Catch a Classical Music Concert in Philadelphia

Looking to add a little culture to your life? Check out our roundup of the best classical music concerts happening in Philadelphia this month.

Introduction

Classical music fans rejoice! The Philadelphia area is home to a plethora of concert venues, ranging from the intimate to the grandiose. Whether you’re in the mood for a string quartet or a full symphony orchestra, there’s sure to be a performance to your liking. Check out our guide to catch a classical music concert in Philadelphia.

A Brief History of Classical Music in Philadelphia

The history of classical music in Philadelphia is a long and varied one. From the early days of colonial America, when music was brought over by the first settlers, to the present day, Philadelphia has been home to many famous classical composers and performers. Let’s take a look at some of the most notable figures in the history of classical music in Philadelphia.

The Philadelphia Orchestra

Founded in 1900, The Philadelphia Orchestra is one of the “Big Five” American orchestras, and has long been considered one of the world’s finest. The Orchestra’s home is the acclaimed Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, which opened in 2001 and provides an acoustically superb setting for Philadelphia’s musical gem.

Under the baton of Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin, The Philadelphia Orchestra continues its commitment to artistic excellence and innovation. Through his energy and vision, Maestro Nézet-Séguin is moving the Orchestra into a new Golden Age, broadening its reach locally, nationally, and internationally.

The Philadelphia Orchestra has always been dedicated to education and community engagement. Every year, tens of thousands of children and adults experience live orchestral music through these initiatives: HearO!, a free downloadable app that brings classical music to young people; 6abc Holiday Concerts for school children; Very Young People’s Concerts; Neighborhood concerts; teaching artist programs in local schools; Family Concert matinees; podcasts; live streaming of select concerts; and more.

The Curtis Institute of Music

The Curtis Institute of Music, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is one of the world’s premier music schools. It was founded in 1924 by Mary Louise Curtis Bok, the daughter of Cyrus H. K. Curtis, who was the publisher of The Ladies’ Home Journal and the Saturday Evening Post. The school offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music, as well as artist diploma and an advanced certificate in opera studies.

The Curtis Institute of Music is one of the most selective music schools in the world, with an acceptance rate of less than 5%. Each year, hundreds of young musicians from around the world audition for a spot in the school’s freshman class. Of those who audition, only a handful are accepted into the program.

The Curtis Institute of Music has produced some of the world’s greatest musicians, including Leonard Bernstein, Samuel Barber, composer Gian Carlo Menotti, jazz pianist Bill Evans, and cellist Yo-Yo Ma.

The Philadelphia Singers

The Philadelphia Singers is a professional chorus based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The organization was founded in 1974 by David Hayes, then a student at the Curtis Institute of Music. The Philadelphia Singers began as an auditioned volunteer choir, but Hayes soon transformed it into a professional ensemble. The organization now consists of four ensembles: a concert chorus, a chamber chorus, an orchestra, and a music education program.

The Philadelphia Singers have performed with many of the city’s major musical organizations, including the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Pennsylvania Ballet, and Opera Philadelphia. The ensemble has toured throughout the United States and Europe, and has been featured on television and radio programs such as PBS’s “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” and NPR’s “Performance Today.”

The Philadelphia Singers is committed to commissioning new works by American composers. In 2018, the ensemble premiered “To Touch the Sky,” a work by composer Joel Thompson that was inspired by the life and work of astronaut Mae Jemison. The chorus has also commissioned works by Christopher Theofanidis, Max Richter, Vincent Persichetti, and Steven Sametz.

The Best Places to Catch a Classical Music Concert in Philadelphia

Looking to catch a classical music concert in Philadelphia? The city is rich in culture and history, and its music scene is no exception. From the world-renowned Philadelphia Orchestra to up-and-coming soloists, there are plenty of places to enjoy a classical music concert in Philadelphia.

The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts

The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts is one of Philadelphia’s most popular venues for classical music concerts. The state-of-the-art facility offers superb acoustics and is home to the world-renowned Philadelphia Orchestra. The Kimmel Center also plays host to a wide variety of other classical music ensembles, including the Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia and the Curtis Institute of Music.

The Academy of Music

The Academy of Music in Philadelphia is the oldest opera house in the United States and a National Historic Landmark. The grand building on Broad Street has been home to the Pennsylvania Ballet and the Opera Company of Philadelphia, and it remains one of the city’s most beloved concert venues. The 2,500-seat Academy of Music presents a wide range of musical programming throughout the year, from popular Broadway musicals to world-renowned orchestras and soloists.

The Philadelphia Museum of Art

Founded in 1876, the Philadelphia Museum of Art is one of the largest museums in the United States. The museum’s collection includes more than 227,000 objects from around the world. The museum is also home to a concert hall that hosts a variety of musical performances throughout the year.

Conclusion

classical music concert in Philadelphia is a great way to spend an evening. There are many different venues to choose from, and each one offers a unique experience. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed atmosphere or a more spirited one, you’re sure to find a concert that you enjoy.