The pressure of creating his First Symphony now behind him, Brahms quickly composed his beloved Symphony No. 2 in the summer of 1877. The second installment of NHSO's Brahms cycle will be led by Aldo Sisillo, an Italian conductor whose "natural and quiet charisma enables him to bring his orchestra to intense, soulful and enthralling moments" (Il Gazzettino).

Schumann's Piano Concerto in A minor was one of his most performed works during his lifetime, with many performances given by his virtuoso wife, Clara. The NHSO will be joined by Andrew von Oeyen, a pianist with "indisputable gifts [and] an extravagantly thorough and effortless technique" (LA Times).