TC Phil Announces Summer Concerts, 2025-26 Season

The Traverse City Philharmonic will host two outdoor concerts at the Civic Center this summer ahead of the launch of its 2025-26 season, which kicks off September 27-28 at Milliken Auditorium.

The first summer concert will take place July 21 at 7pm with the theme “John Williams + Movie Magic.” Under the baton of Maestro Kevin Rhodes, the TC Phil will bring John Williams’s legendary movie soundtracks to life in a concert perfect for all ages. The second concert, “Beethoven & Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto,” will take place July 28 at 7pm featuring Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 paired with the Violin Concerto by Tchaikovsky. Both shows will feature guest artist Andrew Singer Sords. Civic Center concerts are approximately 90 minutes and will have food and drink available for purchase. Tickets are $25-$45 and on sale now. Reserved seats include provided chairs, while general admission is bring-your-own chair or blanket. Children 12 and under are free with an adult GA ticket purchase. Students ages 13-college are $10 off.

The TC Phil’s 2025-26 kicks off September 27-28 at Milliken Auditorium with Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 paired with Philip Glass’s “American Four Seasons” performed by Yevgeny Kutik. It’s followed by an intergalactic experience October 19 at Corson Auditorium with Holst’s “The Planets” and music from “2001: A Space Odyssey” featuring the NMC Women’s Choir and the TC Phil’s Youth Concerto Winner.

On November 15-16 at Milliken Auditorium, “Bach & Beyond” brings a global perspective to classical music with trumpet virtuoso Caleb Hudson and guest conductor Dr. Leslie Dunner. Crowd favorite “Home for the Holidays” December 20-21 at Corson Auditorium will offer seasonal cheer with guest conductor Jason Altieri, soprano Hanna Brammer, and the NMC Combined Choir.

The new year kicks off with “American Fireworks!” January 18 at Corson Auditorium featuring Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue,” Bernstein’s “West Side Story,” and the Michigan premiere of “Rhapsody in Red, White, and Blue” written for pianist Jeffrey Biegel. On March 15 at Corson Auditorium, over 250 artists will unite for the powerful Brahms “Requiem” featuring vocalists Caitlin Lynch and Jonathan Lasch. The season concludes April 12 at Corson Auditorium with Claire Huangci performing Bernstein’s “Age of Anxiety” and Dvořák’s “New World” symphony.

Also this year, the “Series at the Center” returns with performances in the intimate TC Philharmonic Center at the Cherryland Center. Highlights include the vibrant “No Sugarcoating!” cabaret September 12-13, the jazz, bebop, and swing grooves of the Anthony Stanco Ensemble November 1-2, a virtuosic tribute to American composers in the “Side by Side” two-piano program February 14-15, and the showcase “Tina & Kevin” on April 25-26 featuring newly named Concertmaster Tina Qu and Kevin Rhodes in violin and piano duos. Qu was announced as the TC Phil’s new Concertmaster at the nonprofit’s sold-out 2025-26 preview event April 6.

“Tina is a phenomenal musician and a dynamic new voice for the TC Phil,” says Rhodes. “We’re thrilled to showcase her brilliance throughout the season.”

Subscriptions to the 2025-26 season are on sale now online or at 231-947-7120. A season brochure is also available online. Tickets for individual shows will go on sale starting July 1.