Music and Artistic Director Nir Kabaretti Offers an Insider Preview with Live Music, Behind-the-Scenes Stories, and a Ticket Giveaway
The Santa Barbara Symphony invites the community to celebrate the start of its 2026/27 Season at a FREE Kick-Off Celebration on Thursday, September 24, from 4:30–6:15 PM at the Lobero Theatre. Hosted by Music and Artistic Director Nir Kabaretti, this informal gathering offers audiences an insider’s look at the music, artists, and ideas shaping The Symphony’s 74th season.
Admission to the Season Kick-Off Celebration is free, but space is limited, and reservations are encouraged. Guests who RSVP will be entered into a drawing to win a pair of tickets to any regular-series concert during the 2026/27 season. Guests must be present to win.
For Season Kick-Off reservations, concert tickets, and subscription information, visit TheSymphony.org.
The festivities begin at 4:30 PM on the Lobero promenade with a no-host reception, where guests can mix and mingle, try their hand at instruments from The Symphony’s Music Van program, and meet Symphony staff to learn more about upcoming concerts, youth education programs, volunteer opportunities, and ways to become more connected with the organization.
At 5:00 PM, guests will move inside the theatre, where Kabaretti will take the stage for a lively preview of the season ahead, featuring live musical performances, behind-the-scenes stories, and insights into the inspiration behind this year’s programming.
“This season offers music that can transport audiences in many different ways,” said Maestro Nir Kabaretti. “From masterworks to film favorites, opera, and dance, there is so much to experience. I look forward to welcoming our community to the Lobero and hope audiences discover both something they love and something that surprises them.”
The 2026/27 season brings together some of classical music’s most recognizable works with acclaimed guest artists, visual storytelling, opera, film music, and dance. Highlights include Rachmaninoff’s Second Piano Concerto with pianist Michelle Cann; Berlioz’s extravagant Symphonie fantastique; Holst’s The Planets accompanied by spectacular HD imagery; a celebration of John Williams and Star Wars at 50; the unmistakable opening of Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony; an evening of Heavenly Opera; and a season finale joining The Symphony with State Street Ballet for Brahms & Balanchine.
“The Season Kick-Off is a wonderful opportunity to see firsthand why more music lovers—of all kinds—are attending The Symphony than ever before,” said Kathryn R. Martin, President & CEO. “Whether you’ve already purchased your tickets or are simply curious about The Symphony, you’re invited to come to this free and engaging event, meet the team, and discover all the different music you can experience together this season.”
Single Tickets Now on Sale — Plus a New Way to Subscribe
Single tickets for The Symphony’s 2026/27 Season are now on sale, giving audiences the option to choose concerts individually or take advantage of The Symphony’s newly introduced Create Your Own Subscription.
Designed for patrons who want greater flexibility, Create Your Own allows audiences to select 3, 4, 5, or 6 concerts, mix Saturday evening and Sunday matinee performances, and save up to 38% compared with single-ticket prices. Subscribers also receive preferred seating opportunities and 20% off additional regular-season tickets and New Year’s Eve.
Patrons who want the complete season can choose all seven concerts and receive seven concerts for the price of six.
The Symphony opens its 2026/27 season on Saturday, October 24 at 7:30 PM and Sunday, October 25 at 3:00 PM at The Granada Theatre, with pianist Michelle Cann performing Rachmaninoff’s beloved Piano Concerto No. 2, paired with the dramatic power of Shostakovich’s Fifth Symphony.
