Art is not static — it’s ever-evolving based on the changing needs and experiences of the audiences who enjoy it. While the 2026-27 Flint Symphony Orchestra (FSO) season will bring all the mainstay favorites audiences have come to expect, there are a few fun additions thrown into the mix.

Last season, FSO’s Pops series enjoyed the addition of a family-friendly Halloween event, complete with costumes, candy and chilling tunes from the orchestra. The Frightfully Fun Pops (Oct. 26) and the beloved Holiday Pops (Dec. 19) concerts return, with the addition of a Broadway pops concert.

“Music of the Night: Phantom Stars Sing Broadway Hits” features the return of soprano Meghan Picerno (of Phantom of the Opera fame), who brought down the house at the 2025 Holiday Pops concert. She’ll be joined by her Phantom co-star Jay Armstrong Johnson to perform songs from Phantom and other iconic Broadway favorites, accompanied by the FSO.

“We’re excited to expand our Pops series because it’s a great entry point for a lot of people. It showcases the orchestra, provides quality entertainment and is very accessible,” said FSO Manager, Michelle Tschirhart.

The series is sponsored by Security Credit Union (SCU), who has been supporting FIM for over a decade.

“We’ve seen firsthand the impact it has on our community,” said Ashley Lister, director of marketing at SCU. “The FSO brings people together and helps make our region a more vibrant place to live. We’re grateful to be part of something that brings so much joy to our community, and we’re excited to continue supporting the arts for years to come.”

Another noteworthy addition to the season is a “Side-by-Side” concert (March 13), where students of the Flint Youth Symphony Orchestra get the opportunity to play alongside the professional musicians in the FSO.

“The students will rehearse with Maestro Diemecke and get a taste of what a professional orchestra rehearsal is like— how things are put together and what the expectations are,” explained Tschirhart.

“The FSO musicians will have an opportunity to mentor the students, and in turn find inspiration and fulfillment in working with them.”

The “Heroes, Legends and Tall Tales” concert (Nov. 8) is a family-friendly matinee performance. Since the FSO does not regularly offer matinees, the programming was thoughtfully curated with audiences of all ages in mind — from the opening music from Pirates of the Caribbean to a collaborative performance of Richard Strauss’ Don Quixote, featuring a visual component from Flint Youth Theatre students.

Although each new offering brings something unique to the season, there’s a thread that weaves them all together.
“The common denominator between these concerts and audiences is the expert musicianship and professionalism of the Flint Symphony Orchestra players,” said Lorrie Gunn, violinist with the FSO.

The Pops series, Side-by-Side concert and matinee performance also present an opportunity to bring new faces into the concert hall. Whether it’s through varied program offerings or a more accessible timeslot, the orchestra is for everyone — they just might not know it yet.

“Once folks realize they don’t have to dress in a tux or gown to come to the concert and can, instead, slip into the majestic concert hall, sip an adult beverage and listen to beautiful music they will be hooked on the experience,” said Gunn.

As the FSO expands its programming and creates new audience touchpoints, it exemplifies that while the presentation of art may change, its ability to inspire and bring people together remains constant.