The Colburn School has announced its 2026–27 performance season, marking the final year of operations before the scheduled September 2027 opening of its Frank Gehry-designed campus expansion. The season features a series of orchestral, chamber, and dance performances across Los Angeles, showcasing students from the Conservatory of Music and the Trudl Zipper Dance Institute alongside guest artists, according to an official announcement from the school.
What to expect in the 2026–27 season
Performances are set to take place on the Colburn campus and at various venues throughout Los Angeles, with many events offered at low cost or free of charge to increase public access to the arts. The Colburn Orchestra, led by conductors including Carlos Miguel Prieto, Dame Jane Glover, and Ludovic Morlot, will perform at venues such as The Soraya, Walt Disney Concert Hall, and Royce Hall. The Chamber Players series and Colburn Presents events will feature appearances by artists such as pianist Jonathan Biss and the Canadian Brass, according to the school’s schedule.
Did You Know? Upon its completion in fall 2027, the Colburn School’s 100,000-square-foot expansion will create the largest concentration of Frank Gehry-designed buildings in the world.
How the campus expansion impacts the school
The upcoming season serves as a bridge to a major physical transformation for the institution. The 100,000-square-foot expansion, which broke ground in 2024, is designed to provide new facilities, including the 1,000-seat Terri and Jerry Kohl Hall and five professional-sized dance studios. President and CEO Sel Kardan stated that the school is preparing for an “inspiring new chapter” as it moves toward the 2027 facility opening. Once completed, the school’s capacity for training and public performances is expected to increase significantly.
What may happen next for Colburn
As the institution concludes its final season in the current facility configuration, the focus will shift toward the transition into the new Grand Avenue campus. The school may see an expansion of its public-facing mission, given that the new facilities specifically include a 100-seat studio theater and gardens intended to integrate the campus into the downtown landscape. Observers may expect that the increased capacity for the Trudl Zipper Dance Institute—which will more than double its space—could allow for a broader range of dance programming starting in late 2027.
Expert Insight: The transition to the Frank Gehry-designed campus represents a significant investment in Los Angeles’ arts infrastructure. By centering the expansion on the 1,000-seat Terri and Jerry Kohl Hall, Colburn is explicitly addressing a regional need for mid-sized performance venues, which often serve as the primary training ground for artists transitioning from student ensembles to professional stages.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do tickets for the 2026–27 season go on sale?
Tickets for all Colburn School events will be available for purchase starting August 5, 2026.
Where can I find the full calendar of events?
Reservations and ticket information can be secured through the school’s official calendar at colburnschool.edu/calendar.
What is the purpose of the Music Restored program?
Music Restored: The Ziering-Conlon Center for Exiled and Suppressed Composers is a resource dedicated to performing works by composers whose lives and careers were disrupted or destroyed by the Nazi regime.
Are you planning to attend any of the performances scheduled for the upcoming season?
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