The Aiken Symphony opens its 2026–27 season with a theatrical presentation of Igor Stravinsky's The Soldier's Tale (L'Histoire du soldat) on Sunday, September 20, 2026, at 3 p.m. at the Amentum Center for the Performing Arts. Featuring acclaimed bass-baritone and narrator Jacob Will, this imaginative production blends chamber music, storytelling, and theater in one of the twentieth century's most original musical works.

Composed in 1918 during World War I, The Soldier's Tale was conceived as a traveling theatrical production for just seven instrumentalists, a narrator, and actors, making it practical to perform despite the financial and logistical challenges of the era. The work departs from the traditional symphonic experience, instead weaving together spoken drama and a colorful chamber ensemble.

Stravinsky's inventive score draws inspiration from classical music, jazz, ragtime, tango, and folk traditions, creating a sound world that remains as fresh and engaging today as it was more than a century ago.

Based on a Russian folk tale, the story follows a soldier who trades his violin to the devil in exchange for a book promising limitless wealth. As the consequences of his bargain unfold, the tale explores themes of greed, happiness, and the true value of the things we hold most dear. Equal parts fable and theatrical spectacle, The Soldier's Tale balances humor, suspense, and poignant reflection in a performance unlike any other in the orchestral repertoire.

Bringing the story to life is South Carolina native Jacob Will, an internationally acclaimed bass-baritone with a distinguished career spanning opera houses and concert halls across North America and Europe. He made his New York Philharmonic debut in the American premiere of the Messa per Rossini and has appeared with renowned ensembles including the Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra, the San Francisco Symphony, and the Vienna Symphony Orchestra. A longtime member of the Zürich Opera, Will has also performed with companies including the New York City Opera, San Francisco Opera, and Bavarian State Opera.

Raised in Hartsville, South Carolina, he studied at Furman University, the University of South Carolina, and the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music before launching his international career.

Combining Stravinsky's rhythmic brilliance with captivating storytelling, The Soldier's Tale offers audiences an unforgettable afternoon where music and theater come together in a timeless tale of temptation, consequence, and redemption.

Tickets:
Single tickets are $45 (a convenience fee will be added to all credit card purchases). Active military members are eligible for $10 off each ticket and students under the age of 25 are eligible for a student rate of $5. To inquire about these discounts, please contact the office at 803.295.0313.

Tickets are available via the website (aikensymphony.com) or by contacting the office at 803.295.0313 and can be printed at home, picked up at the venue one hour before the start of the concert or received to one’s mobile device or mobile wallet and presented to an usher at the venue.

2026-27 MasterWorks

All Masterworks Series performances are held at the Etherredge Center at USC Aiken.

Friday, Oct. 23, 2027, 7:30 p.m.
TCHAIKOVSKY’S VIOLIN
CONCERTO
Claire Wells, violin
Salieri – Overture to La grotta di Trofonio
Mozart - Symphony No. 36 “Linz”
Tchaikovsky - Violin Concerto

Saturday, January 16, 2027
NORTHERN LIGHTS
Matthieu Cognet, piano
Grieg - Piano Concerto
Sibelius - Symphony No. 2

Saturday, February 6, 2027

BEETHOVEN’S TRIPLE
CONCERTO
The Congaree Trio:
Ari Streisfeld, violin
Claire Bryant, cello
Phillip Bush, piano
Ravel - Le tombeau de Couperin
Prokofiev - Symphony No. 1 “Classical”
Beethoven – Triple Concerto for Violin, Cello and Piano

Saturday, May 1, 2027, 7:30 p.m.
BRAHMS & SCHUMANN
VISIONS OF HEAVEN
Arwen Myers, soprano
Debussy - Claire de lune
Brahms - Variations on a Theme by Haydn Mahler - Symphony No. 4

2026-27 Chamber Series
All Chamber Series performances are held at the Amentum Center for the Performing Arts. Starting this season, reserved seating is now available for all Chamber Series concerts!

Sunday, Sept. 20, 2027, 3:00 p.m.
THE SOLDIER’S TALE
Jacob Will, narrator Stravinsky - The Soldier’s Tale

Friday, Apr. 16, 2027, 7:30 p.m.

STRING THEORY
Elgar - Serenade for Strings
Vaughan Williams - Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis
Arensky - Variations on a Theme of Tchaikovsky
Grieg - Holberg Suite

2026-27 Pops Series
All Pops Series performances are held at the Etherredge Center at USC Aiken.

Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026, 7:30 p.m.
VETERANS DAY SALUTE

Celebrating America’s 250th anniversary. A tribute honoring the courage, sacrifice, and service of our nation’s heroes.

Friday, Dec. 11, 2026, 7:30 p.m.
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Featuring festive music to usher in the holiday season with vocalists Cat Galan and Johnnie Felder