The Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and Principal Pops Conductor Byron Stripling Announce 2026-27 Pops Season

THE MILWAUKEE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA AND PRINCIPAL POPS CONDUCTOR BYRON STRIPLING ANNOUNCE 2026–27 POPS SEASON

Principal Pops Conductor Byron Stripling opens the season with Kings of Soul, celebrating Marvin Gaye, James Brown, Otis Redding, and more

Dolly Parton’s Threads: My Songs in Symphony brings the icon’s music and stories to the stage in a multimedia concert experience

Hometown Holiday Pops returns in December, led by Associate Conductor Ryan Tani, continuing a cherished Milwaukee tradition

Celebrate Mardi Gras with a New Orleans–inspired jazz party led by Stripling

Star Wars: A New Hope in Concert marks the film’s 50th anniversary with live orchestra

Film-with-orchestra favorites include Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl,
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas, The Princess Bride, and Disney’s Encanto

The season closes with Summer Breeze: Yacht Rock Classics, featuring hits from Hall & Oates, Toto, and more

Milwaukee, Wis., April 29, 2026 — The Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and Stein Family Foundation Principal Pops Conductor Byron Stripling today announced the 2026–27 Pops Season, a wide-ranging lineup that pairs classic soul and New Orleans jazz with Dolly Parton’s music and major film scores performed live alongside the movies audiences know and love.

Stripling leads three programs this season, opening with Kings of Soul, a high-energy tribute to legendary artists including Marvin Gaye, Jackie Wilson, James Brown, and The Temptations. He returns in February for Mardi Gras in New Orleans, a celebration of the city’s rich musical traditions, and closes the season in May with Summer Breeze: Yacht Rock Classics, featuring the smooth sounds of Hall & Oates, Toto, Steely Dan, and more.

The season also features Dolly Parton’s Threads: My Songs in Symphony, a multimedia concert experience that blends Parton’s most beloved songs with personal stories and video commentary, offering audiences a rare look into her life and music.

Holiday traditions continue with Hometown Holiday Pops, conducted by Ryan Tani and featuring the Milwaukee Symphony Chorus and Milwaukee Handbell Ensemble.

Film and live orchestra experiences continue this season, including Star Wars: A New Hope in Concert, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the iconic film with John Williams’s score performed live to the movie, alongside additional presentations including Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas, The Princess Bride, and Disney’s Encanto.

Subscriptions for the 2026–27 Pops Season are on sale now. Single tickets go on sale August 3, 2026.

Full Season Listing

POPS

Kings of Soul
September 26–27
Sat 7:30 pm | Sun 2:30 pm
Byron Stripling, conductor
Chester Gregory, Darren Lorenzo, and Jeremy Keith, vocalists

Principal Pops Conductor Byron Stripling returns, opening the season with a concert honoring the true kings of classic soul. Groove to the greatest hits from legendary artists Marvin Gaye, Jackie Wilson, James Brown, Otis Redding, The Temptations, Al Green, Barry White, and Curtis Mayfield, including “Soul Man,” “Shop Around,” “Stand By Me,” and more.

Dolly Parton’s Threads: My Songs in Symphony
November 6–8
Fri–Sat 7:30 pm | Sun 2:30 pm

Threads: My Songs in Symphony features Dolly Parton’s songs and the stories behind them in a unique multimedia symphonic experience, complete with video commentary from Dolly herself, leading audiences on an audiovisual journey through her songs, her life, and her stories. Accompanied by guest vocalists and your MSO, this program features new and innovative orchestrations of Dolly’s hit songs, including “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors,” and “I Will Always Love You,” woven together into an immersive symphonic storytelling experience.

Hometown Holiday Pops
December 12–13, 18–20
Fri 7:30 pm | Sat 2:30 pm & 7:30 pm | Sun 2:30 pm
Ryan Tani, conductor
Milwaukee Symphony Chorus
Cheryl Frazes Hill, director
Milwaukee Handbell Ensemble
Jana Larson, director

Where the spirit of the season comes to life! Celebrate the season with Hometown Holiday Pops, Milwaukee’s favorite musical tradition. Your MSO fills Allen-Bradley Hall with festive favorites, joined by an acclaimed guest vocalist, the Milwaukee Handbell Ensemble, the Jolly Old Elf himself, and special magical extras throughout the hall.

Whether you’re starting a cherished family tradition or planning a festive holiday night out, this joyful concert is the perfect way to gather, celebrate, and share the magic of live music together.

Mardi Gras in New Orleans
February 5–7
Fri–Sat 7:30 pm | Sun 2:30 pm
Byron Stripling, conductor
Bobby Floyd, piano

Celebrate the spirit of Mardi Gras with a night of hot, steamy New Orleans jazz. The good times roll with music from New Orleans natives like Fats Domino, Mahalia Jackson, and Louis Armstrong. From street parades in the French Quarter to late-night jams in the city’s famed clubs, this party transforms into an unforgettable Mardi Gras celebration, with Byron Stripling leading the parade.

Star Wars 50th Anniversary: A New Hope in Concert
March 12–14
Fri–Sat 7:30 pm | Sun 2:30 pm

Embark on a legendary adventure to a galaxy far, far away with Star Wars: A New Hope in Concert! Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the iconic film as the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra performs John Williams’s epic Oscar®-winning score live to picture. From the triumphant opening fanfare to Princess Leia’s ethereal theme, relive the magic of this cinematic masterpiece on the big screen in Allen-Bradley Hall.

Presentation licensed by Disney Concerts in association with Warner/Chappell Music.
© & ™ Lucasfilm Ltd. All rights reserved.

Summer Breeze: Yacht Rock Classics
May 28–30
Fri–Sat 7:30 pm | Sun 2:30 pm
Byron Stripling, conductor
Brie Cassil, Tony Vincent, and Jesse Nager, vocalists

Set sail on a musical journey where the smooth sounds of the ’70s and ’80s come to life in a unique orchestral experience. Let the elegant strings and brassy sounds sweep you away as this concert blends the lush harmonies and iconic melodies of yacht rock legends like Hall & Oates, Toto, Christopher Cross, The Doobie Brothers, Jimmy Buffett, and Steely Dan. Immerse yourself in a wave of nostalgia as rich orchestral arrangements breathe new life into classic yacht rock hits and the rhythms of soft rock meet the majestic power of symphonic sound.

FILMS

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl in Concert
October 2–3
Fri–Sat 7:30 pm

This fantasy swashbuckler film follows pirate Jack Sparrow and the blacksmith Will Turner as they attempt to rescue the kidnapped Elizabeth Swann. The trio encounters Captain Barbossa and the Black Pearl crew, who are afflicted by a supernatural curse. Klaus Badelt’s score, performed live to picture by your MSO, thrums with excitement and adventure.

Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas Film with Orchestra
November 27–29
Fri–Sat 7:30 pm | Sun 2:30 pm

Discover the magic of the “Mean One” this holiday season. Starring Jim Carrey as the unforgettable Grinch, enjoy the movie on the big screen while the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra performs James Horner’s iconic score live to picture. Why is the Grinch such a grouch? No one seems to know, until little Cindy Lou Who takes matters into her own hands and turns both Whoville and the Grinch’s world upside down, inside out, and funny side up in her search for the true meaning of Christmas. It’s the perfect way to kick off the holiday season with family, friends, and a little Whoville magic.

The Princess Bride Film with Orchestra
January 2–3
Sat 7:30 pm | Sun 2:30 pm

“As you wish…” The beloved classic The Princess Bride, a timeless story of love, adventure, and humor, unfolds on the big screen while Mark Knopfler’s whimsical score is performed live. Directed by the late Rob Reiner, the postmodern fairytale stars Cary Elwes, Mandy Patinkin, Robin Wright, André the Giant, Christopher Guest, and Wallace Shawn, among others.

Disney’s Encanto in Concert
April 24–25
Sat 7:30 pm | Sun 2:30 pm

Experience the magic of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Encanto like never before. Join the extraordinary Madrigal family as their enchanting tale unfolds on the big screen, set against the stunning backdrop of the mountains of Colombia. The Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra brings this cherished, award-winning score by Lin-Manuel Miranda to life with a captivating performance, perfectly synchronized with the film’s vibrant visuals. Don’t miss this unforgettable cinematic event—relive the wonder and joy of Encanto in concert.

SPECIALS

The Commercialists: A Charlie Brown Christmas
Fri, Dec 4
7:00 pm & 9:00 pm

Anthony Deutsch, piano
Clay Schaub, bass
Patrick Morrow, drums

Good grief! The Commercialists bring their annual holiday tradition back to the Bradley Symphony Center. Sit right on stage as you experience a live performance of the Vince Guaraldi Trio’s A Charlie Brown Christmas, complete with bar service. Your up-close, onstage ticket includes one drink.

About Byron Stripling, Stein Family Foundation Principal Pops Conductor

With a contagious smile and captivating stage presence, conductor, trumpet virtuoso, singer, and actor Byron Stripling ignites audiences worldwide. He was named principal pops conductor of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra in 2020 and of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra in 2024, and serves as artistic director and conductor of the acclaimed Columbus Jazz Orchestra.

A dynamic presence on both the podium and stage, Stripling has led and performed with leading orchestras across the United States and Canada, including appearances with the Boston Symphony Orchestra at Tanglewood and the Boston Pops. Since his debut at Carnegie Hall with the New York Pops, he has performed as soloist with more than 100 orchestras worldwide and appeared at major venues including the Hollywood Bowl.

An accomplished actor and vocalist, Stripling starred in the Broadway-bound musical Satchmo and has appeared on television, including The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles and PBS’s Evening at Pops. His trumpet and vocals have been featured on The Grammy Awards and on recordings with artists ranging from Tony Bennett to Whitney Houston.

Stripling began his career as lead trumpeter with the Count Basie Orchestra and has performed with jazz legends including Dizzy Gillespie, Dave Brubeck, and Lionel Hampton. A dedicated educator and advocate, he regularly leads master classes and supports community and arts initiatives.

He studied at the Eastman School of Music and Interlochen Arts Academy and resides in Ohio with his family.

About the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra

Led by Music Director Ken-David Masur, the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra (MSO) is Wisconsin’s largest cultural institution and one of the nation’s leading orchestras. Since its founding in 1959, the MSO has performed more than 130 concerts annually, including classics, pops, family, education, and community programs throughout the state. The orchestra has premiered works by composers such as John Adams, Philip Glass, J.E. Hernández, Roberto Sierra, Marc Neikrug, Matthias Pintscher, and Dobrinka Tabakova, earning national recognition for artistic innovation. The MSO was also the first American orchestra to offer live recordings on iTunes.

In 2021, the MSO completed the restoration of a historic downtown movie palace, opening the Bradley Symphony Center. The venue has become a vibrant hub for music and community engagement, sparking renewal along West Wisconsin Avenue and serving as a catalyst for cultural activity in Milwaukee.

The MSO’s commitment to education and outreach reaches tens of thousands of students annually. Its nationally recognized Arts in Community Education (ACE) program, now in its 36th year, integrates music across subjects and provides vital opportunities in schools where arts programming may be limited. ACE offers lesson plans, classroom visits by MSO ensembles, and concerts tailored to each grade level. Along with Youth and Teen concerts, Family Series, and Meet the Music pre-concert talks, these programs provide students and families with meaningful, transformative experiences in music.

Through its artistic excellence, innovative programming, and community engagement, the MSO continues to inspire new audiences, nurture the next generation of musicians, and strengthen Milwaukee’s reputation as a vibrant center for music and the arts.