Brown-Forman Foundation Classics Series
Under the dynamic leadership of Teddy Abrams, the Louisville Orchestra presents a season of musical storytelling, bold collaborations, and breathtaking symphonic experiences. From Mahler’s Ninth Symphony to the idyllic beauty of Beethoven’s Pastoral Symphony, classical favorites come to life with fresh energy. Yuja Wang, Anne Akiko Myers, Jonathan Biss, Tessa Lark, and Eric Whitacre take the stage alongside Robert Spano, who conducts a powerhouse performance of Rachmaninoff’s Third Piano Concerto. Copland’s Appalachian Spring with Louisville Ballet and the 100th anniversary of Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue create unforgettable moments. World premieres by the Creators Corps’ Chelsea Komschlies and Anthony Green showcase the orchestra’s commitment to innovation. Join us for a season where tradition meets bold new voices, and every concert is an experience to remember.
You can purchase a package of all eight concerts or a carefully curated mini series!
Rachmaninoff, Piano Concerto No. 3
Sat, October 4, 2025 | 7:30 PM
Whitney Hall at The Kentucky Center
Robert Spano, conductor
Tony Siqi Yun, piano
Claude Baker, The Glass Bead Game
Christopher Theofanidis, On the Bridge of the Eternal
Rachmaninoff, Piano Concerto No. 3
Robert Spano conducts a powerhouse program featuring Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3, one of the most demanding and electrifying works in the repertoire. Rising star Tony Siqi Yun takes on the challenge, alongside wide-ranging, searching works by Claude Baker and Christopher Theofanidis.
Included in the Classics Mini Package A
Beethoven’s “Pastoral” Symphony
Saturday, October 25, 2025 | 7:30 PM
Whitney Hall at The Kentucky Center
Teddy Abrams, conductor
Tessa Lark, violin
Anthony Green, Ev’ry Time I Blink
Chelsea Komschlies, A Hidden Sun Rises
Lisa Bielawa, Violin Concerto No. 2: Pulse (World Premiere)
Beethoven, Symphony No. 6
Teddy Abrams leads Beethoven’s “Pastoral” Symphony, a timeless tribute to nature. Tessa Lark brings her signature artistry to the world premiere of Lisa Bielawa’s Violin Concerto No. 2, alongside bold new Creators Corps works by Anthony Green and Chelsea Komschlies.
Included in the Classics Mini Package B
Yuja Wang & Teddy Abrams Return
Saturday, November 22, 2025 | 7:30 PM
Whitney Hall at The Kentucky Center
Teddy Abrams, conductor
Yuja Wang, piano
Liszt, Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2
Ligeti, Concerto for Piano and Orchestra
Bartók, Concerto for Orchestra
Yuja Wang and Teddy Abrams reunite! From Liszt’s dazzling Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2 to Ligeti’s spectacular Piano Concerto and Bartók’s thrilling Concerto for Orchestra, this concert is a showcase of virtuosity and energy.
Included in the Classics Mini Package A
Teddy Conducts Mahler’s Ninth
Saturday, January 17, 2026 | 7:30 PM
Whitney Hall at The Kentucky Center
Teddy Abrams, conductor
Mahler, Symphony No. 9
Mahler’s Symphony No. 9 is a an emotional and introspective work that balances longing, turbulence, and transcendent beauty. Teddy Abrams and the Louisville Orchestra bring this monumental symphony to life in a performance that captures its depth and intensity.
Included in the Classics Mini Package B
Sounds of a New Nation
Saturday, February 21, 2026 | 7:30 PM
Whitney Hall at The Kentucky Center
Teddy Abrams, conductor
Jonathan Biss, piano
Schuman, Chester from New England Triptych
Billings, Part-Songs and Fuguing Tunes
Mozart, Piano Concerto No. 9
Ives, A Symphony: New England Holidays
Celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States, this program highlights works by Schuman, Billings, and Ives. Pianist Jonathan Biss brings elegance and brilliance to Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 9, a work composed the same year the U.S. declared independence.
Included in the Classics Mini Package A
Eric Whitacre in Concert
March 7, 2026 | 7:30 PM
Whitney Hall at The Kentucky Center
Eric Whitacre, conductor
Anne Akiko Myers, violin
Louisville Chamber Choir, Kent Hatteberg, director
Whitacre, Prelude in C
Whitacre, The Pacific Has No Memory
Whitacre, The Seal Lullaby
Whitacre, October
Whitacre, Equus
Whitacre, Deep Field
Grammy-winning composer Eric Whitacre joins the Louisville Orchestra once again for an evening that features his most moving and cinematic works featuring violinist Anne Akiko.
Included in the Classics Mini Package B
Copland’s Appalachian Spring
Saturday, April 11, 2026 | 7:30 PM
Whitney Hall at The Kentucky Center
Teddy Abrams, conductor
Time for Three
Louisville Ballet
Chelsea Komlisches, New Work (LOCC World Premiere)
Mason Bates, Concerto for String Trio
Copland, Appalachian Spring
Copland’s Appalachian Spring, performed with the Louisville Ballet, shares the program with the world premiere of a new work by Chelsea Komschlies and Mason Bates’ Concerto for String Trio, featuring Time for Three.
Included in the Classics Mini Package B
Rhapsody in Blue
Saturday, April 25, 2026 | 7:30 PM
Whitney Hall at The Kentucky Center
Teddy Abrams, conductor
Anthony Green, New Work (LOCC World Premiere)
Gershwin, Rhapsody in Blue
John Luther Adams, An Atlas of Deep Time
Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue meets bold new sounds featuring the world premiere of Anthony Green’s latest work, alongside John Luther Adams’ An Atlas of Deep Time—a sweeping exploration of Earth’s geological history.
Included in the Classics Mini Package A
