The Wildflower Composers Festival and the future of contemporary music

A concert in collaboration with the Arcana New Music Ensemble

In its fifth year, the Wildflower Composers Festival continues to push for the equitable inclusion of gender-marginalized composers. David W. Webber previews.

David W. Webber

Jul 13, 2022 · Previews · 3 minute read

The Delaware Symphony Orchestra presents Gershwin and Rachmaninoff

A smashing conclusion

A program of iconic works by Gershwin and Rachmaninoff, originally intended as the Delaware Symphony Orchestra’s season opener, made a smashing conclusion instead. Gail Obenreder reviews.

Gail Obenreder

Jun 07, 2022 · Reviews · 5 minute read

The Philadelphia Orchestra and the Philadelphia Symphonic Choir present Beethoven’s Ninth

Finding joy in troubled times

An energetic rendition of Beethoven’s Ninth opened with a new commission by Philadelphia Orchestra composer-in-residence Gabriela Lena Frank, a short but dramatic work of rich orchestral color. Linda Holt reviews.

Linda Holt

Jun 07, 2022 · Reviews · 3 minute read

PhilHarmonia and Nashirah present Singing from the Heart: A Benefit Concert for the Children of Ukraine

Filling the silence with music

PhilHarmonia hosts a benefit concert for Ukraine's largest children's hospital, featuring a performance from the Dzvin Ukrainian Male Folk Choir. Mina Reinckens previews.

Mina Reinckens

Jun 01, 2022 · Previews · 2 minute read

Piffaro, the Renaissance Band presents The Musical Legacy of Charles V

The life and travels of a king—and of Piffaro

For the close of its 38th season and a major leadership transition, Piffaro’s tribute to the life of Charles V examines musical legacies then and now. Gail Obenreder reviews.

Gail Obenreder

May 23, 2022 · Reviews · 4 minute read

Ars Nova Workshop presents Lea Bertucci’s Of Shadow and Substance

An explosion of music

With a world-premiere commission by composer and sound artist Lea Bertucci, Ars Nova Workshop presented a musical meditation on the 2019 Philadelphia Energy Solutions refinery explosion. Aaron Pond reviews.

Aaron Pond

May 10, 2022 · Reviews · 3 minute read

Intercultural Journeys presents The Frances Suite

Walking out from the shadows

Intercultural Journeys presents The Frances Suite, a musical portrayal of 19th-century Philadelphia activist, speaker, and writer Frances Ellen Watkins Harper, by composer Ruth Naomi Floyd. Melissa Strong reviews.

Melissa Strong

May 09, 2022 · Reviews · 4 minute read

PCMS presents the Musical Fund Society of Philadelphia’s 200th Anniversary Concert

Still vibrant at 202 (and counting)

The Musical Fund Society of Philadelphia marked its bicentennial in 2020, and was finally able to celebrate with four commissioned Philly-inspired premieres by world-class contemporary composers. Margaret Darby reviews.

Margaret Darby

May 03, 2022 · Reviews · 4 minute read

The Philadelphia Orchestra presents Gil Shaham playing Vivaldi's Four Seasons

Seasons of love

The Philadelphia Orchestra’s string players took the spotlight in a performance anchored by Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, with guest soloist Gil Shaham. Cameron Kelsall reviews.

Cameron Kelsall

May 02, 2022 · Reviews · 3 minute read

Tempesta di Mare presents On Tour from Dresden

20 years a tempo and counting

Gail Obenreder looks at Tempesta di Mare as they celebrate their 20th anniversary and debut On Tour from Dresden, a film about their March 2022 Germany tour.

Gail Obenreder

Apr 20, 2022 · Profiles · 4 minute read