Binghamton Philharmonic Celebrates 70 Years With Two Big Performances

In the Binghamton area, sports get a lot of attention. But the region is also home to a strong arts community, including one of its longest running cultural groups, the Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra.

This season marks the orchestra’s 70th anniversary, and two upcoming concerts will close out the 2025 to 2026 season with music that organizers say audiences will not want to miss.

Beethoven’s Ninth Headlines Classical Finale

The final concert in the orchestra’s Classical Series will take place Saturday, March 28 at 7:30 p.m. The program is titled “Ode to Joy” and will feature Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony.

Music Director Daniel Hege will lead the Philharmonic along with several soloists and a large choir. The choir will include members of the Southern Tier Singers’ Collective, Binghamton University Chamber Singers, and the Syracuse University Oratorio Society.

Queen Tribute Closes Out the Pops Series

The final Pops Series performance of the season will be Saturday, May 2 at 7:30 p.m. That concert, called “One Vision – The Music of Queen,” will celebrate the songs of the famous rock band. The Philharmonic will perform alongside Jeans ’n Classics and the Southern Tier Singers’ Collective for a tribute to some of Queen’s best known hits.

Discounted Tickets and Free Seats for Kids

A limited number of discounted tickets are currently available online. Pairs of tickets that normally cost $80 are being offered for $48 through the Seize The Deal portal and the orchestra’s website.

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The Philharmonic is also offering free tickets for children 17 and under, with support from M&T Bank and Visions Federal Credit Union. Families can call the box office to request those tickets.

Looking Ahead to the Next Season

While the current season is coming to an end, planning is underway for the orchestra’s 71st season. The upcoming lineup will include Copland’s Appalachian Spring, Stravinsky’s Pulcinella Suite, Brahms’ Second Symphony, the annual Winter Wonderland holiday concert, and a pops program featuring hits from the 1980s.