Announcing Nic’s guest conducting appearances for the 2025–2026 season
Nic McGegan’s 2025–26 season brings together hallmark projects with some of the United States’ most distinguished ensembles. At the center are two major anchors: a Mendelssohn celebration with the Seattle Symphony and his return to Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra & Chorale as its newly appointed Music Director Emeritus. December features a festive U.S. Messiah Holiday Tour that will carry Handel’s masterpiece to audiences across four major American cities. Around these highlights are appearances with leading orchestras, opera companies, and chamber ensembles, along with ongoing collaborations at top conservatories.
This season’s headliners showcase Nic’s blend of wit, scholarship, and joy on two of his most trusted stages.
Seattle Symphony (April 16, 18, 19, 2026)
A three-concert Mendelssohn celebration: The Fair Melusine, Three Motets Op. 39 (arr. McGegan), and A Midsummer Night’s Dream with actors, soloists, and the SSO Chorale.
Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra & Chorale (January & February 2026)
Nic returns to Philharmonia Baroque this season for the first time as Music Director Emeritus, following his long tenure as Music Director and more recent role as Music Director Laureate. His 2025–26 programs include Jews & Music (January 29 & 31) and a Handel/Rameau double bill pairing Dixit Dominus with La Guirlande (February 6–8).
U.S. Messiah Holiday Tour
December brings Handel’s Messiah to four American cities, continuing Nic’s tradition of illuminating the work with rhythmic vitality and expressive clarity.
Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra (November 21–23, 2025) — Kicking off the tour with three performances in the Midwest.
Kansas City Symphony (December 5–7, 2025) — A centerpiece of the city’s holiday programming.
St. Louis Symphony Orchestra (December 12–14, 2025) — Three concerts at Powell Hall, extending Nic’s long relationship with the SLSO.
Tucson Symphony Orchestra (December 20–21, 2025) — Closing the tour with two jubilant performances in the Southwest.
Together, this U.S. Messiah Holiday Tour brings Nic’s distinctive interpretation of Handel’s most beloved oratorio to thousands of listeners nationwide.
Opera & Chamber Music Partners
Beyond the headliners, Nic appears with a wide array of ensembles:
Opera Lafayette (February 12, 14, 2026) — Continuing his love for opera with a program steeped in historical flair.
Chamber Music Society of St. Louis (March 9, 2026) — An intimate evening in the heart of the Midwest with longtime friends.
Cantata Collective (March 21, 2026) — Performing Bach’s Ascension Oratorio and Ich hatte viel Bekümmernis, BWV 21.
Conservatory Collaborations
Nic remains deeply committed to mentorship and education, continuing his work with the next generation of musicians at leading institutions.
Colburn School (September 27, 2025)
Yale / Juilliard Collaboration (November 8–9, 2025)
Indiana University / Jacobs School of Music (January 25, 2026)
These collaborations reaffirm his role not only as a conductor but also as a teacher and guide, illuminating tradition for future generations.
New Recording Release — Bach’s St. Matthew Passion
In March 2026, Nic and Cantata Collective will release their next recording on AVIE Records: Bach’s St. Matthew Passion. Following acclaimed releases of the St. John Passion, Mass in B Minor, Easter Oratorio, and Magnificat, this new album continues their ambitious series to record Bach’s six great choral masterpieces. With this release, Nic reaffirms his place as one of the foremost Bach interpreters of his generation.
Looking Ahead
From symphony halls to opera stages to conservatory classrooms, Nic McGegan’s 2025–26 season is a testament to his enduring artistry and his gift for making music of past centuries feel alive in the present. Stay tuned for more as additional appearances and recording projects are announced.
Here are Nic’s confirmed dates so far, in chronological order:
Colburn School (September 27, 2025)
Yale / Juilliard Collaboration (November 8–9, 2025)
Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra — Messiah (November 21–23, 2025)
Kansas City Symphony — Messiah (December 5–7, 2025)
St. Louis Symphony Orchestra — Messiah (December 12–14, 2025)
Tucson Symphony Orchestra — Messiah (December 20–21, 2025)
Indiana University / Jacobs School of Music (January 25, 2026)
Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra — Jews & Music (January 29, 31, 2026)
Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra — Handel & Rameau (February 6–8, 2026)
Opera Lafayette (February 12, 14, 2026)
Chamber Music Society of St. Louis (March 9, 2026)
Cantata Collective (March 21, 2026)
Seattle Symphony — Mendelssohn project (April 16, 18, 19, 2026)