Cleveland Pops Orchestra Announces 30th Season Lineup

The upcoming season features a mix of Motown, Broadway, Tina Turner, and a journey through Europe with Rick Steves.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 5:09pm

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A bold, abstract illustration featuring stark, jagged geometric shapes in high-contrast colors like red and white, conceptually representing the diverse musical styles and themes of the Cleveland Pops Orchestra's 30th anniversary season.The Cleveland Pops Orchestra's 30th season celebrates the ensemble's eclectic blend of classical, popular, and nostalgic music.Cleveland Today

The Cleveland Pops Orchestra has unveiled its 2026-27 season, which marks the ensemble's 30th year. The eclectic lineup includes concerts celebrating disco and Motown, Broadway movie hits, a tribute to Tina Turner, a symphonic journey through Europe with PBS host Rick Steves, and a collaboration with NASA that combines space imagery with an epic live score. The season also features the annual 'Jingle Bell Pops!' holiday show.

Why it matters

The Cleveland Pops Orchestra has become a beloved cultural institution in the city, blending classical music with popular culture and nostalgia. This 30th anniversary season showcases the ensemble's ability to attract diverse audiences by tapping into timeless music and shared experiences.

The details

The Pops' 2026-27 season kicks off on October 17 with 'Disco & Motown: A Night to Dance,' featuring high-energy Motown classics and disco hits. Other highlights include 'Stage to Screen: Broadway Movie Hits' on January 30, 2027, a Tina Turner tribute on March 27, 2027, and 'Rick Steves' Europe: A Symphonic Journey' on April 3, 2027. The season concludes on June 5, 2027, with 'Symphony of Stars,' a collaboration with NASA that combines space imagery with an epic live score.

  • The 2026-27 season is the Cleveland Pops Orchestra's 30th.
  • The season kicks off on October 17, 2026.
  • The annual 'Jingle Bell Pops!' holiday show is set for November 29, 2026.
  • The season runs through June 5, 2027.

The players

Cleveland Pops Orchestra

A professional symphony orchestra based in Cleveland, Ohio, known for blending classical music with popular culture and nostalgia.

Carl Topilow

The conductor and music director of the Cleveland Pops Orchestra.

Shirley Morgenstern

The co-founder and CEO of the Cleveland Pops Orchestra, who passed away in October.

Rick Steves

The popular PBS travel host who will be featured in the 'Rick Steves' Europe: A Symphonic Journey' concert.

Helen Welch

The singer who will perform pop, Broadway, and jazz standards with the Cleveland Pops in 'The Soundtrack of Our Lives' concert.

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What’s next

Subscriptions for the Cleveland Pops Orchestra's 2026-27 season are available now, and tickets for individual concerts will go on sale in the fall.

The takeaway

The Cleveland Pops Orchestra's 30th anniversary season showcases its ability to blend classical music with popular culture, nostalgia, and a sense of wonder, attracting diverse audiences and cementing its status as a beloved cultural institution in the city.