Philadelphia is set to be the hub of musical brilliance with a series of events celebrating the works of Florence Price, alongside masterpieces by Dvořák, Coleridge-Taylor, and Beethoven. With performances at the Kimmel Center and the Academy of Music, these events promise an unforgettable experience under the baton of Yannick Nézet-Séguin, featuring the Curtis Symphony Orchestra and the Philadelphia Orchestra.

Florence Price and Beethoven Shine in Philadelphia's Musical Extravaganza

Pennsylvania is set to resonate with the timeless compositions of Johannes Brahms, gracing the stages in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and Allentown. From the Escher Quartet's chamber music brilliance with Jordan Bak in Pittsburgh to the majestic orchestral performances by the Philadelphia Orchestra featuring Leonidas Kavakos, Hélène Grimaud, and Marin Alsop, and culminating in Miller Symphony Hall's evocative choral works, these events promise an unparalleled musical journey.

Brahms in Pennsylvania: Unveiling Classical Masterpieces in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and Allentown

Experience the magic of Mozart in Philadelphia this season with a lineup of breathtaking performances. From the comedic brilliance of 'Le nozze di Figaro' by the Curtis Opera Theatre at the Kimmel Center, to the dramatic intensity of 'Don Giovanni' at the Academy of Music, and the sublime interpretations of Mozart's piano concertos by Emanuel Ax and the Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia. Join us as we also witness 'The Grand Finale' featuring Mozart's Symphony No. 35 with the Philadelphia Orchestra, making it a season to remember!

Celebrating Mozart in Philadelphia: From Figaro to Don Giovanni and Beyond

Philadelphia is set to resonate with the timeless melodies of Ludwig van Beethoven, featuring a series of unforgettable events at iconic venues like the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts and the Curtis Institute of Music. From the Opening Weekend at Marian Anderson Hall to Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto, and from the mesmerizing Rosamunde String Quartet to the profound musical journeys of Beethoven and Dvořák, the city promises a symphonic feast. Also, don't miss out on Beethoven’s Eroica, and the climactic experience of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony at both the Academy of Music and Marian Anderson Hall.

Celebrate Beethoven with Philadelphia's Finest Orchestral Events

Join us in Philadelphia for an extraordinary musical journey through the works of Antonín Dvořák, featuring performances by the Dover Quartet at the Curtis Institute of Music, Yannick Nézet-Séguin with the Curtis Symphony Orchestra at the Kimmel Center, and the virtuoso Gil Shaham with The Philadelphia Orchestra. Revel in the symphonies, concertos, and quartets that showcase Dvořák's brilliance alongside other iconic compositions.

Experience Dvořák's Masterpieces in Philadelphia: A Musical Journey

This season, Philadelphia is the place to be for music lovers. The Curtis Institute of Music and The Philadelphia Orchestra are offering a series of extraordinary performances featuring the works of Maurice Ravel and other legendary composers. From the enchanting 'Le tombeau de Couperin' to the mesmerizing 'Daphnis et Chloé Suite no. 2,' these events promise a rich exploration of classical music's finest.

Musical Marvels in Philadelphia: Celebrating Maurice Ravel

Philadelphia's Kimmel Center is set to become a haven for Mahler enthusiasts, as The Philadelphia Orchestra presents a remarkable series of his symphonies. From the majestic Symphony No. 3 led by Yannick Nézet-Séguin, featuring the incredible Joyce DiDonato, to the emotionally charged Symphony No. 9, and the deeply personal Symphony No. 6, these performances promise to be the highlight of the musical season. Join us in celebrating the genius of Gustav Mahler through these unforgettable orchestral experiences.

Gustav Mahler's Masterpieces in Philadelphia: A Symphony Experience

Philadelphia is set to be a haven for classical music enthusiasts with a series of mesmerizing events celebrating Johann Sebastian Bach. Starting with the Curtis Institute of Music's broadcast of the 'Chromatic Fantasy and Fugue in D Minor' on September 11, 2024, followed by the Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia’s 'Brillhart & Baroque' in January 2025, and culminating with The Philadelphia Orchestra's 'Bach and Haydn' performances in February 2025, music lovers are in for a treat.

Experience Bach in Philadelphia: An Array of Spectacular Performances

Philadelphia is set to become a haven for classical music enthusiasts with three extraordinary events showcasing the brilliance of Florence Price’s compositions. Starting with 'Dvořák & Price with Yannick' at Marian Anderson Hall on November 23, 2024, followed by 'Beethoven’s Ninth at the Academy of Music' from May 22-24, 2025, and concluding with 'Ode to Joy: Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9' at the Kimmel Center on May 29, 2025. These performances, led by the acclaimed conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin, promise a captivating mix of Dvořák, Beethoven, and the groundbreaking works of Florence Price.

Experience the Magic of Florence Price in Philadelphia: Unmissable Orchestral Events

Thirty years after the original release, experience Disney’s The Lion King on the big screen, as the Orchestra performs Hans Zimmer's Oscar®-winning musical score live. Featuring unforgettable music from superstar Elton John and award-winning lyricist Tim Rice, and African vocal and choir arrangements by the GRAMMY Award–winning South African producer and composer Lebo M (Rhythm of the Pride Lands).

EPSG:4326

Disney’s The Lion King in Concert

Saratoga Spa State Park

The incomparable Yo-Yo Ma, beloved by SPAC audiences, returns to perform Dvořák’s Cello Concerto under the baton of conductor Xian Zhang. Opening the evening are two SPAC premieres by composers Nokuthula Ngwenyama and Zoltán Kodály.

Yo-Yo Ma Plays Dvořák

Dalia Stasevska lead the Orchestra in a sensational program of orchestral masterpieces. Bartók’s Concerto for Orchestra has become a fixture of the repertoire and serves as a showcase for the Fabulous Philadelphians. The work has a local connection having been composed in 1943 in Saranac Lake, NY. The evening closes with Dvořák’s joyous and triumphant Symphony No. 8, which has not been performed at SPAC in over a decade.

Dvořák’s Eighth Symphony

Following the success of his performance in 2023, Gil Shaham returns to perform a new violin concerto by Mason Bates, one of today’s leading American composers. Led by Finnish conductor Dalia Stasevska making her SPAC debut, the evening closes with her fellow countryman Jean Sibelius’s Symphony No. 5.

Gil Shaham Performs Bates

Carl Orff’s iconic Carmina burana is back at SPAC for the first time in over 15 years. This choral and orchestral masterpiece features maestro Fabio Luisi and an international roster of vocalists alongside the capital region’s own Albany Pro Musica.

Carmina burana

Fabio Luisi makes his SPAC debut with an evening of Brahms, featuring the beloved Fourth Symphony and Violin Concerto with internationally-acclaimed violinist Bomsori Kim for her Philadelphia Orchestra and SPAC debut.

An Evening of Brahms with Fabio Luisi

Yannick Nézet-Séguin conducts Strauss’s An Alpine Symphony, the composer’s powerful and passionate ode to nature. The program opens with the SPAC premiere of Robert Schumann’s Konzertstück for horns and orchestra. Wholly unique in its nature, the work highlights horns as the soloist in a wild and furious score designed to showcase the unparalleled virtuosity of the Fabulous Philadelphians.

Yannick Conducts An Alpine Symphony

Emmy, 12-time Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award-winner John Legend joins The Philadelphia Orchestra led by conductor Anthony Parnther in an all-new program of his greatest hits and recent releases. 

John Legend with The Philadelphia Orchestra

The Harry Potter Film Concert Series returns with Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix™ in Concert, the fifth film in the series. Experience the magic of Harry Potter™ soaring across the big screen in high-definition, while The Philadelphia Orchestra performs Nicholas Hooper’s unforgettable score.   

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Following her 2023 Saratoga Jazz Festival debut, five-time GRAMMY Award-winner and African music icon Angélique Kidjo joins The Philadelphia Orchestra in an all-new program featuring a mix of African songs and original works. 

Angélique Kidjo with The Philadelphia Orchestra

Celebrate the 100th anniversary of Gershwin’s iconic Rhapsody in Blue with legendary jazz pianist Marcus Roberts and his trio alongside the Orchestra. The program continues with one of the Orchestra’s signature pieces, Rachmaninoff’s Symphonic Dances, written for and premiered by The Philadelphia Orchestra.

Rhapsody in Blue Celebrates 100

Conductor David Robertson, an American music visionary, returns to SPAC for the first time over a decade leading the orchestra in a dazzling evening of Tchaikovsky featuring the 1812 Overture with live canon fire and a brilliant fireworks display. Pianist and International Tchaikovsky Competition silver medalist George Li makes his Philadelphia Orchestra and SPAC debut performing the Piano Concerto No. 1.

Tchaikovsky Spectacular

Pack a picnic, grab your magic carpet, and join us for a mystical evening under the stars on July 27 as the Mann presents Aladdin in Concert with the Oscar®, Golden Globe®, and GRAMMY®-winning score performed live by The Philadelphia Orchestra in the TD Pavilion at the Mann! 

Disney’s Aladdin in Concert

The Mann Center for the Performing Arts

Join us for an extraordinary evening as Beck, the legendary pioneer of alternative rock and eight-time GRAMMY Award-winner, takes the stage with the prestigious Philadelphia Orchestra. Renowned for his genre-defying sound and innovative approach to music, Beck will showcase selections from his vast catalogue alongside stunning orchestral arrangements. This unique collaboration promises a one-of-a-kind experience, blending Beck's signature style with the rich depth and dynamic range of a full orchestra. 

Beck

Take a trip back with us to the Roaring ’20s as we celebrate the 100-year anniversary of George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue. Pack a picnic and join us for a night of jazz-inspired orchestral works with The Philadelphia Orchestra and Marcus Roberts Trio, conducted by Tristan Rais-Sherman on July 24! 

Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue 2024

Legendary violinist Gil Shaham joins Yannick and The Philadelphia Orchestra in the Bravo! Vail premiere of Mason Bate’s explosive Nomad Concerto in a program that includes Rachmaninoff’s Symphony No. 2.

Yannick Conducts Rachmaninoff 2024

Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater

Join us for an unforgettable evening of music as NEZÉT-SÉGUIN CONDUCTS RACHMANINOFF at the Bravo Vail, featuring the world-renowned Philadelphia Orchestra. This spectacular event will take place on Thursday, July 11, 2024, at 6pm at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, a venue celebrated for its stunning location and acoustics.

The evening promises to be a highlight of the Orchestral Series, showcasing the legendary violinist Gil Shaham. Shaham will join forces with conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin and the Philadelphia Orchestra for the Bravo Vail premiere of Mason Bates’ explosive Nomad Concerto. The program will also include Rachmaninoff’s Symphony No. 2, a masterpiece that continues to captivate audiences with its emotional depth and beautiful melodies.

Gil Shaham, known for his virtuosity and profound musicality, is the perfect soloist for Bates' Nomad Concerto, a piece that promises to take listeners on a thrilling auditory journey. Meanwhile, Rachmaninoff’s Symphony No. 2, celebrated for its lush, romantic themes, will showcase the orchestra's ability to convey the composer's intense emotions and intricate compositions.

This event is not just a concert but a celebration of musical innovation and tradition, featuring works that span the spectrum from the romantic to the contemporary. Whether you are a lifelong classical music fan or new to the genre, this performance is sure to leave you moved and inspired.

Tickets are available now for this must-see event. Don’t miss your chance to experience the magic of NEZÉT-SÉGUIN, Gil Shaham, and the Philadelphia Orchestra at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater in Vail. Get your tickets today and prepare for an evening of breathtaking music that will resonate long after the final note has been played.

Nezét-séguin Conducts Rachmaninoff

Vail Recreation District Sports Department - Ford Park

Opera returns to Bravo! Vail with Puccini’s beloved La bohème, performed by the Orchestra and led by Music and Artistic Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin. This staged production involves a full chorus; costume and set design; and an all-star cast of singers including Nicole Car, Gabriella Reyes, Stephen Costello, Étienne Dupuis, and more.   

Puccini’s La bohème

Explore the solar system with The Philadelphia Orchestra in Holst’s legendary and popular work The Planets in a program that also includes Copland’s American masterpiece Appalachian Spring Suite, led by Alsop. 

Alsop Conducts The Planets

Philadelphia Orchestra Principal Guest Conductor Designate Marin Alsop returns to Bravo! Vail leading the Orchestra in Bernstein’s Symphonic Dances from his iconic West Side Story, in addition to Gershwin’s Cuban Overture and Piano Concerto in F major featuring critically acclaimed pianist Conrad Tao.

Alsop Conducts Gershwin and Bernstein

Dispatch released its eighth studio release, Break Our Fall, in the spring of 2021. The songs on this record speak not only to the band’s personal evolution, but also to human nature itself, charting a course from denial and resistance to growth and acceptance through deep introspection and empathetic character studies. The music is pure Dispatch, and the five-piece continues to grow and push their boundaries, taking surprise turns without ever abandoning the signature sound that’s made them one of independent rock’s most indelible acts over the last two-and-a-half decades. The songs on Break Our Fall blend infectious roots rock with hints of reggae, folk, and blues, and leave plenty of space for some of the group’s most pointed, political lyrics to date. The result is an ode to resilience and survival, a timely and essential album that still manages to find hope and joy on even the darkest of days. 

Dispatch

Celebrate the 35th anniversary of the iconic film Batman in a whole new way! On June 20, don’t miss Batman in Concert with The Philadelphia Orchestra at the TD Pavilion at the Mann. Projected on a larger-than-life screen, the 1989 blockbuster starring Michael Keaton as Batman will come to life as The Philadelphia Orchestra performs Danny Elfman’s thrilling score live to picture. Pack a picnic and join us for a perfect night under the stars. 

Batman in Concert

Pack a picnic and join us for our annual summer tradition as The Philadelphia Orchestra, led by Austin Chanu, returns to TD Pavilion at the Mann on June 18 for an evening of Tchaikovsky’s greatest works. We’ll begin the evening with Tchaikovsky’s emotional Symphony No. 6, the last of his symphonies to premiere in his lifetime. Following this will be selections from the lush and romantic Suite from Swan Lake, featuring Tchaikovsky’s most memorable melodies. We’ll finish the evening with the rousing 1812 Overture, culminating in an epic display of fireworks against the gorgeous Philadelphia skyline! 

Join us for this special concert celebrating the newly inaugurated Marian Anderson Hall! Music and Artistic Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin commands the stage, leading The Philadelphia Orchestra alongside a constellation of guest stars including GRAMMY Award–winning vocalists Audra McDonald and Angel Blue and the acclaimed jazz pianist Marcus Roberts. These phenomenal performers join GRAMMY®, Emmy®, and Golden Globe® Award–winning and Academy Award®–nominated artist, actor, and producer Queen Latifah, who will host the evening honoring the memory of the great contralto, civil rights icon, and Philadelphian Marian Anderson. 

Great Stages Concert

Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts

Join us in support of the Great Stages Gala, honoring Marian Anderson!

Great Stages Gala

**Yannick Conducts La bohème at the Philadelphia Orchestra**

Join us for an unforgettable evening as Yannick Nézet-Séguin leads the Philadelphia Orchestra in a theatrically enhanced performance of Puccini's La bohème. This romantic opera, which has enchanted audiences since its 1896 premiere, tells the story of love among young artists in Paris. Experience the ravishing melodies, soaring arias, and the full power of Puccini’s immortal score brought vividly to life.

**Performance Details:**
- **Dates and Times:**
  - Friday, June 7, 2024, at 8:00 PM
  - Sunday, June 9, 2024, at 2:00 PM
- **Location:** Verizon Hall
- **Conductor:** Yannick Nézet-Séguin
- **Opera:** Puccini's La bohème

This unique presentation combines the best elements of both concert and opera experiences. With acclaimed soloists in costume, creative props, and set pieces, the orchestra performs on stage, allowing the intricacies of the score to take center stage.

**Need Help?**
For ticket sales, subscriber services, group sales, or donor services, please contact:
- Ticket Sales: 215.893.1999
- Subscriber Services: 215.893.1955
- Group Sales: 215.893.1968
- Donor Services: 215.893.3151
- TTY: 215.875.7633

Don't miss this theatrically inspired rendition of one of the most beloved operas. Secure your tickets now for an evening of exquisite music and storytelling.

Yannick Conducts La bohème

The Philadelphia Orchestra performs seminal works by Ravel and Debussy, and continues its celebrated partnership with Valerie Coleman with the New York premiere of her Concerto for Orchestra. Debussy’s La Mer is a perennial favorite, an impressionistic landmark of shimmering colors and suggestive harmonies. Ravel’s jazz-influenced Piano Concerto in G major is a joyful and varied masterpiece, and this ensemble gave its New York premiere in 1932 on this very stage. With this concert, the brilliant Mitsuko Uchida joins a great lineage of pianists to perform it here with this orchestra.

The Philadelphia Orchestra and Mitsuko Uchida at Carnegie Hall

Carnegie Hall

Brilliant colors and shifting moods mesmerize in this electrifying program! GRAMMY Award–winning pianist Mitsuko Uchida brings a “lightness of touch and tonal sparkle” (Bachtrack) to Ravel’s jazzy, joyous Piano Concerto in G major; Yannick reveals the magic and mystery of Debussy’s La Mer. The concert’s centerpiece is an exciting new work—the Orchestra’s fourth commission from acclaimed composer Valerie Coleman.

Mitsuko Uchida Plays Ravel

Mesmerizing soundscapes with famed conductor and composer Esa-Pekka Salonen! In his mischievous Karawane, the “chorus’s hypnotic incantations have the undergirding of a glistening orchestral landscape, sometimes swaying, sometimes blooming” (The New York Times). It’s the perfect first course for the fantastic feast of music to come: the complete score of Ravel’s achingly beautiful Daphnis and Chloe. With its transfixing lyricism and unique orchestration (including wind machine and wordless chorus), this sensual, evocative classic conjures up a mystical world where love is all.

Salonen Conducts Daphnis and Chloe

Pianist Evgeny Kissin was born in 1971, and by the age of two was playing by ear and improvising on the family piano. He made his Western debut in 1987, shortly after the fall of the Berlin Wall, and has been a favorite of audiences around the world ever since. “So compelling is Kissin’s pianism, so fresh his response to even the most familiar phrases, that one hangs on every note”.

Spotlight Series: Evgeny Kissin

Intensely personal and unfailingly compelling, Sibelius’s music astonishes, thrills, soothes, and beguiles. His profound love of nature is vividly present in his Fifth Symphony, with its famous finale inspired by the sight of a flock of swans flying overhead. Famed Finnish conductor and composer Esa-Pekka Salonen is renowned for his reading of his fellow countryman’s works. He also brings a work of his own: Kínēma, a brilliant showcase for Philadelphia Orchestra Principal Clarinet Ricardo Morales.

Salonen Conducts Sibelius

Join us for a fun and immersive Sound All Around Ensemble Concert! Dance and sing with members of The Philadelphia Orchestra and our dazzling storyteller and host, Charlotte Blake Alston, as they guide us through the entire Orchestra family in a fun celebration of all the instruments we learned about this season. Get an up-close look at all the instruments and hear how they sound when they are all put together. You do not want to miss the final Sound All Around of the season. Experience the wonder of live music in a way that’s fun for the whole family!

Sound All Around: Ensemble 2024

Academy of Music

Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3 draws the listener into a labyrinth of interconnected themes, growing ever more mysterious, complex, and beautiful; for the pianist, it is one of the most challenging works in the repertoire, demanding sensitivity as well as stamina. It is performed here by Norwegian pianist Leif Ove Andsnes, hailed for his “easy virtuosity and panache” (The New York Times). The program closes with one of Bartók’s best-loved works, the exhilarating Concerto for Orchestra.

Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3

Experience a musical feat of epic proportions! Hear all the piano pyrotechnics of Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3 in a performance that will electrify your Happy Hour. This incredible concert features multi-media visuals to enhance your experience. Join us and kick back at the Kimmel Center with a selection of drink specials, pre-concert fun, and chances to hear from your own GRAMMY-winning musicians. 

Orchestra After 5: Rachmaninoff’s Keys of Fire

Born into a musical family in Beijing, Yuja Wang began playing the piano at age six, and in her early 20s she debuted with The Philadelphia Orchestra, the New York Philharmonic, and the San Francisco and Chicago symphonies. Her stage presence is electrifying and audiences around the world flock to hear her play, as evidenced by her sold-out Philadelphia Orchestra performances last season. Hear a “rapturously eloquent” pianist of “scintillating brilliance” (The Telegraph, London).

Spotlight Series: Yuja Wang

Nathalie Stutzmann conducts The Philadelphia Orchestra in Mozart’s breathtaking final creation: his Requiem. Drawing from her extensive career as a singer, Stutzmann is uniquely suited to lead this work of grandeur and mystery. The concert also features the popular 1851 revision of Robert Schumann’s Symphony No. 4, a work of grand Romanticism notably weightier than its original orchestration.

Mozart's Requiem at Carnegie Hall

Shrouded in mystery, Mozart’s Requiem has sparked stories since the composer’s tragic, troubled death at age 35. Writing in a creative frenzy, pouring out his genius in an attempt to improve his fortunes while fearing his impending death, he put everything he had into this astonishing masterpiece. Blazing with theatricality and weighted with sorrow, it remains beloved by audiences more than two centuries after its first performance. This program also includes Robert Schumann’s brooding and passionate Fourth Symphony.

Mozart’s Requiem

The Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts present the All City Middle School Festival Concert on Tuesday, April 16, at 7:00 PM at the Kimmel Center's Verizon Hall. The All City Middle School Jazz Band, Concert Band, and String Orchestra will perform. Join us as we celebrate a night of music education!

 All City Middle School Music Festival Concert

Over the course of a decades-long friendship, internationally renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma and virtuoso pianist Kathyrn Stott have developed a kind of secret communication, a wellspring of shared inspiration that creates perfectly attuned, absolutely brilliant performances. It’s easy to get lost in their music: “like champion dancers who anticipate each other’s moves … their playing is elegant and from the heart”.

Spotlight Series: Yo-Yo Ma and Kathryn Stott

Gustav Mahler said that his music was “about life” and in it you hear all that the heart can feel: sorrow, joy, triumph, tragedy, hope, despair. His Seventh Symphony’s unusual orchestral effects, from the opening tenor horn solo to the inclusion of such instruments as guitar, mandolin, cowbell, and tam-tam (gong), create a dramatic soundscape that transports the listener. It’s paired here with beautiful songs by his wife, Alma, whose own composing career was hindered by their tumultuous marriage.

Yannick Conducts Mahler’s Symphony No. 7

“Listening to Schiff play is like looking into a running stream and seeing all the colorful, round pebbles beneath the water” (San Jose Mercury). Who better than this virtuoso to perform a pair of beloved piano classics? Mozart’s sorrowful and serene Piano Concerto No. 27 and Haydn’s ebullient Piano Concerto in D major showcase this artist’s gifts, and the Orchestra shines in Schubert’s boldly melodic Second Symphony.

Haydn, Schubert, and Mozart

Prokofiev conceived his fiery Fifth as “a symphony of the greatness of the human spirit.” This dramatic work caps a program of brilliant colors and unusual instrumentation: Guillaume Connesson’s Concerto da Requiem, alternately macabre and ethereal, the perfect showcase for Verizon Hall’s incredible Fred J. Cooper Memorial Organ; and Claude Debussy’s dreamy Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun, with harps and unusual string shadings conjuring images of nymphs frolicking in a glade.

Prokofiev’s Fifth Symphony

A pair of glorious classics! Carl Orff’s Carmina burana seizes the sonic imagination with its roaring choruses, pulse-raising rhythms, monastic chants, and sighing lyricism, filled with poems of youth bursting with love and longing. And audience favorite Emanuel Ax performs Mozart’s grand Piano Concerto No. 25 under the baton of Italian conductor Fabio Luisi, hailed for his “exhilarating, thrilling, dynamic” performances (San Francisco Classical Voice).

Beethoven’s genius illuminates these concerts. His final Piano Concerto, the “Emperor” is one of his noblest, from its bold opening movement through the hushed and haunting Adagio to the dazzling finale. Hear it performed by Van Cliburn International Piano Competition Gold Medalist Haochen Zhang. This dazzling program ends with Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7, a lyrical, joyous call to dance.

All Beethoven

With an astonishing five Oscars and 25 GRAMMY Awards, John Williams is one of the most beloved composers of all time, having written unforgettable music for the screen as well as the concert hall. Join Williams and long-time friend Yo-Yo Ma for a performance of the composer’s sublime Cello Concerto, along with selections from some of his beloved film scores.

John Williams with Yo-Yo Ma

One of the most celebrated violinists of his era, Joshua Bell made his Philadelphia Orchestra debut at 14. His career has embraced acclaimed recordings, dozens of awards, and performances that have taken him from the White House to Hollywood. He performs two passionate works, thrill rides of emotion from Henri Vieuxtemps and Ernest Chausson. The program closes with Brahms’s First Symphony—lush, dramatic, and romantic in every sense of the word.

Joshua Bell Returns

Caught up in the shifting political currents of Stalinist Russia, Shostakovich was forced to cancel the 1936 premiere of his Fourth Symphony—and it would be 25 years before the work was heard. Shostakovich described it at one point as “a monumental, programmatic piece of great ideas and great passions.” Big and bold, it’s the perfect showcase for conductor Tugan Sokhiev, acclaimed for his “imposing, powerful” performances.

Shostakovich’s Fourth Symphony

Baroque meets tango in this pairing of Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons with Argentinian composer Astor Piazzolla’s The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires. It’s a fascinating juxtaposition, hearing Vivaldi’s silvery, singing strings followed by Piazzolla’s dramatic dance rhythms—and a brilliant showcase for Philadelphia Orchestra Concertmaster David Kim, hailed for his “scintillating, silken tone” (New York Classical Review). Topped by Mozart’s grand Symphony No. 39, this is a concert to remember.

Vivaldi and Mozart

From Mozart to Berlioz to Britten, great composers have poured their souls into settings of the requiem mass. Unique among them is Brahms’s utterly beautiful A German Requiem, written after the death of his mother, with its emphasis not on the dead, but on those left behind; not on loss, but on the joy of remembrance. Cuban-Canadian composer Luis Ernesto Peña Laguna wrote Oraison in reaction to the COVID-19 pandemic. Sung in four languages, it ends on a note of joyful hope. This not-to-be-missed concert reunites Yannick and preeminent violinist Gil Shaham—always an exciting collaboration—in the world premiere of Mason Bates’s Violin Concerto.

Brahms’s German Requiem

Hear masterworks by three superstar composers who changed the course of music in the early 20th century: Stravinsky’s Petrushka, a mashup of 16th-century puppet storytelling, Russian folktales, and his signature bold rhythms; The Threepenny Opera composer Kurt Weill’s theatrical Second Symphony; and George Gershwin’s brilliant Rhapsody in Blue, celebrating its 100th anniversary with a performance by legendary jazz pianist Marcus Roberts and his Trio, who reveal new treasures in every improvisational performance.

Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue

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

Lunar New Year

Acclaimed Polish conductor Anna Sułkowska-Migoń makes her Philadelphia Orchestra debut leading a brilliant blend of music embracing Eastern and Western cultures. It begins with a new work for pipa (Chinese lute) by Pulitzer Prize–winning composer Du Yun, performed by virtuoso Wu Man—“a one-woman force of nature” (Gramophone)—and ends with Tchaikovsky’s achingly beautiful Fifth Symphony, a wild ride of emotions that leaves the listener breathless.

Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5

GRAMMY Award–winning violinist Gil Shaham conducts and performs in this all-Mozart program. “A virtuoso and a player of deeply intense sincerity” (The New York Times), Shaham is a favorite with audiences and musicians alike, and his performances of Mozart reveal not just his phenomenal talent but his deep love for the composer’s music.

All Mozart

A highlight of the holiday calendar, this concert offers a spectacular way to mark the close of the old year and the dawning of the new! Leading the program of beloved favorites is conductor Thomas Wilkins, famed for eliciting “electrifying” sounds from his orchestras, with “musicianship that generates passion and excitement from his players” (Sarasota Observer). Make your plans now for an unforgettable celebration!

New Year’s Eve Celebration

It’s hard to imagine a more fascinating character to conduct Handel’s Messiah than Nicholas McGegan—unless, of course, you could raise Handel himself to do the job. Regarded as one of foremost experts on Baroque music, McGegan has a scholarly obsession that informs his wonderfully witty writings and stage commentary, making him a favorite of audiences. Experience this beloved classic in the hands of a master, a joy to be shared this holiday season.

Messiah

You can almost hear the stamping of the reindeer hooves on the roof in these concerts, beloved by fans since the iconic The Glorious Sound of Christmas® recording with Eugene Ormandy and the Orchestra was released in 1962. Acclaimed guest conductor William Eddins leads this rousing celebration, and the Orchestra’s own Charlotte Blake Alston adds charm and history to the occasion. Order early to reserve the best seats for a joyful holiday celebration with family and friends!

The Glorious Sound of Christmas

Yannick and pianist Hélène Grimaud have performed together around the world, and their inspired partnership shines in this performance of Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 20, a showcase for Grimaud’s acclaimed artistry. In Yannick and the Orchestra’s continuing exploration of the music of the great 20th-century composer Florence Price, you’ll hear her Fourth Symphony, a boldly hued work that incorporates melodies from spirituals, including a beautifully orchestrated theme from “Wade in the Water.”

Yannick and Hélène Grimaud Reunite

Mahler’s First Symphony is an epic musical journey, overflowing with images of nature, bursting with emotion, and ending in triumph. This classic is a mighty finale to a program that includes the United States premiere of a piano concerto by Peruvian composer Jimmy López Bellido performed by Javier Perianes, “a player of great elegance and understated flamboyance … with exquisite grace and a wonderful lightness of touch” (The Guardian).

Mahler’s Symphony No. 1

Bored with the same old scare-and-scream routine, Pumpkin King Jack Skellington longs to spread the joy of Christmas. But his merry mission puts Santa in jeopardy and creates a nightmare for good little boys and girls everywhere in Tim Burton’s stop-action animation classic. Your Philadelphia Orchestra performs the brilliantly evocative Danny Elfman score live as the film plays on a giant screen above the stage—an unforgettable holiday season treat.

Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas and Philadelphia Orchestra Family Concerts will be available through the Family Discovery Series later in the spring.

Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas

Hear Your Philadelphia Orchestra’s legendary strings in full bloom in Beethoven’s “Pastoral” Symphony, with its lovely evocations of forest strolls and meadow rambles. American conductor David Robertson, known for his “strikingly fresh” (The New York Times) approach to classics, reveals new beauty in this beloved work. Haydn’s dashing First Cello Concerto is a bravura showcase for Principal Cello Hai-Ye Ni. The concert begins with a new commission by Pulitzer Prize–winning composer Julia Wolfe, who imbues her music with an intense physicality and relentless power.

Beethoven’s “Pastoral” Symphony

Few young conductors have received more glowing reviews in recent years than Mirga Gražintė-Tyla, whose graceful, full-body conducting style is “magical” (San Francisco Chronicle). She leads a program of classics that spark the imagination including Haydn’s vibrant First Horn Concerto—featuring Principal Horn Jennifer Montone—and Bruckner’s brilliant Sixth Symphony, with its shifting moods and passages of majesty and mystery.

Mirga Conducts Bruckner

Fan’s choice: Pick your performance, pick your Rachmaninoff symphony! Rachmaninoff’s dark, brooding First Symphony swirls with drama and mystery, while his Second is warm and melodious. The heart of this brilliantly hued program is the world premiere of a new concerto created for Principal Bassoon Daniel Matsukawa by Clarice Assad, a Brazilian-American composer hailed for her evocative colors, rich textures, and stylistic range.

Yannick Conducts Rachmaninoff

From the opening notes of Brahms’s First Piano Concerto you know you’re in for a thrill. It’s the perfect showcase for the immensely talented Daniil Trifonov. Capping the program is a mood-boosting, melodic work by the great American composer William Grant Still, who wrote his Symphony No. 4 as a tribute to the optimism, energy, humor, and warmth of the American people. Anna Clyne’s This Moment is a “meditative reflection on [Zen Master and peace activist] Thich Nhat Hanh’s words ‘The practice of peace and reconciliation is one of the most vital and artistic of human actions.’” The piece is also inspired by Japanese and Buddhist calligraphy.

Trifonov Plays Brahms

Revel in the "lovely, natural, warm sound" (Gramophone) of "a God-touched voice" (The New York Times) when this Tony-, GRAMMY-, and Emmy-winning star of stage and screen returns! Winner of more Tony Awards (six) than any other actress in history, Audra McDonald has won rave reviews for her many Broadway roles and has become a favorite with television audiences (CBS's The Good Wife and The Good Fight and the HBO hit The Gilded Age).

Audra McDonald

Yannick and Your Philadelphia Orchestra begin the Orchestra’s 124th season with a spectacular celebration! Shostakovich’s Cello Concerto No. 1—fiendishly challenging for the player and deeply rewarding for the audience—showcases 19-time GRAMMY® winner Yo-Yo Ma at the peak of his artistry. Jennifer Higdon’s Fanfare Ritmico bursts with energy. Rachmaninoff’s Symphonic Dances, his final composition and the coda to a life of astonishing gifts, is a masterpiece of rhythmic propulsion, lyricism, and colorful orchestration.

Opening Night

Celebrate the 30th anniversary of Jurassic Park with us on Saturday, July 22! Experience the film like never before: projected in HD with The Philadelphia Orchestra performing John Williams’s iconic score live to picture on three giant screens.

This action-packed adventure pits man against prehistoric predators in the ultimate battle for survival. Featuring visually stunning imagery and groundbreaking special effects, this epic film is sheer movie magic 65 million years in the making. Welcome ... to Jurassic Park!

Jurassic Park in Concert

Don’t miss an unforgettable night of music as Amos Lee and his hometown Philadelphia Orchestra perform together for the first time ever on July 20 at the TD Pavilion at the Mann! Lee’s signature blend of introspective folk, rock, and soul will reach new heights in this collaboration with the Orchestra.

WXPN Welcomes Amos Lee

In celebration of hip-hop’s 50th anniversary, The Philadelphia Orchestra and West Philadelphia rapper Chill Moody will perform Black Metropolis by composer Darin Atwater. This one-of-a-kind composition explores the pillars of hip-hop and Black culture through an architecture of sound. In addition to the great Philadelphia Orchestra, this evening will also feature rappers, DJs, dancers, choirs, and visual artists. Join us for this free concert debuting at the TD Pavilion at the Mann on July 19!

Black Metropolis

The Mann is thrilled to present Star Wars: The Force Awakens live in concert on Saturday, June 24. The Philadelphia Orchestra will play Oscar®-winning composer John Williams’s musical score live as the film is projected on three giant screens. Pack a picnic and join us for a perfect summer night under the stars!

Since the release of the first Star Wars movie over 40 years ago, the Star Wars saga has had a seismic impact on both cinema and culture, inspiring audiences around the world with its mythic storytelling, captivating characters, groundbreaking special effects, and iconic musical scores composed by Williams. The Mann presented Star Wars: A New Hope in 2018, Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back in 2019, Star Wars: Return of the Jedi in 2022, and now, in 2023, Star Wars: The Force Awakens with The Philadelphia Orchestra.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens in Concert

Few singer-songwriters have enjoyed the success and influence of Joni Mitchell, Carole King, and Carly Simon. Fifty years ago, these talented musicians channeled the changing role of women into pop music classics that have endured across generations. More than simply crafting great songs, these three have expanded what music was, drawing on new and deeply personal styles that have resonated with millions of fans and continue to inspire the stars of today, from Madonna to Adele to Taylor Swift.

Join us as we celebrate these maverick artists and their incredible catalog of music in exciting new arrangements for symphony orchestra. Ted Sperling brings his unique touch to curating the program, and a superbly talented trio of female vocalists will thrill you with new and familiar renditions of the soundtrack of your life!

The Trailblazing Music of Joni Mitchell, Carole King, and Carly Simon

What could be better than an idyllic summer night in Fairmount Park complete with Tchaikovsky, stunning skyline views, a picnic, and fireworks? Our beloved summer tradition returns to TD Pavilion at the Mann on June 20 as Paolo Bortolameolli leads The Philadelphia Orchestra in timeless Tchaikovsky pieces, culminating in an epic display of fireworks!

Join us for this free organ recital as audience favorite Peter Richard Conte returns to perform beloved works on the incredible Fred J. Cooper Memorial Organ.

Free Event: Organ Recital Featuring Peter Richard Conte

With its ravishing melodies, soaring arias, and romantic story of love among young artists in Paris, Puccini’s La bohème has captured the hearts of audiences since its 1896 premiere. Yannick Nézet-Séguin leads this theatrically enhanced performance, with acclaimed soloists in costume performing amid creative props and set pieces as the Orchestra brings Puccini’s immortal score vividly to life.

A theatrically inspired presentation blends the best of the concert and opera experience. The Orchestra performs on stage instead of in the pit, bringing the full power and intricacies of the score front and center.

On May 18, The Philadelphia Orchestra and Music and Artistic Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin will return to the Mann for an evening that is certainly not to be missed. The power of music will undoubtedly be felt as one of the world’s preeminent orchestras and most prestigious Historically Black College and University choirs perform together in the acoustically renowned TD Pavilion.

The first half of this momentous evening will feature the GRAMMY®-nominated and Emmy Award–winning Morgan State University Choir led by Director Dr. Eric Conway. The Morgan State University Choir has performed for audiences throughout the United States and worldwide—including the Virgin Islands, Canary Islands, Canada, Africa, Asia, and Europe. One of their most historical moments was performing under the baton of Robert Shaw at Carnegie Hall’s 100th Birthday Tribute to Marian Anderson.

During the second half, Nézet-Séguin will conduct the world-class Philadelphia Orchestra and Morgan State University Choir performing Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, one of the towering masterworks of classical music. With its choral finale extolling the wish for peace and tolerance for all, the Ninth has become more than a symphony—it is a worldwide cultural icon. With an acclaimed group of soloists, the Morgan State University Choir, the “Fabulous Philadelphians,” and our spectacular setting, we predict a supreme summer evening.

Beethoven’s Ninth

The Philadelphia Orchestra and the Kimmel Cultural Campus join together in a new gala celebration to benefit the great stages of the Academy of Music, the Miller Theater, and the Kimmel Center. The Great Stages Gala—featuring a performance with Music and Artistic Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin, The Philadelphia Orchestra, and a star-studded lineup of special guests—honors our shared history and heralds a new era for the performing arts in Philadelphia.

Join us for an unforgettable performance celebrating more than a century-long commitment to the transformative power of the arts. Led by Music and Artistic Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin and The Philadelphia Orchestra, who will be joined by two artists beloved around the world.

The Philadelphia Orchestra Featuring Renée Fleming and Angélique Kidjo

Join us for a fun and immersive Sound All Around Ensemble Concert! Come dance and sing with members of The Philadelphia Orchestra and our dazzling storyteller and host, Charlotte Blake Alston as they guide us through the entire Orchestra family in a stunning celebration of the history of music. You will be able to get an up-close look at all the special instruments we’ve featured during this season and hear how they sound when they are all put together. You don’t want to miss the final Sound All Around of the season. Come and experience the wonder of live music in a way that’s fun for the whole family!

Sound All Around: Ensemble

Yannick and the Orchestra explore the transcendent power of stories through the works of Composer-in-Residence Gabriela Lena Frank and Hector Berlioz. Frank's Walkabout is inspired by travels to her mother's homeland of Peru. Inspired by his own life, Hector Berlioz depicts the drama of an artist’s self-destructive passion through five epic movements in his Symphonie fantastique. From the first flitting feelings of love to opium-inspired visions of the protagonist’s demise, it is a masterpiece brimming with intensity.

Symphonie fantastique

Join us for this free recital as celebrated organist Paul Jacobs performs masterpieces by Johann Sebastian Bach on the incredible Fred J. Cooper Memorial Organ.

Free Event: Organ Recital Featuring Paul Jacobs

Bookended by two of Bruckner’s sacred choral works, the transcendent and unfinished Ninth Symphony, Bruckner’s last , will be performed by Yannick and the Orchestra as the composer wished it: with his soaring Te Deum as its finale. Bruckner considered the Te Deum his masterpiece, calling it “the pride of his life,” and Gustav Mahler, who treasured Bruckner’s score, said it was written “for the tongues of angels.” Savor the infinite beauty of the human voice in this joyful, majestic music, performed by the Philadelphia Symphonic Choir and a cast of acclaimed operatic soloists.

Yannick and Bruckner

Go behind the music with the incomparable Itzhak Perlman in this multi-media program, curated by Tony Award–winning director Dan Sullivan and produced by Elliott Forrest.

Perlman tells his compelling story through music and anecdotes alongside personal photos and clips, while performing with his longtime collaborator Rohan De Silva.

An Evening with Itzhak Perlman

Principal Oboe Philippe Tondre is featured in Strauss’s melodic Oboe Concerto, a stunning example of the oboe’s power as a solo instrument. Inspired by a walking tour through the Scottish Highlands, Mendelssohn’s Third Symphony (“Scottish”) evokes the composer’s reflections on the sweeping landscapes of the British Isles. Also on the program: Anton Webern’s mystical depiction of nature, Im Sommerwind, inspired by Bruno Wille’s poem and given its world premiere by The Philadelphia Orchestra and Eugene Ormandy in 1962, nearly 60 years after its composition.

Strauss and Mendelssohn

Have you ever heard a sound so loud come out of such a tiny instrument? That’s the magic of the trumpet! The trumpet is part of the brass family, and while this family is not the biggest, it is most certainly the loudest in the orchestra. The trumpet and all its siblings can be heard from far, far away so that makes it perfect for getting peoples’ attention! This family includes the trumpet, trombone, French horn, and tuba—all these instruments have very distinct shapes and sounds. Join trumpet player Anthony Prisk of The Philadelphia Orchestra for a thorough guide through this regal instrument family.

Sound All Around: Trumpet

Beethoven’s towering Third Symphony offers a vast ode to heroism, revolution, and freedom. The “Eroica” is considered by many to be the greatest of not just Beethoven's symphonies but the greatest of all time. Hailed by the New York Times as “one of the most admired pianists of his generation,” Inon Barnatan joins conductor Osmo Vänskä and the Orchestra for Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 24. Brooding, poignant themes set this concerto apart from Mozart’s others, along with its composition for a large orchestra featuring oboes and clarinets. Opening the program is Julia Perry’s brilliantly edgy Study for Orchestra.

Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3

Strauss’s Also sprach Zarathustra was already iconic with its epic introduction of earth-shattering chords and bone-shaking timpani hits, but in 1968 it truly launched into popular culture when it was used for the opening of Stanley Kubrick’s Academy Award–winning film 2001: A Space Odyssey. The work became synonymous with space exploration and excitement through a myriad of well-known titles from The Simpsons to Zoolander to Toy Story 2. Now, you can hear it live in an out-of-this-world performance by Your Philadelphia Orchestra! 

Keeping in theme with the stars, composer and jazz pianist Mary Lou Williams’s Zodiac Suite—12 movements inspired by musicians born under each of the astrological signs—dazzles audiences thanks to the tremendous talent of pianist Aaron Diehl and the Aaron Diehl Trio. Conductor Cristian Măcelaru leads the Orchestra in this musical voyage to the outer realms of the galaxy.

A Celestial Odyssey

No matter the genre, Tchaikovsky often infused his works with the spirit of dance, including this Polonaise from his most famous opera.

Tchaikovsky himself conducted the premiere of his “Pathétique” Symphony just a week before his death. Sometimes described as his own personal requiem, it lives on as one of the composer’s most cherished creations.

Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 6

Free family concert! Join us for a special celebration that is part mystery, part history, and 100% brilliant music by a Black woman composer who defied the odds.

The Philadelphia Orchestra teams up with students from Special Music School at Kaufman Music Center to introduce young listeners and families to Florence Price, the pioneering Black woman composer whose work was tragically overlooked during her lifetime. In a performance named for the students’ book, Who Is Florence Price?, conductor Lina Gonzalez-Granados and the Orchestra explore Price’s life, work, and enduring legacy.

Women in History: Who Is Florence Price?

World-renowned musicians Emanuel Ax and Yo-Yo Ma take center stage to perform a duo concert featuring selections from Beethoven and Brahms. Watch and listen as two masters unite in a magical evening that will be unforgettable.

Emanuel Ax and Yo-Yo Ma

Written in 1951, just two years before her death, Florence Price’s beautiful Adoration showcases the sweet serenity of strings. Violinist Joshua Bell leads the Orchestra in this stunning performance.

Written following his arrival in Vienna, Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 12 is “very brilliant, pleasing to the ear, and natural,” in the composer’s own words. Listen for its melodic opulence and thrilling cadenzas. This performance includes a special treat for audiences as Yannick leads the Orchestra from the piano.

Price’s fourth, and final, Symphony, never performed during her lifetime, received accolades when it received its belated premiere in 2018. The New York Times noted: “The brio of the best Americana is present throughout the work, particularly in its rousing climax.”

Yannick Plays Mozart

Explore the enchanting and delightful world of the mischievous adventurer Peer Gynt with Your Philadelphia Orchestra! This charming performance with the Enchantment Theatre Company features life-sized puppets, colorful costumes, dancing, and more—all to bring this captivating story to life. Audiences of all ages will enjoy the tale of this young dreamer; fans of Looney Tunes and Tim Burton will recognize Grieg’s unforgettable melodies, including “Morning–Mood” and “In the Hall of the Mountain King.” Journey with us from the Scandinavian countryside all the way to the magical underground kingdom of the trolls this February!

Philadelphia Orchestra

Sep 20, 2024

Night After Night

Sep 26, 2024

Opening Night Celebration

27 - 29 Sep, 2024

Opening Weekend

3 - 5 Oct, 2024

Yannick Conducts Mahler’s Symphony No. 3

11 - 13 Oct, 2024

Saint-Saëns’s Organ Symphony - PhilOrch

Aug 17, 2024

Disney’s The Lion King in Concert

Aug 16, 2024

Yo-Yo Ma Plays Dvořák

Articles & News

Philadelphia Orchestra