Pittsburgh is especially blessed with accomplished symphonic and classical music concerts so in turn, TABLE contributor Christian Kriegeskotte suggests a few “must experience” programs for 2026.
The Best Symphonic and Classical Music Concerts in Pittsburgh 2026
Welcome to Summer: Music From Britain and Beyond
June 3, Shadyside Presbyterian Church
If it isn’t still snowing by the time June rolls around (hey, anything seems possible these days!), take refuge from the heat in Shadyside Presbyterian Church’s majestic, Romanesque sanctuary with the voices of the Pittsburgh Camerata. To celebrate the start of Summer, the Camerata has programmed works including the world premiere of a new piece by American composer Michael Markowski called Wander-Land: The Neighbor’s Anthem with text by Andy Wilkinson.
Lincoln Portrait
June 12-14, Heinz Hall
Semiquincentennial… say that five-times-fast! As we approach the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, arts organizations across the country have developed programs not only to celebrate this milestone but to explore the potential depth of who we are and have the potential to be in our shared, multifaceted experience. Among the new and established works on this program, Leonard Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms stands out for me as an iconic work of American music that’s just as fun and engaging to perform as it is to experience from the audience. My fellow choral singers out there know what I’m talking about!
Fantasia: Film Live in Concert
July 10-11, Heinz Hall
Since 1940, Disney’s Fantasia has been a critical entry point into the world of symphonic classical music for countless people. The film introduced significant advances in cinema sound systems, Disney’s ambition having been to showcase new, high end recording techniques. It wasn’t until the 21st century that Fantasia would find its way to the concert hall to showcase the music live. This is a wonderful way to experience a colorful and engaging overview of iconic, symphonic repertoire from Bach, Beethoven, and Tchaikovsky to Igor Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring, and, yes, The Sorcerer’s Apprentice.
Giselle
October 23-25, Benedum Center
A staple of classical ballet repertoire, Giselle premiered in 1841 and has never lost its traction nor appeal. Just in time for Halloween, newcomers to ballet may be surprised by Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra at Heinz Hall its supernatural and sinister storyline, which depicts a lover’s betrayal, a subsequent haunting by vengeful ghosts and, yes, dancing… to death.
Rêverie: Dreams of Harlem and Paris
October 26, August Wilson African American Cultural Center
For a more intimate experience, Chamber Music Pittsburgh continues its partnership with the August Wilson African American Cultural Center in downtown Pittsburgh with Rêverie: Dreams of Harlem and Paris. The program returns to the early twentieth century through the perspectives of Black artists at the center of “Le Jazz Hot” as well as the legendary Harlem Renaissance. Valerie Coleman, GRAMMY-nominated founding flutist of Imani Winds, takes the helm with six collaborators well worth your trip downtown to see and hear!
Orpheus & Eurydice
November 13, 20, and 22, Byham Theater
18th century composer Christoph Gluck takes a more optimistic approach in setting the mythic Greek story of Orpheus and Eurydice for the stage in this staple of French and Italian opera. For newcomers, this is a wonderful entry point to opera, while fans of musical theater may recognize the plot that also inspired the Broadway hit Hadestown. Aficionados will be compelled by this production’s orchestration, which was arranged by none other than Hector Berlioz in 1859, 85 years after the opera’s premiere in 1774.
Beethoven’s Mass
December 4, 5, and 6, Heinz Hall
December downtown is always a magical time, with plenty of Holiday programming to explore. As you gear up for mainstays like the Pittsburgh Symphony’s Holiday Pops or Pittsburgh CLO’s A Musical Christmas Carol, consider a more reverent primer with Pärt’s introspective Fratres, Hindemith’s inspiring symphony Mathis der Maler as well as Beethoven’s joyful Mass in C Major.
Story by Christian Kriegeskotte
Photo From Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra
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