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

Stricken by the death of his oldest daughter at the age of four and reeling from a diagnosis of a serious heart condition, Mahler retreated to a cabin in the mountains to write what would become his final works, among them the shattering Ninth Symphony. From its tenderly beautiful, hushed opening of harp, horns, and strings through the fevered Rondo to its gossamer finish, the Ninth is literally and figuratively a cry from a wounded heart—and a profound experience for the listener.

Mahler’s Symphony No. 9

Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts

Join the Orchestra and special guests to celebrate Lunar New Year! This family-friendly performance features repertoire in honor of the Year of the Snake.

Lunar New Year

A founding member of the Grammy Award-winning Harlem Quartet, violinist Melissa White is recognized for her “warmly expressive and lyrical” playing (Chicago Classical Review). Her PCMS recital debut with pianist Pallavi Mahidhara highlights works by American women composers Amy Beach and Nokuthula Ngwenyama. Mahidhara explains, “We are performing works by composers who represent a diversity of backgrounds, much like the two of us.”

Melissa White, violin Pallavi Mahidhara, piano

 Benjamin Franklin Hall

Experience the unparalleled artistry of Yuja Wang as she makes a triumphant return to the stage with The Philadelphia Orchestra, under the baton of the esteemed conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin. This not-to-be-missed series of performances is scheduled for January 2025, with shows on Thursday the 16th at 7:30 PM, Friday the 17th at 8:00 PM, and Saturday the 18th at 8:00 PM, all taking place in the prestigious Verizon Hall.

The program promises an evening of emotional depth and breathtaking virtuosity, opening with Margaret Bonds's "The Montgomery Variations," a poignant tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., inspired by Bonds's visit to Montgomery, Alabama. This piece, rooted in the spiritual "I Want Jesus to Walk with Me," reflects Bonds's commitment to social and racial justice.

The highlight of the evening will be Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto No. 1, featuring Yuja Wang's extraordinary technique and interpretive depth. Wang's previous sold-out performances have been met with critical acclaim, her artistry described with superlatives such as "breathtaking," "charismatic," and "flawless."

Completing the program is William Grant Still's Symphony No. 2 "Song of a New Race," a lyrical masterpiece that showcases the legendary strings of The Philadelphia Orchestra. Premiered by the orchestra in 1937, this work continues to resonate as a testament to Still's vision and the orchestra's rich history.

These performances are available as part of the 2024-25 Subscription Package, offering magnificent programming and exclusive subscriber benefits. Don't miss this opportunity to witness the synergy of Yuja Wang's piano brilliance with the world-renowned Philadelphia Orchestra in an unforgettable musical journey.

Yuja Wang Returns

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

Join us for an enchanting evening with the Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia as we present "Brillhart & Baroque" during our 24/25 Season. This captivating concert, under the baton of esteemed conductor Jeffrey Brillhart, will take place at the Perelman Theater, located within The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts at 300 S Broad St, Philadelphia, PA. Mark your calendars for Friday, January 17, 2025, at 7:30 pm, and Sunday, January 19, 2025, at 2:30 pm, for a musical journey through the Baroque era.

The program features a selection of Bach's masterpieces, including the Brandenburg Concerto No. 3, BWV 1048, and the Brandenburg Concerto No. 5, BWV 1050, showcasing the intricate beauty and complexity of Bach's compositions. Additionally, audiences will be treated to the poignant "Ich habe genug," BWV 82a, a soprano version performed by the talented Kara Goodrich, whose voice will bring to life the emotional depth of Bach's cantata. The concert will also include Rebel's "Les Élémens," a vivid musical depiction of the elements of earth, air, fire, and water, providing a contrast to Bach's compositions and completing the evening's program.

The performance is set to last approximately 80 minutes, including an intermission, offering a perfect gateway into the world of the Baroque. Whether you're a long-time lover of Baroque music or new to the genre, "Brillhart & Baroque" promises an unforgettable experience of some of the period's most celebrated works.

Don't miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in the splendor of Baroque music. Buy your tickets now and plan your visit to the Perelman Theater for an evening of exquisite music that will transport you to another era.

Brillhart & Baroque

Philadelphia Sinfonia Strings Concert #1

Howard Center for the Arts

Philadelphia Sinfonia Concert #1

Temple University

Join Peter Pan on an adventure to Neverland, a magical island where there are no parents, no chores, and fairies and pirates rule! Introduce your children and grandchildren to the characters you love from J.M. Barrie’s timeless masterpiece: Wendy Darling, Tinker Bell, Captain Hook, a horde of Lost Boys, and one very hungry crocodile.  With fairy dust and your child’s imagination, the Arden flies to Neverland this holiday season!  Arden Children’s Theatre presents a brand-new production that celebrates the joy of storytelling and the power of imagination!

Peter Pan

“The consummate artistry of the Takács Quartet is simply breathtaking… the best I have ever heard” (The Guardian). Formed in Budapest in 1975, the Takács has been a PCMS favorite for over three decades. For this season’s appearance, they unite with Jeremy Denk, “a pianist you want to hear no matter what he performs” (New York Times), for Brahms’s epic Piano Quintet in F Minor, Op. 34.

Takács Quartet Jeremy Denk, piano

Kimmel Cultural Campus

Experience the profound emotional depth of Tchaikovsky's final symphony, the Pathétique, performed by The Philadelphia Orchestra under the electrifying baton of conductor Rafael Payare. This masterpiece, which Tchaikovsky himself said contained his whole soul, will be presented alongside Ravel's enchanting Suite No. 2 from Daphnis and Chloe and Kaija Saariaho's dramatic violin concerto, Graal théâtre, featuring the fabulously assured and poetic violinist Carolin Widmann. These performances promise an unforgettable journey through the passionate, the magical, and the legendary, inspired by the tales of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table.

Join us at Verizon Hall, now rededicated as Marian Anderson Hall, for this monumental event on the following dates:
- Thursday, January 23, 2025, at 7:30 PM
- Saturday, January 25, 2025, at 8:00 PM
- Sunday, January 26, 2025, at 2:00 PM

This performance is part of the 2024-25 Subscription Package, offering magnificent programming and exclusive subscriber benefits. Don't miss this opportunity to witness a work that has inspired generations of composers and artists, marking a new age of the symphonic form.

For tickets and more information, visit EnsembleArtsPhilly.org or contact us at 215-893-1999. Experience the passion, the innovation, and the legacy of Tchaikovsky's Pathétique with The Philadelphia Orchestra.

Tchaikovsky’s Pathétique Symphony

### Disney's Frozen - Maltz Jupiter Theatre

**Event:** Disney's Frozen, The Broadway Musical  
**Dates:** January 7 to January 26, 2025  
**Venue:** MainStage, Maltz Jupiter Theatre

**Description:**
Get ready to be transported to a winter wonderland with Disney’s Frozen, The Broadway Musical. Join Elsa, Anna, and their lovable friends on an epic adventure filled with whimsical sets, powerful songs, dazzling costumes, and Disney magic. Audiences will witness the power of sisterhood, love, and self-discovery in this beautiful production that will surely melt the hearts of all ages.

**Creative Team:**
- **Music and Lyrics by:** Kristen Anderson-Lopez & Robert Lopez
- **Book by:** Jennifer Lee
- **Originally directed on Broadway by:** Michael Grandage
- **Based on the Disney film written by:** Jennifer Lee
- **Directed by:** Chris Buck & Jennifer Lee
- **Originally produced on Broadway by:** Disney Theatrical Productions
- **Licensed by:** Music Theatre International (www.mtishows.com)

**Additional Information:**
- **Seating Chart:** Available on the Maltz Jupiter Theatre website
- **Subscription:** Become a subscriber for more benefits

Join us for a magical experience that celebrates the themes of love, family, and self-discovery. Don't miss out on this enchanting production that promises to captivate audiences of all ages.

Disney's Frozen

PCMS celebrates Maurice Ravel’s 150th birthday with two programs (the second on May 6) dedicated to this extraordinary French composer, pianist, and conductor. The first event features “supremely musical” (The Strad) violinist Hye-Jin Kim and fellow Society favorites cellist Peter Stumpf and pianist Cynthia Raim in a program culminating with the composer’s Piano Trio in A Minor. This trio is acclaimed for its fresh and compelling musical voice, and for uniting an immediate sensual appeal with a brilliantly-crafted architecture.

Hye-Jin Kim, violin Peter Stumpf, cello Cynthia Raim, piano

Gustav Holst’s The Planets has shaped the sound of sci-fi, most famously inspiring John Williams’s “The Imperial March” from Star Wars. From the intensity of “Mars, Bringer of War” to the ethereal mystery of “Neptune, the Mystic,” discover the astrological characters of each planet in this singular journey through the cosmos.

Voyage through the Planets

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

This powerhouse ensemble combines three of today’s most luminary chamber musicians: former Johannes Quartet violinist Soovin Kim, former Emerson Quartet cellist Paul Watkins, and pianist Gloria Chien. Philadelphia Orchestra Principal Clarinet Ricardo Morales adds his “utterly natural musical grace” (New York Times) for a performance of Olivier Messiaen’s hauntingly beautiful Quartet for the End of Time.

CKW Trio Ricardo Morales, clarinet

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

One of the most celebrated Japanese composers of our time, Joe Hisaishi has produced music for over 80 films. He has written the scores for 12 enchanting Hayao Miyazaki films, including the Oscar-winning Spirited Away and Howl’s Moving Castle. He has also composed the music for several films by beloved Japanese filmmaker Takeshi Kitano, such as Dolls and Sonatine. Other favorites include Soul Snatcher, Departures, and Children of the Sea. In this special concert event, Hisaishi leads Your Philadelphia Orchestra in a celebration of his symphonic scores for the concert hall, including his orchestral suite from Spirited Away.

Events in Philadelphia, PA this month

Driving Miss Daisy

Walnut Street Theatre

Mahler’s Symphony No. 9

Philadelphia Orchestra

Lunar New Year

Philadelphia Orchestra

Melissa White, violin Pal...

Philadelphia Chamber Music Society

Yuja Wang Returns

Philadelphia Orchestra

Holy Grail of Memphis

Arden Theatre Company

Brillhart & Baroque

Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia

Philadelphia Sinfonia Str...

Philadelphia Sinfonia

Philadelphia Sinfonia Con...

Philadelphia Sinfonia

Peter Pan

Arden Theatre Company

Takács Quartet Jeremy Den...

Philadelphia Chamber Music Society

Tchaikovsky’s Pathétique ...

Philadelphia Orchestra

Disney's Frozen

Maltz Jupiter Theatre

Hye-Jin Kim, violin Peter...

Philadelphia Chamber Music Society

Voyage through the Planet...

Philadelphia Orchestra

The Planets

Philadelphia Orchestra

CKW Trio Ricardo Morales,...

Philadelphia Chamber Music Society

The Anonymous Lover

Opera Philadelphia

The Music of Joe Hisaishi...

Philadelphia Orchestra