Frank & Paula Harshaw Pops Series
A thrilling four-concert series blending rock, pop, and symphonic storytelling led by the LO’s sensational Principal Pops Conductor, Bob Bernhardt. With legendary artists, innovative new formats, and unforgettable performances, this is a Pops season like never before. Ben Folds kicks things off with his signature mix of sharp lyricism and dynamic piano, while Dolly Parton’s Threads: My Songs in Symphony offers a multimedia journey through her greatest hits. Clouds in My Coffee celebrates the timeless music of Joni Mitchell, Carole King, and Carly Simon with lush orchestral arrangements, and rock legend Stewart Copeland reinvents the music of The Police in his electrifying Police Deranged concert.
Ben Folds
Fri, September 5, 2025 | 7:30 PM
Whitney Hall at The Kentucky Center
Bob Bernhardt, conductor
Ben Folds, vocals & piano
Singer-songwriter Ben Folds brings his sharp lyrics, dynamic piano style, and genre-blending sound to Louisville for a one-night-only performance with the Louisville Orchestra. Featuring hits from Ben Folds Five, solo favorites, and orchestral arrangements, this concert showcases his signature mix of musicianship and storytelling.
Dolly Parton’s Threads: My Songs in Symphony
Sat, January 31, 2026 | 7:30 PM
Whitney Hall at The Kentucky Center
Conductor: Bob Bernhardt
Experience Dolly Parton’s iconic songs like never before in this multimedia symphonic event. With Dolly on screen, sharing stories behind her music, the Louisville Orchestra, led by Bob Bernhardt, brings new orchestrations of her greatest hits—including Jolene, Coat of Many Colors, and I Will Always Love You—to life alongside guest vocalists and musicians. (Dolly Parton does not perform live in this concert.)
Clouds in my Coffee: Music of Joni Mitchell, Carole King & Carly Simon
Sat, February 28, 2026 | 7:30 PM
Whitney Hall at The Kentucky Center
Ted Sperling, conductor
The music of Joni Mitchell, Carole King, and Carly Simon takes center stage in this symphonic tribute to three of the most influential singer-songwriters of all time. Ted Sperling conducts the Louisville Orchestra in fresh orchestrations of iconic hits like Both Sides Now, You’ve Got a Friend, and You’re So Vain, bringing new depth to these timeless classics. (Joni Mitchell, Carole King, and Carly Simon do not perform live in this concert.)
Stewart Copeland: Police Deranged
Fri, April 17, 2026 | 7:30 PM
Whitney Hall at The Kentucky Center
Stewart Copeland, drums
Bob Bernhardt, conductor
Rock legend Stewart Copeland joins the Louisville Orchestra for a high-energy symphonic celebration of The Police’s biggest hits. With Copeland on drums, guest vocalists, and a full orchestra, this electrifying concert breathes new life into classics like Roxanne, Don’t Stand So Close to Me, and Message in a Bottle—all reimagined (“deranged”) by Copeland himself.
