Piedmont Wind Symphony Unleashes Bold 2026–27 Season

Piedmont Wind Symphony has announced its 2026–27 season, Music, Unleashed., an ambitious lineup of performances that celebrates innovation, virtuosity, storytelling, and community through a year of dynamic programming featuring world premieres, acclaimed guest artists, beloved holiday traditions, and some of the most compelling works in the wind ensemble repertoire.

The season showcases a remarkable range of musical voices—from contemporary American composers and genre-defying soloists to timeless masterworks—while continuing Piedmont Wind Symphony's commitment to presenting transformative musical experiences throughout the Piedmont Triad.

A Season of Powerful Musical Stories

The Symphonic Series opens on November 7, 2026, with American Gothic, a program celebrating American voices, traditions, and innovation. Highlights include Frank Ticheli’s Concerto for Clarinet and Wind Ensemble featuring clarinetist Andy Hudson, Viet Cuong’s acclaimed percussion concerto Re(new)al featuring Garret Arney, Ksenija Komljenović, Antek Olesik, Peter White; and Michael Daugherty’s Pitchfork from American Gothic featuring fiddler Rex McGee. Guest conductor David Huang Mailman leads the world premiere of his latest composition, while Kevin Day’s electrifying Dancing Fire brings the evening to a thrilling close. Together, these works create a vibrant musical journey that connects folk traditions, contemporary artistry, and bold new perspectives.

The holiday season arrives on December 15, 2026, with Christmas with Martha Bassett, bringing one of North Carolina's most celebrated performers together with Piedmont Wind Symphony for an evening of seasonal classics, fresh arrangements, and heartfelt storytelling. The program promises warmth, nostalgia, and festive spirit for audiences of all ages.

On February 13, 2027, internationally acclaimed trumpet artist Summer Camargo joins the ensemble for a vibrant concert that blends Latin influences, jazz-inspired artistry, and symphonic brilliance. The program includes Daniel Llinás's La Chancla, featured selections with Camargo, and Leonard Bernstein's iconic Symphonic Dances from West Side Story, one of the most beloved works in the American orchestral canon.

The season concludes on June 5, 2027, with one of the most anticipated performances in the ensemble's recent history: David Maslanka's Symphony No. 4. Widely regarded as one of the most profound works ever written for wind ensemble, the symphony anchors a program that also includes Valarie Coleman's evocative Roma and the premiere of Gina Gillie's Horn Quartet with Wind Ensemble, featuring the Carolina Horn Quartet.

Chamber Music Up Close

Beyond the concert hall, Piedmont Wind Symphony continues to expand its chamber music offerings through intimate performances that place audiences just feet away from the musicians.

The Chamber Series includes Hops & Horn featuring the Carolina Horn Quartet, Beer & Brass: It's Back on Tap with the Piedmont Wind Symphony Brass Quintet, and Sips & Sax featuring saxophonist Taiki Azuma and friends. Presented at Footnote Coffee & Cocktails, the series offers audiences an opportunity to experience chamber music in a relaxed and engaging atmosphere.

Music Across the Community

The season extends well beyond traditional concert settings through free performances, educational initiatives, and unique partnerships.

Piedmont Wind Symphony's popular Oktoberfest Series returns with performances across the region, while a new collaboration with Körner's Folly further expands the organization's artistic residency at one of North Carolina's most distinctive historic sites. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to connecting audiences with music, history, and culture in innovative ways.

Free community performances throughout the year include the Piedmont Pops Series, featuring concerts such as Band Together, America 250, Labor Day Weekend, and Ragtime, ensuring that live music remains accessible to audiences across the region.

Looking Forward

The 2026–27 season also includes expanded educational programming, the inaugural PWS Band Invitational, continued student engagement through PWS Connect, and the introduction of new fellowship recipients who represent the next generation of musical talent. Together, these initiatives reinforce Piedmont Wind Symphony's commitment to artistic excellence, education, and community impact.

Tickets and subscription information is available at pwsymphony.org.

About Piedmont Wind Symphony

Founded in 1989, Piedmont Wind Symphony has been at the forefront of pushing the boundaries of classical music. As one of the few non-military professional wind symphonies in the United States, the symphony is committed to innovating and evolving wind ensemble music. Through its dedication to artistic excellence and creative programming, Piedmont Wind Symphony continues to make wind music relevant and inspiring, engaging audiences across the Winston-Salem and Forsyth County community and beyond.

Media Contact:

Brianna Cantwell

Executive Director

336.995.0464

cantwellb@pwsymphony.org