Tuscarawas Philharmonic

08/21/2026

Exciting News for the Tuscarawas Philharmonic Orchestra!

We are thrilled to announce that Dr. Scott MacPherson has been named the new Music Director and Conductor of the Tuscarawas Philharmonic Orchestra as we embark on our 91st season!

Dr. MacPherson, who has served as our Associate Conductor since 2023, brings decades of incredible conducting, teaching, and international music leadership experience to his new role.

"Over the past three seasons, Scott has demonstrated exceptional artistic vision, deep dedication to our musicians, and a genuine passion for our local community," shares Tuscarawas Philharmonic Board President David Rutter. "We couldn't be more thrilled to welcome him as our Music Director."

"I am honored to have been chosen to take on the artistic leadership to begin the next 90 seasons of this great institution!" says Dr. MacPherson.

CELEBRATE WITH US AT OUR SEASON OPENER!

Come celebrate Dr. MacPherson’s debut in his new role at our annual free Pops in the Park concert!

Date: Sunday, September 6, 2026
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Tuscora Park Amphitheater (New Philadelphia, OH)
Admission: FREE!

Pack a picnic, grab your lawn chairs and blankets, and join us for a fantastic evening of outdoor music to kick off the 2026–2027 season!

Learn more about our upcoming 91st season and full concert lineup at www.tuscarawasphilharmonic.org!

MacPherson will begin as music director and conductor in 2026-27, with his official debut Sept. 6 at Pops in the Park.

08/06/2026

Announcing the Tuscarawas Philharmonic 2026–2027 Season!

We are thrilled to share an exciting new season filled with unforgettable music, family fun, beloved traditions, and something for everyone! Whether you're a lifelong concertgoer or joining us for the first time, we can't wait to welcome you.

2026–2027 Concert Season

Sunday, September 6, 2026 | 7:00 PM
Pops in the Park
Tuscora Park Amphitheater
Kick off the season with our FREE annual community concert under the stars at beautiful Tuscora Park!
*No tickets required

Saturday, October 24, 2026 | 3:00 PM
The Great Halloween Orchestra Adventure!
Performing Arts Center
A spooky, family-friendly afternoon featuring fun Halloween favorites and The Composer Is Dead by Nathaniel Stookey, based on the book by Lemony Snicket. This entertaining musical mystery introduces each section of the orchestra as detectives investigate the mysterious demise of...the composer! Wear your favorite Halloween costume and join us for Trick-or-Treat in the lobby beginning at 2:00 PM before the concert.

Saturday, December 12, 2026 | 7:00 PM
Yuletide Celebration
Performing Arts Center
Celebrate the holidays with one of our most cherished community traditions featuring the Tuscarawas Philharmonic Orchestra, Philharmonic Chorus, Treble Chorus, and Tuscarawas Philharmonic Children's Chorus.

Saturday, February 13, 2027 | 7:00 PM
A Legacy of Music
Performing Arts Center
Experience one of the world's most iconic masterpieces, Beethoven's Symphony No. 5 along with special guests, the Dover High School Chamber Orchestra.

Saturday, April 10, 2027 | 7:00 PM
Music from a Galaxy Far, Far Away!
Performing Arts Center
Enjoy an evening of exciting space-themed music as we welcome back the Tuscarawas Philharmonic High School Honor Band, showcasing talented local high school musicians performing alongside our professional orchestra.

Saturday, June 5, 2027 | 7:00 PM
Fantastic Finales: From Screen to Symphony!
Performing Arts Center
Our spectacular season finale features some of the greatest symphonic endings ever written, including Beethoven's monumental Symphony No. 9 with the Philharmonic Chorus, plus music from favorite films including How to Train Your Dragon and Pirates of the Caribbean.

We hope you'll join us for this incredible season celebrating music for all ages!

Please note: Concert times have changed, and ticket prices have been lowered to make it even easier for everyone to enjoy live music.

Purchase your tickets using the link below and make plans to experience the 2026–2027 season with the Tuscarawas Philharmonic!

https://kentstate.evenue.net/events/tuscarawas-philharmonic

07/14/2026

We are so proud of Emma Hinkle, Executive Director of the Tuscarawas Philharmonic! Congratulations, Emma!

Today, we celebrate Emma Hinkle one of the 2026 Leading Ladies of Tuscarawas County. Emma shares her leadership role as follows:

I am deeply honored to be recognized as one of the Leading Ladies of Tuscarawas County through the Women’s Success Series. Thank you to those who selected me, along with the other Leading Ladies, for this incredible honor. I am so thankful to live in a supportive community that celebrates each other’s achievements and encourages individuals to make a positive impact.

I am privileged to serve as the Executive Director of the Tuscarawas Philharmonic Orchestra and Choruses. A 2018 graduate of Dover High School, I went on to earn my Bachelor of Music in Horn Performance from Kent State University in 2022 and my Master of Music in Horn Performance in 2024. Through my musical and performing arts experiences across the Midwest, I discovered a passion for arts advocacy and knew I wanted to return home to support and strengthen the arts in Tuscarawas County.

Throughout my journey, I have been fortunate to learn from many incredible women who have mentored, inspired, and shaped my leadership style. To me, leadership is about building meaningful connections and creating welcoming spaces where people feel empowered to use their strengths and talents toward a common goal. I am grateful to the Tuscarawas Philharmonic for trusting me to lead and for the opportunity to work alongside our dedicated board members, staff, musicians, and supporters. In addition to my work with the Philharmonic, I am honored to work in business operations with the American Red Cross, where I have the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with volunteers and colleagues while helping make a difference in our community. It is a privilege to serve two nonprofit organizations whose missions focus on helping and inspiring the lives of others.

Since returning to Tuscarawas County, I have continued pursuing my passion for music by playing french horn with the Dominic Greco Band and as a founding member of Horns-A-Plenty Holiday Horn Choir (shout out to Erica, Steve, and Steven!). I am also involved in the handbell choir at New Philadelphia First United Methodist Church. When I’m not participating in a musical activity, you can often find me taking a walk and listening to an audiobook.

This recognition is so meaningful because it reflects the strength and sense of community that make Tuscarawas County such a special place. I am grateful for the opportunities I have been given to serve, connect, and contribute, and I share this honor with the many people who have supported and inspired me along the way.

Congratulations Emma Hinkle!

Chosen as a Leading Lady by The Women's Success Series Steering
Committee, the Lucille Nussdorfer Tuscarawas County of the Year Award Committee from the Dennison Railroad Depot Museum
and the Tuscarawas County Leading Ladies of 2023, 2024, and 2025.

Please continue watching our posts as we celebrate all the Leading Ladies of 2026.

06/26/2026

We are so proud of Erica van Pelt, Board Member and Secretary of the Tuscarawas Philharmonic, and Emma Hinkle, Executive Director, as they are honored today as distinguished "Leading Ladies" of Tuscarawas County, showcasing their remarkable dedication to community service and profound influence that enhances the county's spirit and overall quality of life. Congratulations, Erica and Emma!

06/25/2026

Thank you, Senator Landis, for attending our final concert and the recognition as we celebrated the Tuscarawas Philharmonic’s 90th Anniversary! We are grateful for your support of the arts in our community.

06/10/2026

Thank you to the Tuscarawas County Bargain Hunter and Lee Elliot for the great review of our season finale concert! We couldn't agree more! Stay tuned for more information about our 2026-2027 season!

"The last Philharmonic concert of the season was spectacular. The whole of the orchestra was there, complete with children’s and adult choruses, former conductor, Eric Benjamin and children’s choir director, Laura Barkett. It was a challenging patriotic treat, accompanied by the real sounds of real rain, and so much talent."

Lee Elliott discusses changes in major sports and encourages early exposure to music and the arts after a recent Philharmonic concert.

06/09/2026

WOW! What a spectacular ending to the Tuscarawas Philharmonic’s 90th Anniversary Season! The evening was full of energy, and we are so grateful to everyone who joined us for this special celebration.

Thank you to our loyal supporters and sponsors who have helped us make a lasting impact in our community for the past 90 years. We are fortunate to be part of a community that values and celebrates the arts.

Thank you to our incredible musicians, who are the heart of the Tuscarawas Philharmonic. Their time, talent, and passion make every concert a memorable experience.

Thank you to our Board of Trustees and staff for the countless behind-the-scenes efforts that keep our organization moving forward. Your dedication helps make our mission possible.

Thank you, Maestro MacPherson, for your outstanding leadership. We are excited to begin next season with you as our Music Director!

As we close our 90th Anniversary Season, we look forward to the future. Keep an eye out for our 2026-2027 Season schedule you won’t want to miss the exciting concerts we have planned!

Thank you for being part of our journey and helping us celebrate 90 years of music!

06/06/2026

It’s not too late to get your tickets for the final concert of the Tuscarawas Philharmonic’s 90th Anniversary Season tonight at 7:30 PM!

🎶 Here’s a sneak peek of our orchestra and choruses rehearsing last night as they prepare for what promises to be an unforgettable performance.

Get your tickets at the link below and use promo code JUNE26 to receive discounted $10 tickets!

https://www.tuscarawasphilharmonic.org/events/revolution-to-resonance

06/02/2026

Here’s a sneak peek from last night’s rehearsal as the Tuscarawas Philharmonic and guest narrator Sheriff Orvis Campbell bring Aaron Copland’s Lincoln Portrait to life!🎶

Don’t miss the grand finale of our 90th Anniversary Season this Saturday at 7:30 PM. It’s a concert filled with powerful music, special guests, and a celebration of nine decades of musical tradition!

Tickets are still available through the link below:

https://www.tuscarawasphilharmonic.org/events/revolution-to-resonance