Las Vegas Philharmonic Celebrates 2025-26 Season
- Debbie Hall
- 2 hours ago
- 3 min read
By Debbie Hall
In a city known for spectacle, few experiences feel as authentically Las Vegas as hearing our own Las Vegas Philharmonic fill Reynolds Hall with live symphonic sound. From Broadway to jazz, from Bach to Bernstein, this orchestra has become a touchstone for how the arts thrive beyond the Strip—connecting the city’s creative heartbeat to the world’s great musical traditions.
Now entering its 27th season, the Philharmonic continues to grow as both a cultural anchor and a creative collaborator within the Las Vegas arts community. Under the artistic guidance of Leonard Slatkin, one of the most respected conductors of our time, the 2025–2026 season blends classical mastery, modern imagination, and the flair that makes Vegas shine.
The orchestra’s upcoming season offers something for everyone — from the timeless brilliance of Bach, Brahms, and Beethoven.
“The Las Vegas Philharmonic is a cultural cornerstone in our city, a gathering of some of the world’s finest artists,” says Jeri Crawford, Board President. “As we head into the 27th season, it's exhilarating to see the mix of classical pieces, pops concerts, and true Vegas showmanship blend into such a unique and popular offering.”
The new season opens with Beethoven’s iconic Fifth Symphony paired with John Corigliano’s "Mr. Tambourine Man," a striking reimagining of Bob Dylan’s poetry, performed by the powerhouse soprano Hila Plitmann.
“Leonard [Slatkin] has been with us for two years. This is the second year, and he conducts two concerts a year. He is helping develop the orchestra a little bit during this music director search period, giving us some stability, and bringing his decades of elder spaceman experience,” explained Alice Sauro, Executive Director. “It's an exciting program. Not only is it with Leonard, but it's Beethoven's Fifth Symphony, which is well known to many people. There is the interesting concerto-type work, John Corigliano's reimagining of Bob Dylan's poems, Mr. Tambourine Man. It's all the music that everybody knows. This is an anniversary year for Bob Dylan. And John [Corigliano] had never actually heard all the music from Bob Dylan, but he loved the poetry, so he wrote his own music to this. Hila Plitman has an incredible voice, a wide range, and a very theatrical style, so that she will be performing this work on that program.
Two weeks later, on November 15, the Philharmonic welcomes David Chan, concertmaster of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, who will both conduct and perform alongside De Ann Letourneau, the Philharmonic’s own concertmaster, in Bach’s Concerto for Two Violins. That program also features Schubert’s “Unfinished” Symphony and Brahms’ Symphony No. 4, works that celebrate the richness and drama of orchestral expression.
“We experienced astonishing artistic and audience growth last season, and we’re thrilled to welcome new guest conductors who bring fresh voices and perspectives,” said. “With Leonard [Slatkin]’s wisdom and vision, our orchestra is ready to deepen its connection with the community we serve — both in The Smith Center and beyond.”
🎻 Season Highlights
Saturday, November 1, 2025 – 7:30 PM
Beethoven’s Fifth!
Leonard Slatkin, conductor
Hila Plitmann, soprano
Dvořák: Carnival Overture
Corigliano: Mr. Tambourine Man
Beethoven: Symphony No. 5
Saturday, November 15, 2025 – 7:30 PM
Bach & Brahms
David Chan, conductor
De Ann Letourneau, violin
Bach: Concerto for Two Violins
Schubert: Symphony No. 8 “Unfinished”
Brahms: Symphony No. 4
The Las Vegas Philharmonic continues to fulfill its mission to inspire a lifelong love of music while expanding access through youth education, community engagement, and collaborative programming that bridges genres and generations. With 76 professional musicians performing on the magnificent Reynolds Hall stage, the Philharmonic remains a proud reflection of the creativity that defines Southern Nevada’s arts scene.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the Philharmonic depends on the generosity of the community it serves — the audiences, donors, and volunteers who make live music possible.
To explore the full season lineup or purchase tickets, visit lvphil.org or call 702.258.5438.