The Armstrong Auditorium put out the following press release:
EDMOND, Okla. (July 30, 2026) -The Oklahoma City Philharmonic will open Armstrong Auditorium’s 28th Performing Arts Series on Thursday, Sep. 17, at 7:30 p.m. in Edmond. Under the baton of Music Director Alexander Mickelthwaite, the orchestra presents “America the Beautiful: A 250 Celebration”-a vibrant tribute to America’s spirit as the nation marks its 250th anniversary.
“What a way to open our season-with Oklahoma’s own world-class orchestra celebrating America’s 250th anniversary on our stage,” said Program Director Ryan Malone. “This is a program that should resonate deeply with every Oklahoman.”
The program opens with Gershwin’s vibrant “An American in Paris,” evoking 1920s Parisian energy and romance. John Adams’ “The Dharma at Big Sur” follows, inspired by the nation’s West Coast landscapes, with a nod to American innovation through the use of the electric violin. The evening closes triumphantly with Rachmaninoff’s powerful Symphonic Dances-the first major work he composed after arriving in the United States.
Under Maestro Mickelthwaite’s passionate leadership, the Oklahoma City Philharmonic delivers these iconic works with precision and heart, inspiring both seasoned fans and newcomers while honoring America’s remarkable musical legacy.
Tickets start at $60 for adults and $50 for youth ages 6-17. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit ArmstrongAuditorium.org or call the Box Office at (405) 285-1010. (All programs subject to change.)
Groups of 20 or more may be eligible to receive a discount off the original ticket price. Please contact the box office for more information.
Armstrong International Cultural Foundation celebrates its 28th season with its 2026-27 Performing Arts Series. The multi-award-winning Armstrong Auditorium has established itself as a world-class center for the arts in Oklahoma since 2010. Designed to provide an exceptional acoustic experience, only 75 feet separate the stage from the back wall, allowing the 823-seat theater to boast a nine-millisecond initial time delay gap-a measure of remarkable acoustic intimacy. Armstrong Auditorium’s exquisite beauty and warm atmosphere continue to make it an extraordinary venue worthy of its numerous accolades.
