Symphonic World Cup Brings World Class Music to Downtown San Jose

As the FIFA 2026 World Cup prepares to descend upon Santa Clara County, Symphony San Jose will close its 2025-26 season with a celebration of international artistry through the Symphonic World Cup.

The two performances will unfold at the California Theatre in Downtown San Jose on June 6 at 7:30pm and June 7 at 2:30pm.

Carlos Vieu will conduct the orchestra in Carl Nielsen’s Helios Overture, which evokes the ancient Danish myth of the sun god. Harp soloist Katherine Siochi will then take the spotlight in Alberto Ginastera’s Harp Concerto, a vibrant work that showcases the instrument’s full dramatic range from Argentina.

Dmitri Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 5 will bring the program to a stirring close, its triumphant strains echoing themes of resilience forged under historical pressure.

Events of this caliber will continue to elevate San Jose’s reputation as a premier destination for the arts, attracting diverse audiences and nurturing the creative spirit that drives the city forward.

For more information and tickets, head over here.

Symphony San Jose Kicks Off Season with Masquerade

San Jose welcomes the 24th season of Symphony San Jose with an enchanting program titled Masquerade at the California Theatre in Downtown San Jose on October 4 and 5, 2025. Performances occur Saturday at 7:30pm and Sunday at 2:30pm, featuring conductor Nathan Aspinall leading the orchestra through works that evoke fantasy and emotion. This opening sets a high note for the year, showcasing the city's thriving classical music scene in a historic venue at 345 South First Street.

The program opens with Anna Clyne's Masquerade, a five-minute orchestral piece commissioned by the British Broadcasting Corporation and premiered in 2013, capturing celebration and revelry. San Jose native Jon Nakamatsu performs Sergei Rachmaninoff's Rhapsody on a Theme by Paganini, the composer's 1934 work for piano and orchestra known for its technical brilliance. The evening concludes with Hector Berlioz's Symphonie Fantastique from 1830, a revolutionary symphony portraying love, delirium, and visions through vivid orchestration.

Jon Nakamatsu brings local pride to the stage as a celebrated pianist and Van Cliburn International Piano Competition gold medalist. His connection to San Jose adds a personal touch, drawing audiences to experience world-class talent rooted in the community. The symphony's commitment to such artists reinforces the city's position as a cultural powerhouse in the Bay Area.

Opening night on October 4 includes Masquerade Fantastique, starting with a red-carpet reception featuring wine, food, and entertainment for VIP guests. Intermission offers access to the Baton Society Lounge, followed by a courtyard dessert reception to meet Aspinall, Nakamatsu, and musicians. These elements create memorable evenings that blend performance with social connection.

Tickets range from $35 to $115, with a SoundCheck Pass at $25 for ages 17 to 25 covering all seven Saturday concerts. Available through the box office at 408.286.2600 or walk-up at 325 South First Street, these options make classical music accessible. Convenient parking is nearby at the city garage on San Carlos Street.