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Convoco, Sunday Serenades, Orchestra in the Garden, and more
BSR Classical Interludes, June 27-July 14, 2024
Gail Obenreder
Outdoor events are popping up, but there are still some musical fireworks even if you want to stay indoors. Two ensembles going on tour will offer their concert before setting out—one in Philadelphia and one in Wilmington—and at PAFA, there’s a new series of museum recitals. There’s a splashy day full of free activities at the Kimmel, and for the Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia’s last summertime concert, you can decide whether you want to hear it indoors or outdoors—or both!
Convoco: The Long Day Closes: Songs of Sun and Shadow
Thursday, June 27, 7:30pm
First & Central Presbyterian Church, 1101 North Market Street, Wilmington
This ambitious new choral ensemble’s first outings have been distinguished by fine singing—and by the fact that they are a collective, working without a designated leader. This themed a cappella concert—programmed around summer days, summer nights, and summer elements—features 13 Convoco vocalists singing works by Byrd, Coleridge-Taylor, Elgar, Gjeilo, Lawson, Shaw, Wilbye, and others. A reception follows the performance, which is free with a requested donation. It’s the first stop on their summer tour: after Wilmington, they’ll be in Baltimore on Friday, June 28, and in Reston, Virginia, on Saturday, June 29.
Party on the Plaza
Saturday, June 29, 12-7 pm
Kimmel Center, 300 South Broad Street, Philadelphia
This free event is sponsored by Ensemble Arts Philly and the Philadelphia Orchestra. It’s a day-long series of festival-style performances and activities. Unfortunately, the free orchestra concert inside Marian Anderson Hall is fully subscribed, but all the other activities, including performances by Philly musicians and Broadway cast members, are open to the public. The celebration, which is being held in association with Wawa Welcome America and the Avenue of the Arts, extends that outdoor block party inside the air-conditioned Plaza.
PAFA Sunday Serenades
Sunday, June 30, and Sunday, July 7, 12:30pm
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, Historic Landmark Building, 118 North Broad Street, Philadelphia
This new Sunday series at PAFA features three solo recitals by players from the Philadelphia Orchestra. Sadly, the first one (featuring violinist Willa Finck) has already come and gone, but there are two more in the series. On June 30, orchestra cellist Bob Cafaro will play a selection of unaccompanied cello suites by J.S. Bach, and on July 7, Ren Martin-Doike will also offer the Bach cello suites, this time played on the viola. Concerts are free with PAFA admission. Performances in the Historic Landmark Building take place within the galleries where Artists as Cultivators is on view and are free with PAFA admission.
Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia: Orchestra in the Garden, Mozart’s Gran Partita
Thursday, June 27, 7pm
Church of the Holy Trinity, 1904 Walnut Street, Philadelphia
Saturday, June 29, 7pm
Stoneleigh, 1829 East County Line Road, Villanova
This terrific ensemble rounds out their summer series with two more concerts, one indoors and one al fresco. So, you can pick whether to go indoors or stay outside! The orchestra will offer two great works by Mozart—the charming Overture to Le Nozze di Figaro and the beautiful B-flat major Serenade No. 10 for Winds. At Stoneleigh, audiences are welcome to arrive an hour before the concert to picnic or enjoy the gardens.
Curtis on Tour (Preview Performance)
Sunday, July 14, 3pm
Field Concert Hall, 1726 Locust Street, Philadelphia
In July, before Curtis on Tour sets out for Curtis in Nantucket (where they’ll spend a week), they’ll offer a Philly preview performance. The ensemble consists of violist Roberto Díaz (Curtis president and CEO), Brazilian American soprano Sophia Hunt; clarinetist Sara Han (from Seoul, South Korea), and Chinese pianist Ying Li. The program includes Shubert’s song “The Shepherd on the Rock”; works by Curtis alums like Leonard Bernstein (Sonata for Clarinet and Piano and others), Ned Rorem (“Alleluia”), and Samuel Barber (songs); along with works by Foss and Bruch. The concert is free, but advance registration is required.
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