Winner of the Pulitzer Prize, DRIVING MISS DAISY is about the transformative power of friendship. Miss Daisy is an elderly Jewish widow who is struggling to come to terms with her diminishing independence. After a car crash, her son convinces her to take on a chauffeur and hires an African American driver named Hoke. Set in Atlanta from the late 1940s to early 1970s, the relationship between Miss Daisy and Hoke changes from one of employer and employee to a deep friendship, as they encounter issues of growing old, race and class in an America fighting for equal civil rights.

EPSG:4326

Driving Miss Daisy

Walnut Street Theatre

Discover the world premiere of "Holy Grail of Memphis," a captivating new comedy by Philadelphia playwright Michael Hollinger, directed by Terrence J. Nolen. Set against the backdrop of a rundown music studio, the story follows Newton Stover III as he unearths the long-lost recordings of a legendary bluesman. This discovery ignites his determination to rebuild his life and legacy. However, Newton faces the relentless pressures of time and financial constraints, compounded by the haunting presence of past ghosts and the arrival of an unexpected stranger. "Holy Grail of Memphis" delves into themes of embracing the future, letting go of what haunts us, and the soulful expression of singing the blues. This production promises a rich narrative filled with humor, heart, and the timeless allure of blues music, all set on the Arcadia Stage.

Holy Grail of Memphis

Arden Theatre Company

Immerse yourself in an astronomical musical journey with "The Planets - PhilOrch," a captivating concert experience presented by The Philadelphia Orchestra. This stellar performance is set to take place at the iconic Verizon Hall, soon to be rededicated as Marian Anderson Hall, marking a significant moment in the venue's history. 

Under the baton of the mesmerizing conductor Daniele Rustioni, with Paul Jacobs gracing the organ, the concert promises an unforgettable exploration of Gustav Holst's most famous work, "The Planets." This masterpiece has not only inspired generations of sci-fi film composers, including the likes of John Williams and Bill Conti, but also continues to enchant audiences with its otherworldly charm. From the ferocious energy of "Mars, the Bringer of War" to the ethereal beauty of "Neptune, the Mystic," attendees are in for a cosmic treat, complete with the haunting sounds of a female choir in Neptune that promises to transport you to galaxies far, far away.

The musical voyage doesn't end there. The program also features Alfredo Casella's "Concerto romano," a thrilling organ concerto that promises a rollercoaster of emotions through its dynamic interplay of organ, brass, and timpani. And to set the mood, Maurice Ravel's "Alborada del gracioso" will open the evening with its lively Spanish rhythms and enchanting melodies.

This performance is available as part of the 2024-25 Subscription Package, offering not only a ticket to this interstellar musical journey but also exclusive subscriber benefits. Whether you're a long-time classical music enthusiast or looking for an extraordinary night out, "The Planets - PhilOrch" is an event not to be missed.

Mark your calendars for Friday, January 31, 2025, at 2:00 PM, and Saturday, February 1, 2025, at 8:00 PM, and prepare for a musical expedition that's truly out of this world. For tickets and subscription information, visit EnsembleArtsPhilly.org or contact the box office. Don't miss this opportunity to experience the magic of The Philadelphia Orchestra as they bring "The Planets" to life in a performance that promises to be as visually captivating as it is musically profound.

The Planets

Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts

Opera Philadelphia proudly presents the company premiere of "The Anonymous Lover," a captivating romantic comedy that stands as a testament to the genius of Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges. This groundbreaking 18th-century composer, often overlooked due to his race, was a contemporary of Mozart and Haydn and shines through his only surviving opera. The music, composed by Joseph Bologne with a libretto by François-Georges Fouques Deshayes, Desfontaines, based on the play "L’amant anonyme" by Stéphanie Félicité, Madame de Genlis, and adapted by Kirsten Greenidge, will be performed in French with English supertitles, offering audiences a unique and immersive experience.

Set against the backdrop of a frothy romp filled with beautiful arias and charming music, "The Anonymous Lover" tells the story of the young widow Léontine, portrayed by soprano Symone Harcum, who receives a series of passionate letters from a secret admirer. As she grapples with the possibility of new love, it becomes clear that her friend Valcour, played by tenor Khanyiso Gwenxane, is the mysterious author. This opera invites audiences to root for true love in a tale that is both ahead of its time and timeless.

The production is co-produced with Boston Lyric Opera and features a talented cast including Johnathan McCullough as Ophémon, Ashley Marie Robillard as Jeanette, Joshua Blue as Colin, and Sun-Ly Pierce as Dorothée. The creative team is led by conductor Kalena Bovell and director Dennis Whitehead Darling, with scenic coordination by Baron E. Pugh, costumes by Leslie Travers, and lighting by Driscoll Otto. Elizabeth Braden serves as the chorus master, marking her Opera Philadelphia debut.

"The Anonymous Lover" will grace the stage of the Academy of Music with performances scheduled for January 31 at 8:00 p.m. and February 2 at 2:00 p.m., during the Jan - Feb 2025 season. The opera runs for approximately 90 minutes with no intermission, promising an evening of uninterrupted enchantment.

This production is part of Opera Philadelphia’s 2024-2025 Season, supported by the Artistry Now Matching Fund and Barbara Augusta Teichert, with additional support from Judy and Peter Leone for Academy of Music productions. Don't miss the opportunity to discover the work of Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges, and experience a romantic comedy that will leave you inspired and uplifted.

The Anonymous Lover

Academy of Music

This beloved favorite has delighted young listeners for generations while serving as an imaginative introduction to the orchestra’s diverse array of instruments. This piece weaves a charming tale of a boy’s woodland adventures, and each character is brought to life through the various voices in the orchestra: Peter by the strings, his grandfather by the bassoon, and the wolf by the horns.

Peter and the Wolf

This New York Times Critics’ Pick takes you into the heart of the remarkable true story of 7,000 stranded passengers and the small town in Newfoundland that welcomed them. Cultures clashed and nerves ran high, but uneasiness turned into trust, music soared into the night, and gratitude grew into enduring friendships. 

Come From Away

Lauded for her “dazzling, virtuoso singing” (Boston Globe), soprano Lucy Fitz Gibbon returns to the PCMS stage with “the Heifetz of the flute” (Gramophone) Marina Piccinini and Vienna Philharmonic Principal Harp Anneleen Lenaerts. This extraordinary collaboration features a pair of works by Debussy—the impressionistic Syrinx and Six épigraphes antiques—as well as arrangements and songs in German and French.

Lucy Fitz Gibbon, soprano Marina Piccinini, flute Anneleen Lenaerts, harp

 Benjamin Franklin Hall

American pianists Simone Dinnerstein and Awadagin Pratt have long garnered individual praise for their originality and astounding technical prowess. This recital brings together these two exceptional artists in an exciting four-hand piano program that concludes with an immensely challenging arrangement of Beethoven’s great and inspiring Pastoral Symphony.

Simone Dinnerstein, piano Awadagin Pratt, piano

**Bach and Haydn with The Philadelphia Orchestra**

Join us for an unforgettable evening as The Philadelphia Orchestra, under the baton of the esteemed Masaaki Suzuki, presents a masterful program featuring the works of Bach and Haydn. This special performance will take place at Verizon Hall, now rededicated as Marian Anderson Hall, showcasing the Orchestra's commitment to excellence and heritage.

**Dates and Times:**
- Friday, February 7, 2025, at 8:00 PM
- Saturday, February 8, 2025, at 8:00 PM

**Program Highlights:**
- Bach: Orchestral Suite No. 3, including the beloved "Air on the G String" movement.
- Haydn: Symphony No. 104, "London," a masterful conclusion to Haydn's symphonic works.

**Conductor:**
Masaaki Suzuki, renowned for his profound interpretations of Bach's compositions, brings his expertise and passion to the podium, promising an evening of "breathtaking tangible elation as well as contemplation and control" (Gramophone).

**Venue:**
Verizon Hall at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, newly named Marian Anderson Hall, provides the perfect setting for this musical journey.

**Subscription Packages:**
This performance is available as part of the 2024-25 Subscription Package, offering magnificent programming and exclusive subscriber benefits. Choose from Saturday Evening A, Saturday Evening B, or Create Your Own package to tailor your experience.

**Tickets and Information:**
For tickets and further details, please visit EnsembleArtsPhilly.org or contact the ticket sales team at 215.893.1999. Subscriber services can be reached at 215.893.1955 for any inquiries.

Don't miss this opportunity to experience the timeless beauty of Bach and Haydn performed by one of the world's leading orchestras in the heart of Philadelphia.

Bach and Haydn

Acclaimed worldwide for his profound musicianship and technical mastery, British cellist Steven Isserlis presents his long-awaited PCMS recital. “Few cellists can mold a line with such attention to both light and shade… for a performance that distills the sweetness at the music’s heart” (The Telegraph).

Steven Isserlis, cello Connie Shih, piano

From Noël Coward, the master of witty comedy, HAY FEVER. Judith Bliss, the once glittering star of the London stage, is still enjoying life with more than a little high drama and the occasional big scene. To spice up her weekend, she invites a young suitor to join her in the country, but her novelist husband and two children also have the same idea, and their unassuming visitors are thrown into a living melodrama. Misjudged meetings, secret seductions and scandalous revelations run riot at the most outrageous of all house parties. This delightful comedy will have you sneezing with laughter!

Noël Coward’s HAY FEVER

British baritone Roderick Williams’s “rich, burnished” voice imbues “myriad colorful nuances” (New York Times) in this recital with peerless collaborative pianist Julius Drake. Enhancing the duo’s performance of Brahms’s song cycle Die schöne Magelone are drawings by Amsterdam-based illustrator Cristina Garcia Martin and narration by internationally acclaimed storyteller Charlotte Blake Alston.

Roderick Williams, baritone

Immerse yourself in the exquisite sounds of Joseph Haydn with "The Best of Haydn" presented by The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia. This captivating concert series, part of their 24/25 Season, promises an unforgettable musical journey under the baton of Music Director David Hayes. Join us at the Perelman Theater, nestled within The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, for two exclusive performances on Friday, February 14, 2025, at 7:30 pm, and Sunday, February 16, 2025, at 2:30 pm.

The evening will showcase the remarkable talents of cellist Tommy Mesa, celebrated for his charisma, innovation, and engaging performances. Mesa will breathe life into Haydn's Cello Concerto No. 1 in C major, a masterpiece that re-emerged after being lost for over two centuries. This concert will also feature the Philadelphia premiere of Jessie Montgomery's "Divided," a piece that Mesa premiered in 2022, alongside the world premiere of a new commission by Composer-in-Residence Evan Williams.

David Hayes will lead the orchestra through Haydn's Symphony No. 64 in A major, "Tempora mutantur," a work named after the enigmatic 16th-century proverb meaning "The times change, and we change with them." This performance not only celebrates the genius of Haydn but also embraces the evolution of musical expression through contemporary works.

Located at 300 S Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19102, the Perelman Theater offers the perfect setting for this 80-minute musical exploration, including an intermission. Don't miss this opportunity to experience the best of Haydn and the innovative talents of today. Buy your tickets now and be part of a memorable night with The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia.

The Best of Haydn

**Event: Bold Experiment - Curtis New Music Ensemble**

**Date and Time:** February 15, 2025, at 7:00 p.m.

**Location:** Curtis Institute of Music, Gould Rehearsal Hall

**Event Description:**
Join us for an exhilarating evening as the Curtis New Music Ensemble presents "Bold Experiment," a concert that delves into the musical and academic explorations of the 20th century. This event is part of the Curtis Institute of Music's centennial celebration, commemorating the visionary Bold Experiment initiated by Mary Louise Curtis Bok in 1924 when she founded the conservatory in Philadelphia.

The program will feature a selection of compelling works, including:

- **VILLA-LOBOS:** Choros No. 2
- **CRAWFORD SEEGER:** Suite for wind quintet
- **MEREDITH MONK:** Obsolete Objects, Totentanz, and Folkdance
- **EASTMAN:** Buddha
- **DU YUN:** The Ocean Within
- **CRUMB:** Black Angels

A highlight of the evening will be the performance of George Crumb’s "Black Angels," a haunting piece for electric string quartet subtitled "Thirteen Images from the Dark Land." Written during the Vietnam War, this composition captures the era's horrors, anguish, and upheaval, serving as a poignant parable for our contemporary world.

**Tickets and Subscriptions:**
Secure your seats for this unforgettable event by subscribing to the 2024-25 season. Subscribers enjoy the best seats at the best prices. 

**Special Thanks:**
The Curtis Centennial Season is made possible through the generous support of Derek and Sissela Bok, the Mary Louise Curtis Bok Foundation, Deborah M. Fretz, Charles C. Freyer and Judith Durkin Freyer, Lisa and Gie Liem, Mark and Robin Rubenstein, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Additional support for the Curtis New Music Ensemble is provided by the Daniel W. Dietrich II Foundation.

**Don't miss this unique opportunity to experience music-making at its highest level, featuring the extraordinary young talent of Curtis alongside esteemed alumni.**

Bold Experiment

Curtis Institute of Music

“Not only is the virtuosity of Musicians from Marlboro consistently jaw-dropping, but the freshness, rich imagination, and sheer vitality of their playing is enough to make even the most jaded concertgoer edge to the front of their seat” (Washington Post). The second Marlboro touring program of the season shines a light on Schumann before concluding with Brahms’s Clarinet Quintet, one of his great autumnal masterworks and a piece of extraordinary emotional depth.

Musicians from Marlboro II

Experience the unparalleled mastery of Leonidas Kavakos as he brings Erich Korngold's Violin Concerto to life with the Philadelphia Orchestra. This exceptional performance, under the baton of conductor Fabio Luisi, promises an evening of exquisite music that spans the emotional spectrum. The concert will also feature Sørensen's "Evening Land" and Brahms's Symphony No. 4, offering a brilliant study in contrasts from dark mystery to sunlit joy.

Join us at Verizon Hall, soon to be rededicated as Marian Anderson Hall, for this unforgettable musical journey. Performances are scheduled for Friday, February 21, 2025, at 2:00 PM, Saturday, February 22, 2025, at 8:00 PM, and Sunday, February 23, 2025, at 2:00 PM.

This event is part of the 2024-25 Subscription Package, providing exclusive benefits and magnificent programming. Don't miss the opportunity to witness the artistry of Leonidas Kavakos, a violinist celebrated as one of the greatest instrumentalists of our time, in a program that showcases the golden age of Hollywood through Korngold's cinematic scores and concludes with the breathless beauty of Brahms's Fourth Symphony.

For tickets and subscription details, visit EnsembleArtsPhilly.org or contact our ticket and subscriber services. Embrace this chance to be part of a musical experience that promises to leave you breathless.

Brahms’s Symphony No. 4

Praised for their “expert musicianship, razor-sharp ensemble, and deep musical feeling” (Chicago Tribune), the Dover Quartet returns to the PCMS stage with Michelle Cann, “a pianist of sterling artistry” (Gramophone). The afternoon brings together five of Philadelphia’s finest chamber artists for a magnificent example of late Romantic chamber music: Dvořák’s richly melodic Quintet in A Major, Op. 81.

Dover Quartet Michelle Cann, piano

Join us for an unforgettable evening at Verizon Hall with the Spotlight Series featuring the extraordinary talents of Daniil Trifonov. This special performance is scheduled for Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at 8:00 PM. Prepare to be captivated by Trifonov's remarkable piano skills as he takes you on an emotional and auditory journey. His ability to blend delicate passages with explosive climaxes showcases his deep connection to the music and his instrument. 

Please note, The Philadelphia Orchestra will not perform during this concert, allowing the spotlight to fully shine on Trifonov's solo performance. This event is a part of the 2024-25 Subscription Package, offering magnificent programming and exclusive benefits to subscribers. 

Don't miss this opportunity to experience the magic of Daniil Trifonov live in concert. For more information on tickets and subscription packages, please visit our website or contact our ticket and subscriber services. 

*Programs, artists, dates, prices, and availability are subject to change.

Spotlight Series: Daniil Trifonov

Experience the powerful narrative of "August Wilson's King Hedley II" at the Arden Theatre Company. Directed by Pulitzer Prize-winner James Ijames, this compelling production delves into the life of King, a man who returns to his family and community after seven years in prison. Set against the gritty backdrop of 1980s Pittsburgh, the story explores King's struggle to reclaim his life and the internal conflicts that arise as he attempts to plant seeds of hope in seemingly barren soil. This production continues the Arden's dedication to August Wilson's monumental American Century Cycle, offering a profound exploration of identity, resilience, and the human spirit. The F. Otto Haas Stage will host this evocative tale, brought to life by a talented cast and creative team.

King Hedley II

### Event Description: Le nozze di Figaro - Curtis Institute of Music

**Event Title:** Le nozze di Figaro

**Presented by:** Curtis Opera Theatre

**Date and Time:** February 27, 2025, at 7:00 p.m.

**Venue:** Perelman Theater, Kimmel Center

**Additional Performances:**
- February 28, 2025, at 7:00 p.m.
- March 1, 2025, at 2:00 p.m.
- March 2, 2025, at 2:00 p.m.

**Event Overview:**
Join the Curtis Opera Theatre for an enchanting performance of Mozart’s comic masterpiece, *Le nozze di Figaro* (The Marriage of Figaro). This timeless opera, with a libretto by Lorenzo Da Ponte, is a delightful blend of love, intrigue, and politics, set against the backdrop of Figaro and Susanna’s wedding day. The story unfolds over a whirlwind 24 hours filled with mishaps and mischief, as the quick-witted barber Figaro and his bride-to-be Susanna navigate the disruptions caused by the philandering Count Almaviva. Together with the Countess Rosina, they outsmart the Count, proving that true love conquers all.

**Performance Details:**
- **Music by:** Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
- **Libretto by:** Lorenzo Da Ponte
- **Language:** Performed in Italian with English supertitles

**Conductor:** Nicholas McGegan
Nicholas McGegan, renowned for his expertise in Baroque and Classical music, will conduct the performance. With a distinguished career spanning over three decades, McGegan has led numerous acclaimed performances and recordings, bringing a historically informed approach to both period and modern ensembles.

**Director:** Marcus Shields
Marcus Shields, an artist known for his innovative work in theater and new media, will direct the production, ensuring a visually and emotionally compelling experience.

**Ticket Information:**
Tickets are available for purchase, and subscriptions to the 2024-25 season are now open, offering the best seats at the best prices.

**Why Attend:**
Don’t miss this opportunity to experience one of opera’s most beloved works, brought to life by the talented artists of the Curtis Opera Theatre. Revel in the razor-sharp satire, delightful arias, and lively storytelling that make *Le nozze di Figaro* a timeless classic.

**Learn More and Purchase Tickets:**
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the Curtis Institute of Music’s website.

Events in Philadelphia, PA next month

Driving Miss Daisy

Walnut Street Theatre

Holy Grail of Memphis

Arden Theatre Company

The Planets

Philadelphia Orchestra

The Anonymous Lover

Opera Philadelphia

Peter and the Wolf

Philadelphia Orchestra

Come From Away

Ensemble Arts Philly

Lucy Fitz Gibbon, soprano...

Philadelphia Chamber Music Society

Simone Dinnerstein, piano...

Philadelphia Chamber Music Society

Bach and Haydn

Philadelphia Orchestra

Steven Isserlis, cello Co...

Philadelphia Chamber Music Society

Noël Coward’s HAY FEVER

Walnut Street Theatre

Roderick Williams, barito...

Philadelphia Chamber Music Society

The Best of Haydn

Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia

Bold Experiment

Curtis Institute of Music

Musicians from Marlboro I...

Philadelphia Chamber Music Society

Brahms’s Symphony No. 4

Philadelphia Orchestra

Dover Quartet Michelle Ca...

Philadelphia Chamber Music Society

Spotlight Series: Daniil ...

Philadelphia Orchestra

King Hedley II

Arden Theatre Company

Le nozze di Figaro

Curtis Institute of Music