Get ready for an extraordinary year of music, Binghamton! The Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra is thrilled to announce its spectacular 70th Season, running from September 2025 through May 2026. Under the masterful direction of Maestro Daniel Hege, this landmark season promises something for everyone, from timeless classics to thrilling pop culture tributes and intimate chamber music.
Here's the best part for local families: Thanks to generous sponsors, kids 17 and under get FREE admission to all Symphonic and Pops Series concerts! This is an incredible opportunity to introduce your children to the magic of a live orchestra without breaking the bank.
Keep reading for the scoop on the Free Family Symphony Sessions sponsored by IBM and FairGame for the Theater Arts, the Symphonic Series sponsored by M&T Bank, the Pops Series sponsored by Visions Federal Credit Union, the Phelps Mansion Museum Series sponsored by Garufi Law P.C., as well as the annual Mac & Cheese Fest.
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FREE FAMILY SYMPHONY SESSIONS
Did you know the Binghamton Philharmonic offers a fantastic way for your family to dive deeper into music? Their Family Symphony Sessions are unique, free music-learning programs designed specifically for children ages 4-16 and their families. Register in advance to reserve a spot!
Held three times a year at the Broome County Forum Theatre in Binghamton, these sessions feature Dr. Julia Grella O'Connell, Director of Education, who leads a family-friendly talk about the music, connecting it to fun games, fascinating history, and children's literacy. Kids even learn a folk song, dance, or rhythm play! Participants then get to experience the magic of a live orchestra by watching the Philharmonic rehearse.
Plus, accompanying adults who are first-time concertgoers receive free ticket vouchers for Saturday's concert (and remember, kids 17 and under always attend for free!).
September 25, 2025, (6:30-7:30pm): “Beethoven the Hero” Learn why Beethoven is considered one of the greatest composers to ever live and listen to the orchestra rehearse for Heroic Journeys. January 31, 2026, (9:30-10:30am): “Carnival! Fanny and Felix Mendelssohn in Italy” Enjoy stories, music, and crafts inspired by the journeys of composers Felix and Fanny Mendelssohn. Then, listen to the orchestra rehearse for Classic Style. February 28, 2026, (10-11am): “Echoes of the Land” Chat about cross-cultural musical mashups, do a music-inspired craft, learn a Bohemian folk dance, and listen to the orchestra rehearse for Canons and Canons: Pops at the Forum. |
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SYMPHONIC & POPS CONCERTS AT THE FORUM
The Binghamton Philharmonic is bringing a diverse and exciting lineup of concerts to the Broome County Forum Theatre this season! Tickets are priced at $29-$73, with children 17 and under admitted free.
7:30pm
Saturday, September 27, 2025: HEROIC JOURNEYS Opening Night of the 2025-2026 Season features a powerful program including Carlos Simon's "Fate Now Conquers," Franz Liszt's Piano Concerto No. 1 with pianist Tomoko Kanamaru, and Ludwig van Beethoven's beloved Symphony No. 7. |
7:30pm
Saturday, October 25, 2025: BORIS KARLOFF'S FRANKENSTEIN Get ready for a spooktacular evening as the orchestra brings Boris Karloff's Frankenstein to life, playing a brilliantly frightening score live to the classic 1931 film! |
7:30pm
Saturday, November 15, 2025: CREATIONS OF FIRE Experience a powerful program featuring Beethoven's Overture to "The Creatures of Prometheus," the dramatic Shostakovich Cello Concerto No. 1 performed by favorite Annie Jacobs-Perkins, and Beethoven's joyful Symphony No. 8. |
3:30pm
Saturday, December 6, 2025: WINTER WONDERLAND Celebrate the holidays with our annual program featuring festive favorites like the Christmas Festival Overture, the iconic "The Snowman," a Hanukkah Festival Overture, and a joyful Christmas Singalong! |
3:30pm
Saturday, January 31, 2026: CLASSIC STYLE This concert showcases Caroline Shaw's innovative "Entr'acte," followed by Mozart's expressive Violin Concerto No. 3 performed by award-winning soloist Hina Khuong-Huu, and concludes with Felix Mendelssohn's lively Symphony No. 4, the "Italian." |
3:30pm
Saturday, February 28, 2026: CANONS AND CANNONS: POPS AT THE FORUM This diverse program includes Dvorak's Slavonic Dance No. 1, the dramatic "Finlandia" by Sibelius, iconic film scores from "Gladiator" and "The Wizard of Oz," selections from "My Fair Lady," and concludes with Tchaikovsky's powerful 1812 Overture. |
7:30pm
Saturday, March 28, 2026: ODE TO JOY Don't miss the magnificent Beethoven Symphony No. 9 "Ode to Joy," featuring acclaimed soloists from the Curtis Institute of Music and a powerful combined choir of the Southern Tier Singers’ Collective, Binghamton University Chamber Singers, and Syracuse University Oratorio Society. |
7:30pm
Saturday, May 2, 2026: ONE VISION – THE MUSIC OF QUEEN Prepare for an electrifying tribute to the legendary Queen, as Jeans 'n Classics and the Southern Tier Singers’ Collective join the full orchestra to bring the band's iconic music to life! |
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PHELPS MANSION MUSEUM SERIES
Again this season, the Binghamton Philharmonic presents a Sunday afternoon concert series at the historic Phelps Mansion in Binghamton, NY. Enjoy performances in the elegant mansion for just $32 per ticket. All shows are at 3pm, and there are no free tickets for children.
Sunday, October 5, 2025: Andrew Russo, Piano |
Sunday, November 23, 2025: Castalia String Quartet |
Sunday, January 11, 2026: Paul Wonjin Cho, Clarinet and Adrienne Kim, Piano |
Sunday, April 12, 2026: NYS Baroque |
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11th ANNUAL MAC & CHEESE FEST
Indulge your cheesy cravings while supporting the arts! The Binghamton Philharmonic's annual Mac and Cheese Fest will be held from 6-8pm on Thursday, February 12, 2026 at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Downtown Binghamton, NY. The fest features a delicious array of mac and cheese creations from local restaurants. Enjoy live music, all-you-can-eat mac and cheese samplings, and friendly competition as you vote for your favorite cheesy dish. Tickets are only $25.
The Binghamton Philharmonic’s 2025-2026 season promises an extraordinary musical journey for audiences of all ages and tastes. From the grandeur of classical symphonies to the vibrant energy of pops concerts and the family-friendly delights of special events, the Philharmonic is committed to enriching the cultural fabric of our region. Subscriptions for the 70th season are on sale now, offering great discounts and special benefits.
For more information, contact the Binghamton Philharmonic box office at 607-723-3931 or visit binghamtonphilharmonic.org.
This article is sponsored by the Binghamton Philharmonic, a valued sponsor of Macaroni KID Binghamton. We appreciate your support in reviewing our sponsors' articles and hope that their offerings are useful for you and your family. Macaroni KID Binghamton is run by a local mom and this website is supported solely by our local sponsors. If you would like to join our network of family-friendly businesses and connect with local parents in Binghamton, Johnson City, Vestal, Apalachin, Owego, and beyond, please reach out and learn how you can share your services with our readers!
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