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

He began classical piano studies at age 4 and won a BMI composers award before attending Yale University, where he majored in musical theory and composition.  At Yale, his studies with noted African art theorist Robert Farris Thompson inspired him to immerse himself in the world of Afro-Caribbean music.  Upon returning to NYC he played with, arranged and composed for some of the great salsa artists of the 1970s and 1980s, including Celia Cruz, Ruben Blades, and Daniel Ponce (featuring Tito Puente).  A highlight of this period was an appearance in Rio and São Paolo opening for the legendary João Gilberto in a duo with vocalist Bebel Gilberto. He also toured with David Byrne (“Rei Momo”) as keyboardist and vocalist.

EPSG:4326

Steven Sandberg Quartet

Miller Symphony Hall

As a performer and composer, saxophonist Steven Banks (b. 1993) is striving to bring his instrument to the heart of the classical music world. He is driven to program and write music that directly addresses aspects of the human experience and is an active and intentional supporter of diverse voices in the future of concert music. Rick Perdian of Seen and Heard International has said “one senses that Banks has the potential to be one of the transformational musicians of the twenty-first century.” 

Rhapsody In Blue @ 100

Hear what's "Behind the Notes" as Allentown Symphony Orchestra Music Director/Conductor Diane Wittry leads a talk about the music and plays recorded excerpts for the weekend's concerts from noon to 1:00 PM.

Meet The Artist

Spend a splendid evening in the grandeur of Miller Symphony Hall’s intimate Rodale Room.  The perfect spot to take in an evening of jazz, drink in hand, with the sparkling city lights beyond the arched windows. Now choose your table and seats when you purchase your tickets!

Ben Rosenblum

The songs of Billy Joel come to Miller Symphony Hall from Jeans ‘n Classics in Canada, backed up by the ASO and a rock band.  You’ll hear his greatest hits, such as Piano Man, My Life, Scenes from an Italian Restaurant, Only the Good Die Young, and maybe even…. Allentown!

An Innocent Man - The Music Of Billy Joel

Miller Symphony Hall Presents The Allentown Band’s “a Sousa Band Concert”

Since the beginning of her career, Norwegian trumpeter Tine Thing Helseth has championed the trumpet repertoire amongst audiences on all six continents, meriting the highest critical praise for her soulful, lyrical sound and collaborative approach to music-making. An artist who challenges the boundaries of genre with an intensely creative, open-minded philosophy, Tine’s ever-expanding repertoire ranges from the classical period to contemporary works and new commissions.

Beethoven’s 5th!

Guest artist Tine Thing Helseth, trumpet soloist for this weekend's concerts, will perform selections and join the discussion. You will have the opportunity to ask questions as well.

A world-class saxophonist, flutist, composer and educator, Don Braden’s jazz career has spanned over 40 years. He has toured the world with jazz greats Betty Carter, Wynton Marsalis, Tony Williams, Freddie Hubbard, Roy Haynes, Herbie Hancock and the Hancock Institute, and many others, and has performed in venues as diverse as Carnegie Hall, Saturday Night Live, Harvard University (where he studied Engineering as an undergrad), and countless jazz festivals and clubs. He has played on over 100 CDs as a sideman and has produced 24 as a leader, the most recent being his critically acclaimed Earth Wind and Wonder Volume 2, and In the Spirit of Herbie Hancock & Chemistry, both co-led with bassist Joris Teepe.

Don Braden

Miller Symphony Hall welcomes back Eric Mintel, pianist, and the Eric Mintel Quartet. Eric cites Dave Brubeck as a huge inspiration and in fact, the two men have become friends and made music together.  Eric’s take on jazz is a of a more intellectual variety with a good deal of precision, but still passionate and energetic. 

Eric Mintel Quartet

POISE MEETS SWING Once again on American soil, Lithuanian-born, Paris-based jazz singer Viktorija Gečytė will perform with bassist Gene Perla and his piano/drums trio in New York City, Madison, NJ, and Allentown, Delaware Water Gap, and Easton, PA. Gene formerly toured and recorded with Nina Simone, Sarah Vaughan, Joni Mitchell, Miles Davis, Sonny Rollins, Elvin Jones, and Stone Alliance.

Vik & Gene

Remember When Rock Was Young stars the multiple award winning, multi talented singer/actor/pianist Craig A. Meyer. He is considered to be the best Elton John tribute artist in the market today whose strong vocals, striking resemblance and amazing talent on the piano has audiences everywhere remembering when rock was young.

Remember When Rock Was Young: A Tribute To Sir Elton John Starring Craig A. Meyer

Frank DiBussollo returns to Miller Symphony Hall!  He has performed extensively with  musicians such as Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Dizzy Gillespie and Doc Severenson.  He has recorded extensively as well in his career spanning 60 years and has been nominated 8 times for a grammy award.  Well-educated in music, has both a masters and a doctorate and is quite the teacher himself.  But the best reason to come see him is this observation from jazz guitarist Jimmy Bruno: “It would be hard to imagine anyone playing the guitar better than this.”

Frank Dibussolo

An Ode To Beethoven

In her Met debut, Asmik Grigorian tackles the demanding role of Cio-Cio-San, the trusting geisha at the heart of Puccini’s tragedy. Tenor Jonathan Tetelman is the callous American naval officer Pinkerton whose betrayal destroys her. Mezzo-soprano Elizabeth DeShong is the steadfast maid Suzuki, and baritone Lucas Meachem is the American consul Sharpless. Acclaimed maestro Xian Zhang makes her Met debut conducting Anthony Minghella’s vivid production.

Puccini’s Madama Butterfly

The Contemporary Music Ensemble, TurksHeadKnot, incorporates the discipline and precision of modern classical composition with the expressive flow of jazz improvisation. Their repertoire includes newly commissioned works and compelling arrangements from a wide range of material.

Peter Paulsen’s Turksheadknot Quintet

Capathia Jenkins can definitely act but all those who know her also know that this diva can blow and blow and blow you right off this planet. This woman who grappling with two dueling passions each with a strong grip: acting and music, yet she refuses to pick one because they both represent her soul. Capathia approaches a song the same way she approaches a script, like an artist. She looks for the nuances, the secret hidden within the notes or text. She seeks the melody, harmony and rhythm. She asks herself: what am I trying to say? What do I want my audience to experience with me? She wants to take her audience on a journey.

Ella & Frank

The Allentown Band's Annual Side by Side Concert featuring up to 50 talented area high school students playing "side-by-side" with the Allentown Band, conducted by Ronald Demkee and Guest conductor Col. John Bourgeois, Conductor Emeritus of the "President's Own" Marine Band, Washington, D.C. and guest soloist Joseph Alessi, Principal Trombone, New York Philharmonic.

The Allentown Band 2024 Side By Side Concert

Puccini’s bittersweet love story makes a rare Met appearance, with soprano Angel Blue starring as the sophisticated French courtesan Magda, opposite tenor Jonathan Tetelman in his company debut as Ruggero, an idealistic young man who offers her an alternative to her life of excess. Maestro Speranza Scappucci conducts Nicolas Joël’s Art Deco–inspired staging, which transports audiences from the heart of Parisian nightlife to a dreamy vision of the French Riviera. Soprano Emily Pogorelc and tenor Bekhzod Davronov—both making their Met debuts—complete the cast as Lisette and Prunier.

Puccini’s La Rondine

The Last Thursday Band is a virtuosic ensemble combining diverse musical backgrounds to yield an energetic, powerful mix of classic and contemporary jazz, r&b, and soul with hints of pop, rock and blues.

Last Thursday Band

SEASON FINALE! Living music at its most sublime. The “Ode to Joy” speaks to our wish to all get along with our fellow humans. The tune turns up everywhere, but it is best heard the way genius Beethoven imagined but never heard himself due to his tragic deafness. Beethoven’s greatest work has inspired countless others including our own Music Director/Conductor Diane Wittry to compose her own “Ode to Joy” Fanfare and for the Allentown Symphony to commission a world premiere by rising star composer Joe Jaxson. Plus hear Florence Price’s tender Andante cantabile for String Orchestra and Adolphus Hailstork’s Fanfare on “Amazing Grace.

Beethoven’s Ninth

Hear what’s behind the notes as Diane Wittry leads a talk about the music for the weekend’s concerts with the guest artists.

2024 Young Musicians’ String Festival Concert

The Allentown Band will pay tribute to all the men and women who have served or are currently serving in our country’s armed forces.  This concert honors local veterans and provides the opportunity to share their memories and recollections of all conflicts in the American experience. We will honor Veterans who served during the time of all conflicts including- WW II, Korea, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf, Iraq and Afghanistan. Many local veterans have shared their wartime memoirs with the National Veterans History Project, sponsored by the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. 

The Allentown Band Presents Americans We Tribute To Veterans Holiday Concert

Jim Brickman, the multiple Grammy nominated songwriter and piano sensation is back with his annual holiday tour, a magical evening celebrating music, love, and family.  Join Brickman for this LIVE and joyous concert experience that blends yuletide memories and holiday favorites with his own hit songs such as, “The Gift,” “Sending You a Little Christmas,” “Angel Eyes,” and “If You Believe”.

Jim Brickman Comfort & Joy Holiday Celebration 2024

The magic of RDT's Nutcracker brings enchantment to your holidays! Professional guest artists are joined by a cast of 100 dancers with Tchaikovsky’s beloved score performed live by the Allentown Symphony Orchestra.

Rdt’s Nutcracker

Peter & Will Anderson present the work of the American icon and legendary Tin Pan Alley songwriter, Irving Berlin. His masterpieces include Blue Skies, Puttin' on the Ritz, Cheek to Cheek, What'll I Do, There's No Business Like Show Business, and White Christmas.  George Gershwin declared that Berlin was "the greatest composer that ever lived."

The Anderson Brothers Playing Irving Berlin

A sell-out every year and now an Allentown holiday music tradition!  Classics, carols, sing-a-longs and plenty of surprises (including a visit from a certain North Pole resident!). Perfect for family, friends, and co-workers.

Holiday Pops!

Explore the early music that started the Blues and is at the heart and soul of nearly every form of popular music of the past 100 years, as we pay tribute to Bessie Smith, Billie Holiday, Ma Rainey, Louis Armstrong, and more – these are the first musical legends who sang their way into history.

Nothin’ But The Blues - Louis Armstrong, Billy Holiday, And More

Soprano Sherezade Panthaki enjoys ongoing international collaborations with many of the world’s leading conductors including Nicholas McGegan, Masaaki Suzuki, Martin Haselböck, Mark Morris, Nicholas Kraemer, Matthew Halls, Stephen Stubbs, and Gary Wedow. Celebrated for her “full, luxuriously toned upper range” (The Los Angeles Times), and “astonishing coloratura with radiant top notes” (Calgary Herald) particularly in the music of Bach and Handel, recent seasons have included performances with the New York Philharmonic, Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra, Bach Collegium Japan, Wiener Akademie (Austria), NDR Hannover Radiophilharmonie (Germany), the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Boston Early Music Festival, Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra (Canada), Minnesota Orchestra, St. Louis Symphony, Calgary Philharmonic, Houston Symphony, Seattle Symphony, Mark Morris Dance Group, St. Thomas Church Fifth Avenue New York, The Choir and Orchestra of Trinity Wall Street, and Voices of Music. Ms. Panthaki is no stranger to classical and modern concert repertoire; she is in high demand for her interpretations of Mozart, Haydn, Mendelssohn, Brahms, Poulenc, and Orff, as well as numerous new music premieres. Her discography includes the recently released recording of Handel’s Joseph and his Brethren with Nicholas McGegan and Philharmonia Baroque, solo Bach cantatas with the Cantata Collective, and Graupner’s opera Antiochus und Stratonica with the Boston Early Music Festival.

Mahler & Wagner

Based on the principles of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math), this family concert illustrates many parallels between music and the living parts of an ecosystem.  Balance and diversity are just two of the concepts presented through music composed by Mozart, Bach, Copland and others. 

Aso Family Concert: Mozart, Copland & The Natural World

Eduardo Azzati (he, him, his) is a versatile musician with 35+ years of experience as voice instructor, vocal coach, choral and instrumental conductor, singer, music educator and keyboardist.

During the late 80’s and 90’s he gained popularity as a soloist and choral conductor in his homeland, Argentina, where he directed many choral and orchestral ensembles and sang with important orchestras, including the National Symphony Orchestra.

Copland’s Fanfare & Brahms

Tchaikovsky’s 5th!

Enjoy some of the best music ever written for the cinema, including Star Wars, Schindler's List and other pieces by John Williams, as well as cinematic music by Elmer Bernstein (Magnificent 7), James Horner (Titanic, Avatar), Enrico Morricone, Marvin Hamlish, and more!

Night At The Movies - John Williams And More

Since 2008, Brass Transit has toured North America steadily, dazzling audiences with  flawless performances and spectacular attention to detail. Hits like, Saturday In The Park, 25 or 6 To 4, If You Leave Me Now, Feelin’ Stronger Every Day and You’re The Inspiration have left crowds in awe, inspiring multiple standing ovations and comments like: “Spine-Tingling!” “Brought me back to my youth!” and “Perfect in every detail!”

Miller Symphony Hall

Nov 17, 2024

The Allentown Band Presents Americans We Tribute To Veterans Holiday Concert

Nov 23, 2024

Jim Brickman Comfort & Joy Holiday Celebration 2024

7 - 8 Dec, 2024

Rdt’s Nutcracker

Dec 13, 2024

The Anderson Brothers Playing Irving Berlin

Dec 21, 2024

Holiday Pops!

Nov 15, 2024

Steven Sandberg Quartet

9 - 10 Nov, 2024

Rhapsody In Blue @ 100

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Miller Symphony Hall