Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra (BSO) proudly announces its 2025/26 season, a year-long celebration of exceptional music led by Chief Conductor Mark Wigglesworth. With 106 symphonic performances across 24 venues, along with numerous chamber-scale Cake Concerts and ‘BSO On Your Doorstep’ events that bring music into the heart of local communities, this season promises unforgettable experiences for audiences of all ages.
Highlighting the season is the phenomenal line-up, featuring celebrated Composer Dani Howard, whose works will shine in 15 performances. In Bristol and Poole, audiences will witness the UK premiere of Dani Howard’s Saxophone Concerto performed by the virtuoso Jess Gillam. The season also marks the debut of Artist-in-Residence Roderick Williams OBE, who will captivate concert-goers with four highly anticipated appearances and invigorate community work with his engaging presence beyond the stage.
Also gracing the podium, Principal Guest Conductor Chloé Van Soeterstède will lead the Orchestra through rich musical explorations by Lili Boulanger, Dvořák, Saint-Saëns, and Poulenc. Celebrated Conductor Laureate Kirill Karabits OBE will pay homage to Shostakovich’s 50th anniversary, while Associate Guest Conductor David Hill MBE returns with a stirring performance of Duruflé’s Requiem.
The season further extends its reach through the dynamic involvement of Calleva Assistant Conductor Enyi Okpara, presenting a main season concert featuring Bax, Beethoven, and Vaughan Williams, alongside a series of inspiring symphonic Schools’ Concerts and an energizing tour with BSO Resound.
BSO continues its unwavering commitment to community and wellbeing by supporting seven regular Community and Wellbeing Orchestras across cities such as Bristol, Exeter, Southampton, and beyond, following the success of prior pilot projects. In addition, the Orchestra’s engaging programme with Arts in Hospital at Dorset HealthCare sites showcases its dedication to making music accessible to all.
In its digital endeavors, the Orchestra will raise the curtain on 19 livestreamed Digital Concerts from Lighthouse, Poole. Extending its reach further, the BSO Pops series will feature 28 orchestral performances spanning film music favourites and rock classics, including landmark events such as Fareham Live and a debut performance at Plymouth’s Theatre Royal.
Mark Wigglesworth expressed his enthusiasm for the forthcoming season, stating, “I am so proud to be part of this amazing orchestra, and next season promises a huge number of unforgettable performances. I am thrilled by the enormous breadth of music we will be playing for the vast number of people who choose to share in the experiences the BSO offers. Our communities are richer because of the concerts the BSO gives, and in turn, we at the BSO receive immeasurable inspiration and fulfilment from those who hear us play. It is a real privilege to be part of such strong musical and social connections.”
With a season that bridges traditional symphonic excellence, innovative digital engagement, and deep community integration, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra is set to enchant audiences on every front. Poole Season Sponsor, Rathbones, backs this ambitious programme, promising a year of unparalleled musical artistry and community spirit.