Posted January 31, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Brittany Laughlin, Vice President of Marketing & Audience Development
(937) 535-5465 • blaughlin@daytonperformingarts.org
DAYTON, OH (January 31, 2026) — As part of its planning for the 2026–2027 Season, the Dayton Performing Arts Alliance (DPAA) is making structural adjustments to its programming to support a unified artistic vision and promote the long-term sustainability of the performing arts in Dayton.
DPAA is taking responsible steps to ensure artistic excellence today and long-term stability for generations to come. The season is shaped by the collaborative vision of DPAA’s three Artistic Directors as well as audience expectations and attendance patterns.
As part of these changes, DPAA will retire the SuperPops and Rockin’ Orchestra Series. The Masterworks Series will be presented as a single Saturday evening performance, with select titles also offered as a Sunday matinee. DPAA is actively planning to ensure that affected subscribers have clear options and a smooth transition.
DPAA is committed to clear and timely communication with its audiences so they have the information they need to make informed decisions with confidence. As programs are finalized, further details about the upcoming season will be shared on DPAA’s website ahead of a planned March season launch.
DPAA’s core artistic programming—exceptional classical orchestral, opera, and ballet performances— remains central to the organization’s mission and the 2026–2027 Season design.
Recently, DPAA has entered into collective bargaining discussions for a new agreement with musicians.
“We are approaching both season planning and collective bargaining with care, respect and professionalism. These conversations take time, and we are committed to communicating responsibly and sharing accurate information as plans develop, while continuing to work constructively with our artists and partners,” said Patrick J. Nugent, President and CEO of Dayton Performing Arts Alliance. “Our audiences can be confident that DPAA’s Philharmonic, Opera and Ballet remain at the heart of everything we do. As details for the upcoming season are finalized, our focus remains on what our audiences want most and what we do best.”
As with any collective bargaining process, ongoing discussions with the Philharmonic musicians and their union, the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada (AFM), are confidential. DPAA remains committed to respectful, transparent and lawful processes and to working in good faith with its artists and partners.
More information about the upcoming season will be shared at daytonperformingarts.org.
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About the Dayton Performing Arts Alliance
The Dayton Performing Arts Alliance (DPAA) was formed in a groundbreaking and innovative merger between Dayton Ballet, Dayton Opera, and Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra. DPAA is the largest performing arts organization in the greater Dayton region, with a mission to be the community’s indispensable source for traditional, diverse, and innovative experiences in ballet, opera, and orchestral music. In addition, DPAA offers various performance and education programs, setting a new standard for artistic excellence. DPAA performances reach an audience of more than 90,000 people annually, and its rich arts education programming serves over 50,000 school children in 150 schools in southwest Ohio.