand Rapids Symphony's principal French horns and prize-winning cellist from the 2016 Stulberg International String Competition in Kalamazoo are soloists in St. Cecilia Music Center with music from 18th century Classical era in music.
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October 03, 2016
The Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs has awarded the Grand Rapids Symphony a $35,000 grant, among the largest grants given to a single arts organization for the 2017 fiscal year.
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September 26, 2016
ArtPrize is the place in Grand Rapids to see unusual and surprising art in unpredictable and startling places. Grand Rapids Symphony is diving deep into ArtPrize Eight with music you've never heard. Call it chamber orchestra meets Daft Punk meets LCD Soundsystem at Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts.
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September 21, 2016
Pianist Joyce Yang plays the ravishingly beautiful melody from Rachmaninoff's Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini that caused Christopher Reeve to fall in love with Jane Seymour in the 1980 film "Somewhere in Time," filmed at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. Guest conductor Perry So returns with music by Dvorak, Smetana and more
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September 08, 2016
The Grand Rapids Symphony's Fox Motors Pops series opens with songs from the 1970s by Elton John and Billy Joel, featuring pianist and singer Jim Witter
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August 31, 2016
Michigan pianist Ralph Votapek, Gold Medalist of the first Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, is soloist on the jazzy, kickoff to the 2016-17 Classical series.
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June 30, 2016
The Grand Rapids Pops series strikes up the band this summer with the D&W Fresh Market Picnic Pops at Cannonsburg Ski Area.
The Grand Rapids Symphony’s 22nd summer season opens with Classical Fireworks on July 14-15. Rock rolls on with We Will Rock You! The Music of Queen, followed by The Music of the Beach Boys, both in July. Special events in early August include The Music of David Bowie and R&B sensations Boyz II Men
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June 02, 2016
The Grand Rapids Symphony has named conductor Marcelo Lehninger as its next music director. The Brazilian-born conductor, who has led the Grand Rapids Symphony twice in the past two seasons, becomes the 14th music director in the 86-year history of the orchestra. Lehninger was the unanimous choice of the Grand Rapids Symphony’s Music Director Search Committee following his electrifying performance of Dvorak’s “New World” Symphony No. 9 in February 2015 and an explosive performance of Respighi’s “Pines of Rome” this past April.
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May 27, 2016
The GRS Board of Directors has approved a five-year plan to attract new audiences, to serve an increasingly diverse community, to branch out into innovative new areas such as health and wellness, and to strengthen its financial position to accomplish its goals. The strategic plan calls on the Grand Rapids Symphony to continue to expand collaborations with other arts organizations; to explore technological advances to reach people in new ways; to serve a wider audience across the region; and to prepare for major milestones such as the orchestra’s 90th anniversary season in 2019-20.
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May 10, 2016
Hope College was founded in 1866, but never in its 150-year history has it had a venue devoted entirely to music until the opening of the Jack H. Miller Center for Musical Arts last fall.
Today, Hope College's 800-seat auditorium is the biggest concert hall in West Michigan featuring a permanently installed pipe organ. The Grand Rapids Symphony plus Hope College organist Huw Lewis will put the “King of Instruments” in the spotlight for a special Musical Arts Celebration.
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May 04, 2016
Guest conductor Perry So made his DeVos Performance Hall debut as the seventh of eight guest conductors collaborating with the Grand Rapids Symphony during its 2015-16 season, all potential candidates to become its next music director. Grand Rapids Symphony’s Music Director Search Committee decided to have So back for a second look at a free performance in Jenison Center for the Arts.
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April 27, 2016
“Carmina Burana,” isn't necessarily a well-known title. But it’s likely you’ve heard its opening chorus, “O Fortuna” in movies such as “Jackass,” “Cheaper By the Dozen,” “Natural Born Killers” or “Excalibur.” Or in any number of TV commercials that have made it one of the best-known works of classical music among those who’ve never been to a symphony orchestra concert. Meanwhile, the 2010 Gilmore Artist, pianist Kirill Gerstein, joins the Grand Rapids Symphony to close its Classical Series season.
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April 26, 2016
In the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorists attacks in 2001, "I Can Only Imagine" dominated Christian radio, crossing over to mainstream radio, spending 16 weeks in total on the Hot 100 Adult Contemporary Chart over the next two years. MercyMe, one of the most successful Christian pop/rock groups of the past two decades, comes to Grand Rapids for a special 2016 Christmas show with the Grand Rapids Symphony
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April 20, 2016
Ask anyone to name any composer of film music, and the first name that’ll come to mind almost certainly will be John Williams. Five Academy Awards and 50 Oscar nominations in all, not to mention 17 Grammy Awards, have made John Williams the film composer of choice for many of the biggest blockbusters of the past four decades.
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April 15, 2016
The Grand Rapids Symphony has reached its $40 million campaign goal to grow an endowment that helps secure the orchestra’s financial well-being for years to come.
The Legacy of Excellence Campaign, launched in 2012 with a $20 million commitment designated to endowment from philanthropists Richard and Helen DeVos, has garnered an additional $20 million in pledges and future promises to sustain the orchestra’s programs and educational offerings for the next generation.
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April 14, 2016
Grand Rapids Symphony, for the first time in its 86-year history, collaborates with the Cornerstone University Chorale for a program of music, “Sacred Dimensions: Sacred Stories,” on Sunday, April 17, 2016, in Cornerstone University’s new, $14 million Christ Chapel, which opened in September 2015.
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April 08, 2016
“The Pines of Rome,” inspired by centuries-old trees that dotted the landscape, recall memories children playing among trees, shadows cast over nearby catacombs, a particular tree-covered hill at night under a full moon, and a vision of the past glories of Rome along the Appian Way when all roads led to the Eternal City.
You’ve heard excerpts from “The Pines of Rome” in movies. Now hear it played live.
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April 06, 2016
The Grand Rapids Symphony’s D&W Fresh Market Picnic Pops welcomes the Grammy Award-winning vocal ensemble to Cannonsburg Ski Area, as well as the greatest hits of the legendary David Bowie, to cap off the 2016 D&W Fresh Market Picnic Pops with two, one-night only, special-event shows.
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April 05, 2016
The Grand Rapids Symphony and the Grand Rapids Federation of Musicians have ratified a new, five-year, collective bargaining agreement that raises pay and partially restores employer-funded retirement contributions for members of the orchestra.
The agreement that will carry the Grand Rapids Symphony through its 90th anniversary season in 2019-20 maintains the present 40-week performance season, preserves the current complement of musicians, and makes no changes to the orchestra’s health insurance.
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March 30, 2016
Conductor Rune Bergmann didn’t grow up in a musical family. But after he watched Carlos Kleiber conduct a New Year’s Eve concert from Vienna on TV, Bergmann was inspired to make music his life’s work. The Norwegian-born conductor returns to West Michigan for an encore performance with the Grand Rapids Symphony.
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March 23, 2016
We will rock you with the music of Queen and the Beach Boys this summer at the D&W Fresh Market Picnic Pops. The Grand Rapids Pops opens its 22nd annual summer concert series in mid-July with classical favorites plus fireworks at Cannonsburg Ski Area.
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March 04, 2016
Everyone’s a little Irish on St. Patrick’s Day and the Grand Rapids Pops will get you in the mood for the annual event at “The Celtic Concert” featuring Anthony Kearns from The Irish Tenors plus pipers and Irish step dancers.
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March 02, 2016
As Vienna was under siege from Napoleon’s armies, leading Beethoven to take refuge in his brother’s cellar, the composer completed his fifth and final piano concerto, which soon became known as the “Emperor” concerto. Only in this case, the nobleman was Austrian Archduke Rudolf, Beethoven’s patron as well as his pupil. Guest pianist Martin Helmchen and guest conductor Perry So lead the Grand Rapids Symphony in music by Schumann and contemporary French composer Guillaume Connesson’s "Supernova."
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February 24, 2016
Grand Rapids will among the first cities in the world to experience the magic of a full-length screening of the 2001 film together with your Grand Rapids Symphony playing John Williams' Oscar-nominated score live in the concert hall.
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February 24, 2016
Bach, Beethoven and Brahms, not to mention Mozart, Mendelssohn and Mahler, all wrote music for religious services or at least set to religious texts. The same still is true today. Grand Rapids Symphony presents “A Choral Celebration” of music, part of its Sacred Dimensions Series, featuring the adult Grand Rapids Symphony Chorus and Grand Rapids Symphony Youth Chorus in two performances on March 5, 2016, in the Cathedral of St. Andrew in Grand Rapids.
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February 19, 2016
If you have only a few records or compact discs in your collection, odds are you have a copy of Antonio Vivaldi’s “The Four Seasons.” Though his music is roughly 300 years old, the immediacy of Vivaldi’s late 17th and early 18th century music has made works by the violinist, teacher and cleric just as popular today among late 20th and early 21st century audiences.
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February 17, 2016
Though Roberts lost his sight at age 5, he went on to become a member of Wynton Marsalis’ Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, perform on “Saturday Night Live,” and serve as artist-in-residence at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City.
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February 11, 2016
The Grand Rapids Symphony will have you on the edge of your seat in anticipation as its 2016-17 season paves the way for the arrival of its next music director. Today, your Grand Rapids Symphony unveils its 87th annual season, offering classical blockbusters as well as recently composed music; classic pop and rock plus family friendly entertainment; and cinematic special events plus seasonal celebrations that’ll bring a galaxy of eminent artists and guest conductors to Grand Rapids.
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February 10, 2016
French composer Claude Debussy maintained a lifelong passion for “The Sea.” The never-married Johannes Brahms’ prized his personal freedom even as he composed one of the most ravishing melodies of his career in his Symphony No. 3. American composer Peter Lieberson cherished his wife, mezzo soprano Lorraine Hunt, who sang the debut of his “Neruda Songs” shortly before her death in 2006 from complications from cancer.
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January 20, 2016
For more than 20 years, millions of gamers have spent countless hours capturing and training wild Pokémon to do battle with Gym Leaders and become Pokémon tournament champions.
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January 13, 2016
Three works filled with joy, love and sunshine comprise the Grand Rapids Symphony’s program for “Dvorák’s Seventh,” part of the Richard and Helen DeVos Classical Series. Returning Music Director Candidate and Mei-Ann Chen will lead the orchestra in two performances at DeVos Performance Hall: Friday, January 29 and Saturday, January 30 at 8:00 p.m. Recipient of the prestigious Avery Fisher Career Grant in 2008, violinist Karen Gomyo will join the orchestra to perform one of the most beloved violin concertos. The Guest Artist Sponsor for the concert is the Edith I. Blodgett Guest Artist Fund.
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January 06, 2016
The Grand Rapids Pops celebrates the spirit of New Orleans with an electrifying and heartfelt tribute to the legendary Louis Armstrong, one of the pivotal and most influential names in jazz music. Virtuoso trumpeter and singer Byron Stripling will lead a swinging evening filled with the sounds of Satchmo. “What a Wonderful World: Louis Armstrong Tribute” will also feature vocal artist Marva Hicks to sing the songs of Ella Fitzgerald. Associate Conductor John Varineau will lead the orchestra in three performances at DeVos Performance Hall: Friday, January 22 at 8:00 p.m.; Saturday, January 23 at 8:00 p.m.; and Sunday, January 24 at 3:00 p.m. “What a Wonderful World: Louis Armstrong Tribute” is part of the Fox Motors Pops series. The Concert Sponsor is Dematic and the Guest Artist Sponsor is Holland Home.
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December 17, 2015
More often than not, composers of an earlier time were also great performers. Mozart was a triple threat as a virtuoso pianist, violinist and violist in addition to his incomparable gifts as a composer. Beethoven earned early fame as a concert pianist, and Stravinsky also had a reputation as a fine pianist. On Thursday, January 14 at 7:30 p.m., audiences can experience works by all three of these legendary musicians at “The Classical Concert.” This Crowe Horwath Great Eras series concert will take place in St. Cecilia Music Center’s intimate Royce Auditorium and will feature the talents of violinist Angelo Xiang Yu. Music Advisor Larry Rachleff will lead the performance.
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December 14, 2015
The Grand Rapids Symphony will explore the intersection of nature and dance this upcoming January at “Beethoven’s Pastoral,” Friday, January 8 and Saturday, January 9, 8:00 p.m. at DeVos Performance Hall. The concert showcases the creativity of dancing as the music of three composers use dance to move our hearts and our feet.
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November 19, 2015
Pianist Marcus Roberts rose to prominence as a gifted performer — first with the Wynton Marsalis and Jazz at Lincoln Center bands for years, then with his own trio and as a classical soloist. Roberts is perhaps best known for the development of an entirely new approach to jazz trio performance. Along the way, he’s become a mentor to many younger musicians, training many on the bandstand and from his professorship at Florida State University. Now, on February 27, 2016 at 8:00 p.m., Roberts and his trio will join the Grand Rapids Symphony for its 15th annual “Symphony with Soul” concert. As part of this annual tradition, the concert will be preceded by Celebration of Soul, a special event celebrating diversity and inclusion initiatives in West Michigan.
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November 09, 2015
When you think of the holidays, you think of snow, twinkling lights, a crackling fire, and of course, holiday music. This season, the Grand Rapids Symphony is offering their own take on the holiday season with an offering of festive concerts.
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November 04, 2015
A hero, a parent and a kindred spirit inspire the music featured in “Brahms’ German Requiem,” a deeply moving and uplifting concert presented by the Grand Rapids Symphony. Anchoring the program is Johannes Brahms’ most ambitious and thoughtful composition: his German Requiem, written to honor the passing of his mother. The Richard and Helen DeVos Classical Series concert will feature the Grand Rapids Symphony Chorus conducted by Pearl Shangkuan. “Brahms’ German Requiem” will have two performances in DeVos Performance Hall: Friday, November 20 and Saturday, November 21 at 8:00 p.m. Music Director Candidate Rune Bergmann will lead the orchestra.
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October 30, 2015
Unwrap the season with a grouping of several exciting and festive seasonal staples offered by several downtown organizations. Welcome Santa to Grand Rapids in the Art Van Santa Parade, follow it up hot chocolate and children’s books read by Mrs. Claus at the Grand Rapids Public Library, arts and crafts at the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum, and finish the day off with a spectacular musical performance of “The Snowman” by the Grand Rapids Symphony. On Saturday, November 21st, don’t miss these opportunities to show your children the wonder of the season!
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October 28, 2015
Experience one of the crown jewels of Disney feature animation when the Grand Rapids Pops presents “Disney Fantasia Live in Concert” as a part of the Fox Motors Pops Series. The live orchestra will accompany scenes from Walt Disney’s original “Fantasia” (1940) and Disney’s “Fantasia 2000,” highlighting a selection of magnificent classical repertoire and iconic scenes from both films. Mickey Mouse dabbling in magic, pastel-colored unicorns and winged horses, and dancing hippos will all be shown in high definition on the big screen.
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October 21, 2015
What do Schubert, Mendelssohn and Stulberg International String Competition winner Yaegy Park have in common? Audiences at “The Romantic Concert” will find out when they hear iconic works celebrating youthful genius at the first Crowe Horwath Great Eras series concert of 2015-16. Great Eras, a three-concert series, is designed to explore the different periods of orchestral music. On Friday, November 6 at 8:00 p.m., Associate Conductor John Varineau will lead “The Romantic Concert” in the intimate setting of the Royce Auditorium at St. Cecilia Music Center.
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October 16, 2015
St. Cecilia Music Center and the Grand Rapids Symphony are partnering during their 2015 / 2016 season to bridge connections among a mutual audience and to share their 86-year collaborative history with classical music lovers.
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October 07, 2015
Conductor James Feddeck is now among the exceptional candidates being considered for the Grand Rapids Symphony’s Music Director position. In his second appearance with the orchestra, Maestro Feddeck returns to Grand Rapids to conduct “Mahler’s Titan,” Friday, October 23 and Saturday, October 24, 8:00 p.m. in DeVos Performance Hall. The performance is offered as part of the Richard and Helen DeVos Classical Series and is supported by the Edith I. Blodgett Guest Artist Fund.
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September 30, 2015
In 2009, acclaimed director J.J. Abrams re-envisioned and re-invigorated the Star Trek franchise with a brilliantly casted ensemble, stunning visual effects and action-packed plot. Michael Giacchino’s thrilling, Grammy-nominated musical score contributed in no small part to the film’s success. At “Star Trek: Live in Concert,” the Grand Rapids Symphony orchestra will perform Giacchino’s score as “Star Trek” (2009) is screened simultaneously in high definition.
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September 23, 2015
The Grand Rapids Symphony’s first Music Director candidate of the 2015-2016 Season will lead the orchestra at “Ravel’s Piano Concerto,” Friday, October 9 and Saturday, October 10, 8:00 p.m. at DeVos Performance Hall. The first prize winner of the Evgeny Svetlanov International Conducting Competition in 2010, Andris Poga has established himself as a thoughtful and sensitive conductor. Poga will lead the orchestra in a colorful concert as a part of the Richard and Helen DeVos Classical Series.
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September 16, 2015
This fall, classic songs get a jolt of what The New York Times called the “personality plus” of irrepressible vocalist Storm Large, whose career has traversed the West coast club scene, reality television and international concert halls with the beloved chamber pop group Pink Martini. Storm and her band Le Bonheur will join the Grand Rapids Pops for a brand new program, “Love, Lust & Rock ‘n’ Roll” at DeVos Performance Hall for three performances: Friday, October 2 and Saturday, October 3 at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, October 4 at 3:00 p.m. The concert is part of the Fox Motors Pops Series.
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September 14, 2015
Through two new initiatives, Free for Families and Symphony Scorecard, the Grand Rapids Symphony will strengthen music and arts exposure for families, children and adults who have not been able to engage with the organization. These programs will create concert opportunities, share memories, enrich lives and introduce non-traditional audiences to the Symphony for many generations to come.
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September 02, 2015
The Grand Rapids Symphony will open its 86th season with “Romeo & Juliet,” reveling in music inspired by Shakespeare’s immortal plays. Grand Rapids Symphony Music Advisor Larry Rachleff will lead two performances of “Romeo & Juliet” on Friday, September 18 and Saturday, September 19, 8:00 p.m. at DeVos Performance Hall. “Romeo & Juliet” is part of the Richard and Helen DeVos Classical Series and is supported by Spectrum Health and the Edith I. Blodgett Guest Artist Fund.
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June 24, 2015
With the 2015 D&W Fresh Market Picnic Pops series, the Grand Rapids Pops brings a summer season fueled by legendary singer-songwriters, family fun and classical favorites. The Grand Rapids Pops collaborates with award-winning artists once more to bring talent to an affordable and family-friendly atmosphere at Cannonsburg Ski Area.
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June 12, 2015
The Grand Rapids Symphony launched its new GRSymphony.org website today. The new website features an updated branded design for the Grand Rapids Symphony and Grand Rapids Pops, upgraded features, a streamlined navigation, and a content rich experience for visitors.
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May 26, 2015
Among the many thrilling programs to be offered during the Grand Rapids Symphony’s 2015-16 Season are “Star Trek: Live in Concert” on Saturday, October 17 and “Michael W. Smith: The Spirit of Christmas” on Tuesday, December 8. Tickets to these concerts range from $25 - $100 and are on sale to the public May 27.
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May 20, 2015
The Blodgett Estate, a historical Grand Rapids landmark on the grounds of Aquinas College, will be transformed into a fairy garden during the month of June.
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May 18, 2015
The Grand Rapids Symphony Society held its annual meeting on May 14 in Grand Rapids to appoint its leadership for the upcoming season.
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April 22, 2015
Music Director David Lockington will conduct his last concerts in the role on Friday, May 8 and Saturday, May 9, 8:00 p.m. at DeVos Performance Hall as a part of the Richard and Helen DeVos Classical Series.
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April 08, 2015
On April 24, 8:00 p.m. at the Van Andel Arena, four major arts organizations will come together with over 1,500 performers for LiveArts, an once-in-a-lifetime arts experience that will entertain, inspire and enliven the senses.
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April 01, 2015
Today the Grand Rapids Symphony announced its 2015-2016 Season, presenting world class soloists and conductors as the Grand Rapids Symphony continues its exciting search for a new Music Director.
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March 26, 2015
The Grand Rapids Pops is among 30 orchestras in the country that will present the official Pokémon live orchestral concert, Pokémon: Symphonic Evolutions, in a new tour announced today by The Pokémon Company International and Princeton Entertainment.
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March 06, 2015
The week of March 15 – 21 ushers in the Grand Rapids Bach Festival, sharing the power of Johann Sebastian Bach’s music in both traditional and unexpected settings.
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March 04, 2015
The music of Neil Diamond, Tchaikovsky, Billy Joel, Elton John and Five for Fighting will fill the valley at Cannonsburg Ski Area this July for the Grand Rapids Pop’s 2015 D&W Fresh Market Picnic Pops.
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January 28, 2015
Grand Rapids Symphony is one of only twenty-two orchestras from across the United States selected by the League of American Orchestras to receive Getty Education and Community Investment Grants.
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January 25, 2015
Grand Rapids Symphony and Grand Rapids Pops audiences will experience an exciting new leader of the orchestra’s popular programming next season. Bob Bernhardt has been named as the new Principal Pops Conductor.
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January 19, 2015
At “rePLAY: Symphony of Heroes,” the Grand Rapids Symphony will present an immersive experience linking music from revered video game franchises with high-definition gameplay footage.
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December 03, 2014
National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Chairman Jane Chu announced yesterday that the Grand Rapids Symphony is one of 163 not-for-profit organizations nationwide to receive an NEA Challenge America grant.
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October 19, 2014
Exceptional conductors from around the world will lead the Grand Rapids Symphony in concerts as the orchestra plans for the conclusion of David Lockington’s remarkable tenure as Music Director.
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July 16, 2014
For the patients of Spectrum Health’s Neuro Rehabilitation Services, the power of music extends beyond the concert hall.
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