The Cincinnati Pops Orchestra has ambitious plans for its 2026-27 season, a lineup that stretches from Gershwin to Kendrick Lamar, blending cinematic blockbusters, Broadway stars, multimedia experiments and a bluegrass summit under one umbrella.
Perhaps just as important to fans: Beloved conductor John Morris Russell is here to stay.
Ahead of the full season rollout, the Pops announced a two-year contract extension for Russell through the end of 2027-28. He enters his 16th season on the Music Hall podium.
“For the past 15 years, John Morris Russell has been a guiding force for the Cincinnati Pops, bringing artistry, joy and a true sense of occasion to every concert,” said Robert McGrath, president and CEO of the Cincinnati Pops and the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra.
“He has a rare gift for connecting audiences of all ages, honoring the traditions that define us while continually finding new ways to keep the experience vibrant and relevant,” he continued. “We’re proud to continue building on that strong foundation together in the years ahead.”
Russell – the bespectacled conductor known for his festive red jacket and colorful rotation of ties and pocket squares – described the Pops as both a civic institution and a celebration of American sound.
“The Pops is extraordinarily special – the virtuosity and legacy of this uniquely Cincinnati institution is a wonderment,” he said. “It’s a joy to lead this remarkable ensemble; I am thrilled to continue this relationship with our Orchestra and our Pops fans around the world.”
Bringing all of America’s music to the stage
That sense of stewardship guides Russell’s approach to programming.
“Each season at the Pops we endeavor to capture the essence of America’s dizzyingly diverse and intensely imaginative popular music scene, to create orchestral programs that inspire,” Russell said, noting that this stylistic breadth isn’t a gimmick; it’s central to the organization’s mission.
That ethos is evident from the opening weekend for the upcoming season. It opens Sept. 5–6 with “La La Land” in concert, marking the film’s 10th anniversary. The Pops’ principal guest conductor, Damon Gupton, who appeared in the movie, leads a full orchestra and jazz band performing the Oscar-winning score live alongside the screening.
Later in September, Russell leads Tony Award-winning vocalist Lea Salonga for an evening of Broadway hits and film songs. Fans likely know Salonga for her performance in “Les Misérables” and “Miss Saigon” and provided the singing voices for Disney’s Jasmine and Mulan.
The film series closes with live scores spanning horror classics like “Psycho” to family favorites such as “The Muppet Christmas Carol” and “Hook.”
Russell also curates “Orchestral Canvas,” a multimedia experience pairing classics such as Gershwin’s “An American in Paris” and Respighi’s “Pines of Rome,” with digitally choreographed artwork from Van Gogh, Picasso, and others. Cincinnati-based creative production studio Lightborne provides the immersive visuals.
The season moves with the calendar, from festive cheer to springtime roots. December brings the annual Holiday Pops at Music Hall, featuring Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Gaby Moreno. Spring introduces the first Bluegrass Summit, with fiddler Michael Cleveland and his band Flamekeeper, The Steel Wheels and Sister Sadie.
Other seasons highlights include the music of Billy Joel and a New Year’s Eve celebration of Motown favorites, featuring Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, The Temptations and Stevie Wonder. In January, conductor Steve Hackman fuses Stravinsky’s “Petrushka” with Kendrick Lamar’s Pulitzer Prize-winning album “DAMN.” in what the Pops described as a genre-blending exploration of identity and reality.
“From the Orchestra’s virtuosic performances in an array of American musical styles, multisensory experiences and amazing artists, the Pops is about bringing people together in unique experiences that you can’t find anywhere else,” Russell said. “We can’t wait to share these programs with all of Cincinnati,” Russell said.
Cincinnati Pops 2026-27 season
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