07/09/2026
Press Release:
For immediate distribution
The Woodlands Symphony Orchestra
Season #13 begins 7/15/2026
"Expect the Unexpected"
Woodlands Symphony Shatters Traditions
with Genre-Defying New Season
The Woodlands Symphony Orchestra today announced its Season 13 concert lineup, inviting fans to leave convention at the door and "Expect the Unexpected." Spanning from July 2026 to May 2027, the WSO will perform four genre-defying concerts, featuring a stadium-rocking sports tribute, a Grateful Dead symphonic experience, an audience-participation jazz holiday concert, and a mystery finale known only as “The Grand Conclusion.”
“Last season, we completed our Generations mission by reaching thousands of audience attendees from ages 8 to 80, or what is called our new Gen Alpha to the beloved Baby Boomers,” shared WSO Artistic Director Darryl Bayer. “Season 13 is about defying misconceptions of what classical music sounds, feels, and looks like. We’re asking you to put aside any preconceived notions and expect the unexpected.”
• #1. Game On! A Symphony of Sport | July 15| The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion: The season kicks off—literally—with a high-energy celebration of unforgettable sports moments. This free show features everything from soaring Olympic fanfares to classic television themes, including iconic NBA, NFL and even Wimbledon tennis broadcast openings. The concert concludes with the audience encouraged to participate in stadium rock anthems. Sing along to supercharged songs like “Thunderstruck,” “We Are The Champions,” and more. Celebrate the athleticism of WSO musicians as they dash through this marathon concert with demonstrations of accuracy, speed, stamina, and teamwork—with special guest Nick Wolda, president of Visit The Woodlands, as narrator for “Casey at Bat”. (Gates open at 6:30 p.m.; the "games" begin at 7:30 p.m. No tickets required.)
• #2. A Tribute to The Grateful Dead | September 29 | The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion: The uncharted repertoire continues with a symphonic tribute to the legendary rock band The Grateful Dead. For three decades, The Grateful Dead built a cultural empire on a single promise to their audience: expect the unexpected. They famously never played a setlist the same way twice, favoring danger, improvisation, and in-the-moment magic over playing it safe. The WSO will bring the Dead to life with hypnotic, trance versions of ten of the most popular Grateful Dead compositions, such as “Sugar Magnolia,” “St. Stephen,” and “Blues for Allah,” all set to a symphonic style. The orchestra will be led by guest conductor Lee Johnson, composer of “The Dead Symphony.” (Gates open at 6:30 p.m.; show begins at 7:30 p.m. No tickets required.)
• #3. Singing & Swinging with the Symphony | December 20 | First Baptist Church, The Woodlands: Even the WSO’s annual holiday concert will feature unexpected twists this season. This year, audiences will not only sing along with the symphony but also swing to popular jazz renditions of their favorite holiday classics. (Only $10 per person. Tickets go on sale September 5, 2026 on Eventbrite.com)
• #4. The Grand Conclusion | May 30 |The Woodlands Community Presbyterian Church: “The Woodlands Symphony will close out the season with a grand conclusion that is the ultimate surprise,” teased Bayer. “Tune in to our other concerts this season for hints—the only thing I’ll add is that you won’t see this one coming!”
The Woodlands Symphony gratefully acknowledges The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion for its continued support of arts organizations and its longstanding leadership in strengthening the cultural life of The Woodlands. For more information, updates, and hints regarding the season finale, visit www.woodlandssymphony.org.
About The Woodlands Symphony
Established in 2013, The Woodlands Symphony Orchestra (WSO) brings together professional musicians, amateur enthusiasts, and rising young talent from The Woodlands. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Darryl Bayer, WSO celebrates community musicians, nurtures the next generation of artists, and creates “outside the box” concerts that are both entertaining and educational. WSO relies on the generosity of donors and sponsors to make its performances possible. To learn more, make a tax-deductable donation, or view upcoming events, visit www.woodlandssymphony.org
