Indiana Wind Symphony announces 2026-2027 concert season

The Indiana Wind Symphony will take audiences to Broadway, Hollywood, and the Indianapolis 500 during the 2026-2027 concert season. The group will also bring Boston to town with world-class quintet Boston Brass taking the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts stage for the season’s final performance.

Led by Music Director Jay Gephart, the season includes six performances at the Payne & Mencias Palladium, along with two intimate concerts featuring the Indiana Wind Symphony Chamber Players in the Studio Theater, both in Carmel. Highlights include the Indiana premiere of newly commissioned works, music honoring the United States armed forces, a 95th birthday tribute to John Williams and a celebration of the music of Leonard Bernstein.

“This season reflects the extraordinary range of music written for the wind ensemble,” Gephart said. “We look forward to sharing programs that honor great American musical traditions while introducing audiences to exciting new works, remarkable guest artists and the talented musicians of the Indiana Wind Symphony.”

The Indiana Wind Symphony will also share two works it has commissioned as part of consortiums: “The Road is Life” by James M. David on Oct. 4 and “Tweak and Tinker” by Benjamin Barker on May 23.

The Indiana Wind Symphony’s 2026-2027 season includes:

American Landscapes
Sunday, Oct. 4, at 4 p.m.
Payne & Mencias Palladium

Featuring Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra principal tubist Anthony Kniffen, the season opener includes the Indiana premiere of James M. David’s Symphony No. 2, “The Road is Life,” inspired by Jack Kerouac’s “On the Road.”

Fanfare and Flourishes
Sunday, Oct. 11, at 4 p.m.
The Studio Theater

The Indiana Wind Symphony Chamber Players will showcase the brass section through an intimate program of music for smaller ensembles.

Summon the Heroes
Sunday, Nov. 8, at 4 p.m.
Payne & Mencias Palladium

Presented near Veterans Day, this concert will honor those who serve and have served in all six branches of the United States armed forces.

Jingle Them Bells!
Sunday, Dec. 6, at 4 p.m.
Payne & Mencias Palladium

This family-friendly Christmas concert will feature holiday music, stories, and special appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus and vocal soloist Elizabeth Morrison, associate director of choirs at North Central High School.

95 Years of John Williams
Sunday, Feb. 7, 2027, at 4 p.m.
Payne & Mencias Palladium

The Indiana Wind Symphony will celebrate John Williams’ 95th birthday with selections from the legendary composer’s extraordinary career.

Beethoven Bicentenary Celebration
Sunday, Feb. 28, 2027, at 4 p.m.
The Studio Theater

The Indiana Wind Symphony Chamber Players will mark 200 years since Beethoven’s death with an intimate program celebrating his musical legacy.

Maestro: The Music of Leonard Bernstein
Sunday, April 11, 2027, at 4 p.m.
Payne & Mencias Palladium

This celebration of Leonard Bernstein’s symphonic and Broadway music will also feature the 2027 Indiana Wind Symphony Young Artists Concerto Competition winner and advanced high school musicians performing side by side with the ensemble.

Start Your Engines!
Sunday, May 23, 2027, at 4 p.m.
Payne & Mencias Palladium

The season finale will feature the Boston Brass and celebrate Indiana’s racing tradition with race day favorites and Benjamin Barker’s Indianapolis 500-inspired work, “Tweak and Tinker.”

This season begins the celebration of an important milestone for the Indiana Wind Symphony: its 30th anniversary in 2027. Additional programming and opportunities to celebrate the ensemble’s history will be announced at a later date.

Tickets and additional concert information are available at indianawindsymphony.org/events.