The 2026-2027 MasterWorks Series
The 89th Season of the Canton Symphony Orchestra

The MasterWorks series serves as the cornerstone of the Canton Symphony Orchestra’s mission as a nonprofit performing arts organization. Delving into the expansive repertoire of orchestral music, we present a diverse array of traditional favorites, contemporary compositions, and pieces by overlooked or underappreciated composers from throughout history.

Classical music embodies a wealth of depth and diversity, spanning centuries, continents, and cultural landscapes. Within its vast tapestry, there are endless treasures waiting to be explored and appreciated. We extend a warm invitation for you to join us on this enriching musical journey!

For those eager to experience the full spectrum of our MasterWorks series, we offer the option to purchase concert tickets as a package, providing a convenient and cost-effective opportunity to enjoy these captivating performances with a discount of 15%.

Season subscriptions will be available for renewal and sale starting on July 1, 2026 through September 26, 2026. The deadline to renew is August 31, 2026. 

MasterWorks I: Dvořák’s New World Symphony

Saturday, September 26, 2026 | 7:30 PM

Wesley Schulz, conductor
Rachel Lee Priday, violin

Music Director finalist Wesley Schulz opens the season with a program exploring the American sound, from spiritual traditions to the influence of Hollywood. 
 
Come Sunday – Omar Thomas
Violin Concerto in D major, Op. 35 – Erich Wolfgang Korngold
Symphony No. 9, “From the New World” – Antonín Dvořák

MasterWorks II: Bandoneón & Beethoven

Saturday, October 10, 2026 | 7:30PM

Maurice Cohn, conductor
Hanzhi Wang, bandoneón

This performance will be conducted by Maurice Cohn, who will guide us from the streets of Buenos Aires to the foundations of the symphonic tradition, connecting music shaped by dance.
 

Tangazo (Variations on Beunos Aires) – Astor Piazzolla
Aconcagua, Concerto for Bandoneón – Astor Piazzolla
Andante Moderato – Florence Price
Symphony no. 1 – Ludwig van Beethoven

MasterWorks III: 100 Years of Shostakovich

Saturday, November 7, 2026 | 7:30 PM

Mélisse Brunet, conductor
Spencer Myer, piano

Guest conductor and music director finalist Mélisse Brunet describes this program as one that “will be very hard to stay seated” through.

This program brings together three composers known for their command of rhythm, giving the orchestra many moments to shine.

Salso from “Tambao” – Horacio Fernández
Piano Concerto in F – George Gershwin
Symphony no. 1 – Dmitri Shostakovich

MasterWorks IV: Rachmaninoff's Symphonic Dances

Saturday, November 21, 2026 | 3:00 PM

Austin Chanu, conductor
Juliette Kang, violin

Guest conductor and music director finalist Austin Chanu describes this concert as “music connected through rhythmic grooves and dance styles.”

This program was created for first-time listeners of live orchestral music, especially families to explore their first concert experience together.

Brazilian Fanfare – Clarice Assad
Violin Concerto no. 2 – Sergei Prokofiev
Symphonic Dances – Sergei Rachmaninoff

MasterWorks V: Brahms' Fourth Symphony

Saturday, January 30, 2027 | 7:30 PM

Jacob Joyce, conductor Chaeyoung Park, piano

Guest conductor and music director finalist Jacob Joyce describes this concert as “exploring three different country-specific approaches to Romanticism, highlighting dramatic works from three fantastic composers.”

Ballade – Samuel Coleridge-Taylor
Piano Concerto in A minor – Edvard Grieg
Symphony no. 4 – Johannes Brahms

MasterWorks VI: Ravel's Piano Concerto

Saturday, February 20, 2027 | 7:30 PM

Yue Bao, conductor
Ying Li, piano

Guest conductor and music director finalist Yue Bao describes this concert as an “exploration of different ways the natural world is translated into sound. It moves from delicate, ethereal language to a showcase of monumental strength.”

D’un matin de printemps – Lili Boulanger
Piano Concerto in G – Maurice Ravel
Symphony no. 2 – Jean Sibelius

MasterWorks VII: CSO Spotlight: A Season Finale

Saturday, April 17, 2027 | 7:30 PM

Timothy Muffitt, conductor
Shan Hai, soprano
Featuring the Canton Symphony Chorus

In the spirit of a proper finale, we felt it appropriate to present a true showcase of the talent we are fortunate to have as part of this organization. The virtuosity of both the Canton Symphony Orchestra and Chorus will be celebrated with a program to match.

Don Giovanni Overture – Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Variaciones concertantes – Alberto Ginastera
Stabat Mater – Francis Poulenc

Programs and Artists Subject to Change Without Notice