Butler County Symphony Orchestra unveils 'Season of Stars' for 2026-27
The 2026-27 season of the Butler County Symphony Orchestra is fast approaching, and after focusing on the U.S. semiquincentennial, America 250, last year, this year’s theme will be “A Season of Stars.”
Edward DeSantis, executive director of the Butler County Symphony Orchestra Association, and Moon Doh, its music director, collaborated to create a season that takes audiences on a musical journey. According to DeSantis, the idea came together in many layers, with the lineup featuring both literal stars and celestial themes through performances such as “The Planets” and “Star Wars at 50.”
“Last season's theme, ‘A New Era: America at 250,’ gave us a meaningful way to look back while looking toward the new era with maestro Doh's first season as music director. Coming out of that, we wanted to keep the same scale and not lose those special occasions, but we also wanted this season to feel like a new chapter,” DeSantis said. “Stars also have us looking forward to imagination, journeys, aspiration and wonder while carrying the central idea of this organization serving the community.”
The season lineup includes “The Music of Studio Ghibli” on Saturday, Oct. 3; ”The Planets” on Nov. 7; “Holiday Traditions” on Dec. 5; ”An English Journey” on March 6; “Beethoven's Legacy” on April 10; and “Star Wars at 50” on May 1. All performances will take place at Butler Intermediate High School Auditorium, 551 Fairground Hill Road in Butler Township.
Symphony board of directors president Patricia Stagno said the “Holiday Traditions” concert is one of the best-attended performances of the season, noting that last year's show sold out two weeks ahead of the concert. Santa Claus will once again make an appearance, and Echo Point Chorale will serve as the featured vocal group.
DeSantis said he is especially excited for “The Music of Studio Ghibli,” because it gives the orchestra a chance to perform music from iconic films that may not be immediately familiar to longtime patrons, while also welcoming fans of the films into the symphony.
“’The Planets’ is a large and powerful orchestral experience, with the addition of our Collegiate Concerto Competition winner and side-by-side honorees bringing the educational pillar of our mission to the forefront,” DeSantis said. “We're also excited for our soloists this season, and of course, performing the music of ”Star Wars“ on the 50th anniversary of the release of ‘A New Hope’ is a dream come true for me.”
The success of the season is largely built on the planning between DeSantis and Doh, who remain in constant communication.
“Conversations between Moon and I are always ongoing about upcoming seasons,” DeSantis said. “We look at what would resonate with our current audience while also finding ways to introduce new patrons to orchestral and symphonic music.”
“Ultimately, we trust our music director to make the final decision as to what is put on stage. These conversations are always ongoing. In fact, Moon and I already have an email chain for the 2027-28 season.”
Doh said that in addition to their ongoing email conversations, he and DeSantis exchange text messages nearly every day, sharing new discoveries about repertoire, guest artists, concert logistics, community projects and just about everything else.
Two of the main pillars of the Butler County Symphony Orchestra are education and professional excellence, according to Stagno. She said the symphony integrates students into its performances, which helps get more people interested in band music.
“We have classical concerts as well, and this season we're performing ‘The Planets’ in November, which is a classic work,” Stagno said. “That concert will also feature our Collegiate Concerto Competition winner and students participating in the Side-by-Side Honors Program, which consists of students from around the area who have been nominated by their music teachers and will perform with the orchestra.”
According to Doh, the orchestra is also expanding its educational outreach this season.
“Each fall, we've traditionally dedicated a full week to our education road shows, with a smaller group of orchestra musicians visiting five to seven schools throughout Butler County to perform for students,” Doh said. “We're expanding that initiative by adding a second week of school performances in the spring, allowing us to reach even more young people through live music.”
Education is an element of performance Stagno is especially passionate about, and she highlighted another program the orchestra offers. In March, the symphony will honor Young Musicians of Note, a program recognizing students in grades four through 12 who demonstrate exceptional musical ability, initiative and leadership.
Along with its educational mission, the symphony takes pride in the professional caliber of its performances and guest artists. Doh called out some musicians who have received acclaim outside of Butler County.
“I’m especially excited to collaborate with two outstanding soloists, cellist Angela Park and violinist Callum Smart,” Doh said. “Both are internationally acclaimed performers who appear on stages around the globe. It will be a wonderful opportunity for our audiences to experience music-making at the highest level of artistry right here in Butler County.”
Stagno said she also takes pride in the professionalism of the orchestra, adding that its quality and caliber compare with any professional orchestra.
“I guarantee that once you hear the symphony, you'll come back for more because of the variety of music,” Stagno said. “From modern works to classical favorites, it is one of the gems and best-kept secrets of Butler County. We are quickly becoming the premier regional orchestra in this area, with all of our musicians being professionals.”
For more information about the symphony or to purchase tickets, visit the orchestra's website, email info@butlersymphony.org or call 724-283-1402. Subscription packages are available for three, four, five and six concerts.
