This season, the
Springfield Symphony Orchestra (SSO) is going beyond the score – and hoping to bring music to life in front of your eyes. Each of their performances for the 2025-2026 season breaks the fourth wall of tradition, allowing audience members to experience music in new ways.
Executive Director Lou Ross, who’s been working with the SSO for 10 years now, says animated elements, dancing, and more will accompany the musicians as they guide the audiences through the scores behind pop culture staples like Bugs Bunny, time periods such as the roaring 20s, and animated films designed to bring storytelling to life.
“That’s going to be something woven throughout the entire season,” Ross says of their visual elements. “But also, we’re really proud of what we put on the stage, and rightfully so. Even though I’m the director, I’m impressed all the time when I go to these concerts, and I know people are too when they see it – it’s just something that comes alive.”
Here are five upcoming events from the Springfield Symphony Orchestra to check out.
1. Stories in Motion: From Myth to Modern Spark–Where Music and Imagination Ignite
October 4, 2025, at Kuss Auditorium
“We’re doing Starvinsky’s
Firebird Suite and one of the unique things there is we’re going to have an animated film that accompanies that,” Ross says of the first event on the calendar. “Some students, years ago, put together some ideas, and then they fleshed it out with a company that does animation.”
This event is where vibrant storytelling meets timeless masterpieces. Attendees can expect to hear Quinn Mason’s
Toast of the Town, Chopin’s
Piano Concerto No.1 in E minor, and Starvinsky’s
Firebird Suite.
“I think it’s been ten years now, and I don’t think we’ve ever played a Chopin piece in our season,” Ross says.
2. Bugs Bunny at the Symphony: Cartoons, Comedy, and the Symphony in Perfect Harmony
November 15, 2025, at Kuss Auditorium
This classic cartoon theme combines laughter, nostalgia and orchestral music all into one evening.
Bugs Bunny at the Symphony brings the beloved Looney Tunes to the big screen and brings its iconic scores to life. Attendees can expect to hear music from Carl Stalling and Milt Franklyn.
Ross says for many people who think the symphony isn’t for them, events like this one might help them reframe that idea.
“I got my classical training for sure watching Bugs Bunny and I didn’t know I was getting it at the time,” he says. “When you hear those pieces, you realize, ‘I heard that in cartoons.’”
Ross’ colleague Kari Johnston says events that feature popular icons and shows help people realize that the symphony is not an ancient art form – it’s a large part of the media we consume today.
“People think of us as an ancient art form that may not be relevant to this day, but then you watch a movie without string and you’re like, ‘Ew, that’s just so boring.’”
Bugs Bunny at the Symphony has been playing in symphonies across the country for 35 years, and Ross is excited to celebrate the show in Springfield during the 85th year of Bugs Bunny. He also notes this show is typically a pretty popular one, so if this is a must-see for you, it’s best to secure tickets early.
3. The Roaring 20’s
November 15, 2025, at John Legend Theatre
Grammy winner Catherline Russell lends her talent to the Springfield Symphony Jazz Orchestra as they feature the timeless sounds of Bessie Smith, Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, and other artists who ushered in the Jazz Age in the intimate John Legend Theatre.
Ross describes the jazz orchestra as “loaded with talent” and adds that Russell is no stranger to Springfield, having performed at the Springfield Jazz and Blues Festival previously.
“Russell is very well known in the jazz world, but she’s also known from touring in rock shows,” he says. “She has a great rhythm and blues voice. She knocked me out when she was here before.”
4. A Swingin’ Big Band Holiday Party
December 20, 2025, at Mother Stewart’s Brewing
This free show is a festive evening of holiday big band favorites from the Springfield Symphony Jazz Orchestra.
“It’s sort of a tradition that we have a holiday stomp of some type there with the jazz orchestra,” Ross says of Mother Stewart’s. “We love doing it there.”
Find the
SSO’s full 2025/2026 schedule here, or learn more about
how to purchase tickets here.