CLARKSVILLE, TN – The Gateway Chamber Orchestra (GCO) is thrilled to announce its 2025-26 concert season, the first under the leadership of newly appointed Music Director Jacob Aaron Schnitzer.

“There is so much enthusiasm from our team to reignite the Gateway Chamber Orchestra as an innovative force for community engagement,” said Schnitzer. “This season showcases the exceptional talent of the GCO side-by-side with our community right here in Middle Tennessee. Whether you are looking for the best of classical music in Clarksville or for a fun family-friendly outing, this GCO season is for you!”

“Jacob’s passion for music and his commitment to community engagement are a perfect fit for the GCO,” said Barbara Ozenbaugh, GCO’s Executive Director. “We are confident that his dynamic leadership will usher in an exciting new era for the orchestra, bringing inspiring musical experiences to our region. We are excited to share the concert season with our Clarksville community.”

In addition to our regular concert series, the GCO will continue its Music in the Schools Initiative, sharing the joy of music with local elementary and middle school students. This year’s educational focus will be The Art of Video Game Music, preparing students for the family and education concert Power Up: Video Games in Concert in the Spring.

The 2025-26 season will include the following concerts:

  • Winterglow: A Baroque Celebration will be presented Nov. 23, at 4 p.m. at Madison Street United Methodist Church. The annual concert will feature the Gateway Chorale, Clarksville Children’s Choir, and the church’s music ministry. Led by new music director Jacob Aaron Schnitzer, the program will include Bach’s Orchestral Suite No. 3 in D Major and Vivaldi’s Gloria.
  • Homegrown Holidays will take place Dec. 14, at 4 p.m. in Mabry Concert Hall at Austin Peay State University. The concert will highlight Clarksville’s young performers alongside the orchestra. The program includes The Nutcracker Suite with dance students from Classic Steps II, a side-by-side performance with the Clarksville Youth Orchestra, and an acoustic set by singer-songwriter Mattie Lyn.
  • HeartStrings will be held Feb. 14, at Customs House Museum. The Valentine’s Day program will feature a string quartet from the Gateway Chamber Orchestra performing works with themes of romance. An encore performance is scheduled for Feb. 15, 2026, at Grace Lutheran Church.
  • Power Up: Video Games in Concert is scheduled for March 8, 2026, at Mabry Concert Hall. The concert will showcase music from well-known video game titles including Destiny 2, Fortnite, Call of Duty and others, accompanied by visuals and gameplay. The program is designed for video game enthusiasts and families, with a focus on audiences ages 10 to 18.
  • Bourbon & Branden+Burgers will return in 2026 with the date and location to be announced. The program will pair Bach’s Brandenburg Concerti with a gourmet burger menu in an intimate setting.

Ticket and subscription information for the 2025-26 season are available now. To stay up to date on
concert announcements and to purchase tickets, please visit the official GCO website at
https://www.gatewaychamberorchestra.com/clarksville.