COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina Philharmonic has announced its exciting new 2025–2026 season, titled Your Brain on Art. With six Capital Concerts and three special event performances, the upcoming 61st season promises music that entertains while also enriching the mind and spirit.
Themed around the idea that music stimulates brain function and fosters emotional and creative growth, this season will blend beloved classical works with modern storytelling and immersive performances.
Special Events at the Koger Center
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The Music of Studio Ghibli – August 23, 7:30 PM
Celebrate 40 years of beloved animation with music from films like Spirited Away, Totoro, and Howl’s Moving Castle. -
Rick Steves Europe: A Symphonic Journey – November 10, 7:30 PM
Travel expert Rick Steves joins the orchestra live for a visual and musical tour of Europe through the works of Verdi, Grieg, Strauss and more. -
Home for the Holidays – December 18, 7:30 PM
Ring in the season with festive orchestral favorites, carols, and special guest performances.
Capital Concert Series Highlights
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Mozart and More – November 21
Featuring Mozart’s Marriage of Figaro Overture and Flute and Harp Concerto, plus Mendelssohn’s “Italian” Symphony. -
The Andy Armstrong Festival – January 2026
Pianist Andy Armstrong headlines two full concerts and a chamber event:-
Northern Lights (Jan. 10) – Works by Grieg, Bacewicz, and Sibelius.
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Beethoven and Blue Jeans (Jan. 17) – Featuring Beethoven’s Triple Concerto and Brahms’ Double Concerto.
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The Tchaikovsky Concert – February 28
Led by guest conductor Xia Xiaotang, featuring Piano Concerto No. 1 and Symphony No. 4. -
The Dream of America – March 14
A moving, multimedia performance of Ellis Island: The Dream of America, along with Ravel’s Bolero. -
From the New World – April 25
Featuring Copland’s Appalachian Spring and Dvořák’s iconic New World Symphony.
The South Carolina Philharmonic’s performances will be held at the Koger Center for the Arts in Columbia. Season subscriptions and individual tickets are available now at SCPhilharmonic.com.
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