The Nashville Symphony will honor Mac McAnally and Rod Essig with the 2026 Harmony Award during the 42nd annual Symphony Ball on Saturday, Dec. 12, at Schermerhorn Symphony Center. More Entertainment News
The award, presented by Amazon, recognizes individuals who reflect the collaborative spirit of Nashville’s music community.
McAnally, a nine-time CMA Musician of the Year, songwriter, performer, producer and longtime member of Jimmy Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band, will be joined by Amy Grant, whose new album he produced. Grant is scheduled to perform in his honor during the event.
Essig, a longtime CAA agent and head of the agency’s Nashville office, has helped guide the careers of artists including Taylor Swift, Tim McGraw and Martina McBride. A surprise guest will present his award.
“Our 2026 Harmony Award honorees have spent their careers sharing the sound and spirit of Nashville with audiences around the world,” said Symphony Ball co-chairs Haden Cook and Lynn Scarola.
McAnally said he was surprised and honored by the recognition, adding that music has the ability to bring people together across genres, geography and politics.
Essig also pointed to Nashville’s broad musical community, saying the connection between Music Row and the Schermerhorn remains an important part of the city’s identity.
The Symphony Ball is one of the Nashville Symphony’s signature annual fundraisers. Since its launch in 1985, the event has raised more than $15 million to support the organization and its programming.
Past Harmony Award recipients include Dolly Parton, Taylor Swift, Keith Urban, Amy Grant, Vince Gill, Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert, Toby Keith, Randy Travis, Trisha Yearwood and others.
Patron packages for the 2026 Symphony Ball are on sale now, with individual tickets for the white-tie gala expected to go on sale in October.
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