Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra returns to Lighthouse, Poole with Beethoven, Rachmaninov, film favourites, festive spectaculars and some of the world’s finest musicians.
This autumn, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra begins another ambitious season at Lighthouse, Poole, with a programme stretching from the great symphonic masterpieces to music from Hollywood, Broadway and the world of rock.
At its heart is ‘Road to Joy’, Chief Conductor Mark Wigglesworth’s journey through all nine of Beethoven’s symphonies. Beginning this season and continuing into 2027/28, the project will see the symphonies performed chronologically as the BSO marks the bicentenary of Beethoven’s death in 1827. Alongside the concerts will be special events exploring the composer, his music and his continuing influence.
From Beethoven to Wagner
The season opens on Wednesday 30 September in suitably dramatic fashion. Beethoven’s youthful First Symphony is paired with Henk de Vlieger’s The Ring: An Orchestral Adventure – an ingenious distillation of Wagner’s vast Ring Cycle containing many of its best-known passages, including the thrilling Ride of the Valkyries.
The Beethoven journey continues with the sunny and exuberant Second Symphony in November’s Sunshine Symphonies, followed in March by the revolutionary Third Symphony, the Eroica in Beethoven Ascending. Symphony No.4 follows in April in the Lyricism and Drama concert, before the remaining chapters of the journey continue next season.
Another major presence will be pianist Boris Giltburg, the BSO’s Artist-in-Residence for 2026/27. He joins Wigglesworth for Schumann’s Piano Concerto in November’s Sunshine Symphonies and returns in January for a programme featuring two Rachmaninov favourites, performing both the Fourth Piano Concerto and the much-loved Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini., performing both the Fourth Piano Concerto and the much-loved Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini. In March, audiences can hear Giltburg alone in recital, with music by Prokofiev, Schumann and Mussorgsky.
Celebrated Composer Thomas Adès also features throughout the season. His music appears alongside works by Vaughan Williams, Rachmaninov and Beethoven, culminating on 5 May, when Adès himself conducts a programme celebrating his musical hero Sibelius.
Something for Everyone
It certainly isn’t all traditional classical repertoire. On 7 November, Lee Memphis King joins the orchestra for Elvis: Viva Las Vegas!, recreating the sound and spectacle of Presley’s legendary Vegas years with full symphonic backing.
Christmas brings Messiah, the Last Night of the Christmas Proms, The Snowman, and a Celebration of Christmas Carols, while New Year begins in style with a Viennese Gala. January also sees the BSO perform the score to How to Train Your Dragon live in concert.
Later highlights include Julie Andrews: A Celebration in February, Star Wars 50th Anniversary in March, featuring John Williams’ music from across the film saga, and Guitar Superstars in May – a symphonic celebration of everyone from Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton to Brian May, Santana and Slash.
The main symphonic season reaches a magnificent conclusion on 12 May with Elgar’s monumental choral masterpiece The Dream of Gerontius, conducted by Mark Wigglesworth and featuring the Bournemouth Symphony Chorus.
Making live music accessible
Tickets range from £19 to £52 (plus booking commission), with under-18s able to attend Wednesday Series concerts for just £1 through BSO Kids for a Quid. Student standby tickets are £5, while multibuy and other concessions are also available. Eighteen Wednesday concerts will also be livestreamed, with recordings available to watch for 30 days.
For the full 2026/27 programme and tickets, visit bsolive.com or call 01202 669925.
Become a BSO member
Membership takes you behind the scenes of the Orchestra through exclusive insights, special events, and regular updates. Your support helps our music thrive – join us today and be part of the BSO family.
