Enrico Lopez-Yañez Joined Dallas Symphony Orchestra
The conductor has stepped into a new creative role as the orchestra announced its 2026-27 pops season.
Updated on Sept. 27, 2026 in Classical
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Enrico Lopez-Yañez has assumed the role of creative director and principal conductor of pops and specials for the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. The appointment coincides with the release of the organization's upcoming 2026-27 pops season schedule.
Why it matters
The position was created to foster deeper creative partnerships between the conductor and the orchestra, allowing for expanded nonclassical programming. This role aims to build stronger community connections through diverse concert experiences.
The 2026-27 season features a diverse lineup including screenings of Hocus Pocus, The Muppet Christmas Carol, and Barbie The Movie. These performances represent the first full season under the leadership of Lopez-Yañez.
The players
Enrico Lopez-Yañez
He serves as the creative director and principal conductor of pops and specials for the Dallas Symphony Orchestra.
Dallas Symphony Orchestra
This major arts organization based in Dallas provides symphonic performances and educational programming to the community.
The details
Lopez-Yañez is tasked with shaping nonclassical programming, developing unique concert experiences, and conducting the pops series. His new position focuses on bridging gaps through collaborative projects with orchestra musicians and staff to reach a broader audience.
Timeline
October 9-11, 2026: Disney's Hocus Pocus in Concert performances.
October 30, 2026: Día de los Muertos with the DSO performance.
December 4-6, 2026: Disney's The Muppet Christmas Carol performances.
January 8-9, 2027: Pop Queens of the '90s & '00s concert.
May 7-9, 2027: Barbie The Movie: In Concert performances.
Industry Dynamics
This leadership appointment reflects a broader trend among major U.S. orchestras to modernize programming and attract new audiences through multimedia concert experiences. The shift highlights a strategic move away from traditional repertoire toward high-engagement pops series.
Residents can purchase tickets for the upcoming 2026-27 pops season through the official organization website. These performances are scheduled to take place at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center.
The takeaway
The addition of a dedicated creative director for pops programming marks a significant evolution in how Dallas audiences experience symphonic music. Readers can prepare for the season by checking the performance calendar for these multimedia-integrated concerts.
Further reading
Discover more about the local arts community on our Classical page.
More information
Visit the Dallas Symphony Orchestra ticket and information page to view the full schedule.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Dallas Morning News.
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