The American Symphony Orchestra is set to launch their 2025-26 season on September 12, as part of the Picnic Performances series at Bryant Park. This 64th season will entail five full orchestra concerts that celebrate influential American composers. The orchestra will be led by Music Director Leon Botstein at Carnegie Hall, Bryant Park, The Kupferberg Center for the Arts, and St. Bartholomew’s Church.
Founded in 1962 by Leopold Stokowski, the American Symphony Orchestra had a mission to spread great classical music to anyone and everyone. Today, the ASO is committed to expanding the standard orchestral repertoire and ensuring accessibility to musical masterpieces by offering free streaming of recorded live performances, and free live shows.
The current Music Director of the ASO is Leon Botstein, who has been the director and principal conductor since 1992. Botstein is a prolific author and music historian, as well as an honored contributor of the music industry. In 2019, The New York Times named Leon Botstein a “champion of overlooked works..”.
The kickoff to the American Symphony Orchestra’s 2025-26 season features New York Profiles at Bryant Park on September 12. New York Profiles will showcase five American composers whose works reflect the diverse musical styles of mid-20th-century America, each composer having strong ties to New York. Bryant Park staff lends out free picnic blankets, provides chairs, and offers a curated selection of food and drink for purchase from local vendors.
On September 14, the American Symphony Orchestra returns with New York Profiles, at the kupferberg Center For the Arts. Attendance is free with no RSVP required, and instead guests will be seated on a first-come first-serve basis.
The Acclaimed Bard Festial Chorale joins the AOS for a performance of two rarely performed scores, presenting Requiem & Revelation at St. Bartholomew’s Church on November 13. Tickets will go on sale September 8 priced at $25-$65 dollars.
Forging an American Musical Identity, will be held at Carnegie Hall on January 30 in honor of the United States of America’s 250th anniversary. The American symphony Orchestra celebrates the forging of an American musical identity in the 19th century with a diverse program of underrated scores. Tickets will go on sale September 8 priced at $25-$65 dollars.
In April 16, 2026, the American Symphony Orchetsra presents Weber & Berlioz: Der Freischütz Reimagined, in honor of deceased composer Carl Maria Von Weber. The Orchetsra takes on the composer’s opera Der Freischütz, but will be presenting a version written for the 1841 Paris Opera, by Hector Berlioz. Tickets will go on sale September 8, 2025.
For a chance to see an orchestral music performance of some of the most important classicalpieces of our time, purchase a ticket to one of the American Symphony Performances, or attend one of the free shows they have to offer.
Friday, September 12, 2025 at 7 PM, Bryant Park
Sunday, September 14, 2025 at 3 PM, Kupferberg Center
Friday, January 30, 2026 at Carnegie Hall, Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage
Thursday, April 16, 2026 at Carnegie Hall, Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage
For more information on the American Symphony Orchestra, visit here.
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