A cone or a cup? No, it’s a seasonal sundae glass! Our 2026/2027 season is a scoop shop of delectable tastes
What’s more synonymous with the leisurely days of summer than endless assortments of ice-cream? (Also: What could be more metaphorical of complete vacation relaxation than grappling with the decision between a cone and a cup?)
Whether it’s creamy gelato on an Italian piazza, a sophisticated glâce strolling along the Seine, a sticky fudgsicle from the ice-cream truck (extra endorphins for successfully detecting an locating the source of “The entertainer” tinkling around the neighborhood) or a loaded bowl with sprinkles on top, straight from your very own freezer … few things spell eternal sunshine and childhood joy like that first bite of cold sweetness on a sweltering day. And just like you can’t really ever really go wrong with a new ice cream flavor (go on, try the strawberry-and-basil or lavender-and-honey! Vanilla will always be there for you to fall back on!), I want to entice you today to consider our 2026-2027 season as the artisinal ice-cream store equivalent of some formidable global flavors.
(When we used local ice-cream flavors to explain Evren Ozel’s Portland program, back in September last year, I got some very positive feedback from our sweet-toothed patrons. Overwhelmingly enthusiastic response to the Ruby Jewel ice cream sandwiches we served at our Boundless performances last season further gives me reason to believe that, aside from appreciating piano repertory, our audience understands the language of frozen desserts.)
What do we have in store for you in the upcoming season?
First up, on October 25th, we bring you zesty scoops of Venezuelan Orange blossom and honey in the form of Gabriela Montero’s program, taglined “sunlight in Iberia!” Her exploration of repertory relating to Spain (Scarlatti, Soler, Albeniz and Granados, among others) is infused with Mediterranean sunshine and evoke the sweet tang and energetic flair of a vibrant coastal escape.
On November 8th, we follow this with Jan Lisiecki’s serving of classically graceful Strawberries and Cream: universally loved, graceful and joyful like the array of European dances on his program (among them Piazolla, Schubert, Chopin, Brahms and Bartók). Like a perfect waltz and the ideal scoop of pink perfection, his program is elegant without trying too hard and appeals broadly for its beguiling lilt and melodic flow.
Ying Li, on December 6th, serves us a delectable dish of French Vanilla Bean: Refined, timeless and quietly sophisticated. Like a perennial vanilla, her program (featuring Bach/Busoni, Amy Beach and Liszt) is rich enough to carry enchanting stories, yet it never overstates itself.
On January 24th, PPI veteran Inon Barnatan brings us a rich Dark Chocolate Sea Salt – deep, layered and contemplative. The bittersweet richness of ballades, nocturnes and mazurkas by Chopin, Field, Barber, Szymanowski and Adès ensure music that invites reflection, studded with moments of surprise.
Then comes curator Boris Giltburg, on March 14th, with a delicious dessert of Cherry Garcia: Artistic, colorful and a little quirky. Every bite of his program (Prokofiev, Schumann, Mussorgsky) offers something unexpectedly sweet and tart, the perfect way to describe music brimming with imagination and wit.
Tiffany Poon’s April 11th program – “poignancy, evocations, mystery” – can only be likened to Blueberry Lavender: delicate, fragrant, and slightly misterious. Her renditions of works by Lili Boulanger, Mel Bonis, Prokofiev and Ravel unfold slowly, leaving memorable and lasting impressions akin to complex flavors lingering on the tongue.
Closing out the season, Nikola Meeuwsen’s program on May 9th can only be likened to a double scoop of Cookies and Cream! Fun, energetic, and impossible to resist, his bursts of crunchy excitement make it the perfect season finale.
Ready to indulge in our seasonal sundae? Order your full serving right here!