Pianist

In his grand finale concert as music director, Alasdair Neale pairs two pieces emblematic of his tenure with the NHSO: Quinn Mason’s brand-new piano concerto and a cherished classic by British composer Edward Elgar.

EPSG:4326

Every New Day

Yale University

JoAnn Falletta returns to conduct one of her favorites—Prokofiev’s powerful and passionate music for Romeo & Juliet. Plus, Hampton Roads’ own Adolphus Hailstork, hailed as “the Dean of African-American composers,” brings us a brand new piano concerto in its local premiere, featuring Lara Downes – Performance Today’s 2022 Classical Woman of the Year.

Romeo & Juliet with JoAnn

Ferguson Center for the Arts

L Douglas Wilder Performing

American music stirs the soul in a way like none other. Performance Today® 2022 Classical Woman of the Year, pianist Lara Downes explores the depths of that profound connection to land, sea and spirit. Dvořák’s New World Symphony blends Bohemian fantasy with Midwestern and Southern melodies and charm.

New World Symphony

Rancho Campana Performing Arts Center

Kavli Theatre Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza

Experience the monumental grandeur of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony with The Philadelphia Orchestra at the historic Academy of Music. This iconic event, set to take place on May 22, 2025, at 7:30 PM, May 23, 2025, at 2:00 PM, and May 24, 2025, at 2:00 PM, promises an evening of unparalleled artistry within the walls of a venue where the Philadelphia Sound was born and perfected.

Under the baton of conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin, with the talents of pianist Lara Downes, soprano Leah Hawkins, mezzo-soprano Rihab Chaieb, tenor Issachah Savage, and bass-baritone Ryan McKinny, the performance will begin with Florence Price's Piano Concerto in One Movement, showcasing the works of the great American composer. This piece, premiered by Price herself in 1934, was lost for decades before being rediscovered and reconstructed, offering a melodic journey that leaves audiences craving more.

The highlight of the evening, Beethoven's Symphony No. 9, known for its powerful choral finale "Ode to Joy," promises to deliver an experience filled with power, beauty, and a call for freedom, equality, and unity. This performance not only celebrates the timeless melodies of Beethoven but also the rich, lush sound that has become synonymous with the Philadelphia Orchestra and the Academy of Music.

Don't miss this opportunity to be part of a historic moment as we return to the Academy of Music for an unforgettable performance of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony. For tickets and more information, visit EnsembleArtsPhilly.org or contact the ticket sales and subscriber services for assistance. Join us in experiencing the essence of the Philadelphia Sound in an evening that promises to uplift and inspire.

Beethoven’s Ninth at the Academy of Music

Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts

Join us for an unforgettable evening as The Philadelphia Orchestra presents "Ode to Joy: Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9" at the newly rededicated Marian Anderson Hall, Verizon Hall at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. This monumental performance, taking place on Thursday, May 29, 2025, at 7:30 PM, promises to be a night of transcendent beauty and uplifting power.

Under the baton of esteemed conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin, the orchestra will be joined by an impressive lineup of soloists including pianist Lara Downes, soprano Leah Hawkins, mezzo-soprano Rihab Chaieb, tenor Issachah Savage, and bass-baritone Ryan McKinny. The evening will commence with Florence Price’s enchanting Piano Concerto in One Movement, leading into the grandeur of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, celebrated for its choral finale "Ode to Joy" – a timeless anthem of brotherhood and unity.

This performance is part of the 2024-25 Subscription Package, offering magnificent programming and exclusive subscriber benefits. Don't miss this opportunity to experience the power of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, a work that continues to inspire and move audiences around the world.

For tickets and subscription information, please visit EnsembleArtsPhilly.org or contact the box office at 215-893-1999. For additional assistance, subscriber services can be reached at 215-893-1955 and group sales at 215-893-1968.

Prepare to be uplifted by the sheer force of Beethoven’s masterpiece, performed by one of the world’s leading orchestras in the heart of Philadelphia.

Lara Downes

Pianist

Events

May 2, 2024

Every New Day · New Haven Symphony Orchestra

17 - 18 May, 2024

Romeo & Juliet with JoAnn · Virginia Symphony Orchestra

2 - 3 Nov, 2024

New World Symphony · New West Symphony

22 - 24 May, 2025

Beethoven’s Ninth at the Academy of Music · Philadelphia Orchestra

May 29, 2025

Ode to Joy: Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 · Philadelphia Orchestra

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