For the past 80 years, the music of the Corpus Christi Symphony Orchestra (CCSO) has continued to bring life to our bayfront. Now reaching an impressive new milestone, the symphony’s 2025-2026 season will deliver a golden celebration worthy of its decades-long legacy.
“Our 80th season will be a celebration of both our rich history and the exciting future ahead,” said Executive Director Robin Nutter. “It’s a season that will highlight the excellence and passion that have defined CCSO for eight decades.”
Since its founding in 1945, the CCSO has filled halls across the city with orchestral grandeur. From its humble beginnings within the auditorium of Corpus Christi High School to its current home in the Performing Arts Center, talent continues to define the orchestra throughout all its iterations.
Although every season promises something exciting for both the musicians and their audiences, Nutter, alongside board members and Maestro Hector Guzman, carefully crafted the upcoming performances to tell the history of the symphony through its guest performers, featured composers and local musician spotlights. “We can’t wait to share it with you,” Nutter said of the exciting concert lineup, “whether it’s your first symphony or your 100th.”
Starting in September, opening night presents “She’s Back!” with the return of superstar guest violinist Chee-Yun Kim. November’s “Orchestra Showcase” features guest conductor David Geier and solos from standout symphony members Elisabeth Adkins and Korey Young. “Holiday Cheer” in December brings a beloved tradition of the classics, alongside two local choirs and special guest vocalist Haley Sicking. In the new year, March offers “An Evening of Epic Proportions,” a showcase of Corpus Christi’s legendary pianist Nina Drath, who has taught in the city for over 30 years.
The grand finale will commemorate not only the symphony, but also the 250th birthday of the United States. In one of the most eagerly anticipated shows of the season, “An American Celebration” closes this chapter of the symphony’s history with an all-American composer lineup, including legends such as Leonard Bernstein and George Gershwin.
“With the participation of three choirs and pianist Norman Krieger, our ‘American Celebration’ is going to be big,” said Guzman, who joined the CCSO as conductor in 2017. “The lineup for our 80th anniversary season deserves outstanding soloists, which is why each concert will be very special. But the finale is going to be quite unique.”
Guzman’s illustrious career, reaching across the world and spanning decades, gave him the tools to guide the group through the tumultuous year of 2020. He described the connection between conductor and orchestra as hitting its full stride in the last few years, and this season continues the trend of elevated quality and chemistry within the symphony.
“Last year was one of the best years in the history of the Corpus Christi Symphony, and we want to keep the momentum going,” said Guzman. “[The musicians and board of directors] are excited about the future, and that keeps me excited about the future.”
By connecting with the community beyond the performance hall, with special events like “The Music of Billy Joel!” and unwavering support for youth programs, everyone involved in the symphony worked hard to ensure all who visit will find their place within the music. Whether the show rings the bells of freedom or the bells of Santa’s sleigh, the musicianship and camaraderie that defines the orchestra shines as it has for the last 80 years—and will for 80 more.
