Second Season Arts: Classical/Opera
Please note: This article is published as an archive copy from Philadelphia City Paper. My City Paper is not affiliated with Philadelphia City Paper. Philadelphia City Paper was an alternative weekly newspaper in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The last edition was published on October 8, 2015.
Concerts of the future — today!
Academy of Vocal Arts
Ah, La Boheme; the ultimate first opera experience. The manliest of men are known to weep at the famous final scene. Feb. 7-14, Helen Corning Warden Theater, 1920 Spruce St.; Feb. 17 and 19, Centennial Hall, Haverford School, 450 W. Lancaster Ave., Haverford, Pa.; avaopera.org.
Mendelssohn Club of Philadelphia
Bach’s setting of “St. Matthew Passion” is one of mankind’s great artistic achievements. This concert will be a recreation of the massive 1829 revival of the work by Felix Mendelssohn. Feb. 8, Girard College Chapel, 2101 S. College Ave., mcchorus.org.
Philadelphia Orchestra
Valery Gergiev, one of the most exciting conductors of our time, leads a program of three of his Russian compatriots: Stravinsky, Shostakovich and Prokofiev. Feb. 12-13, Kimmel Center, 300 S. Broad St., philorch.org.
Temple University Symphony Orchestra and Chorus
We are extremely fortunate to have at least four superb orchestras in this town, two of which belong to music schools. TUSO has never sounded better, and their annual Kimmel Center concert is a great showcase, especially with music by Tchaikovsky, American composer Michael Daugherty and the ethereal “Symphony of Psalms” from Stravinsky. March 22, Kimmel Center, kimmelcenter.org.
Orchestra 2001
The influence of George Crumb, one of our great living composers, will resonate for years, not just for the unique power of his work, but for the scores of superb students he has taught at Penn. This concert celebrates his 85th birthday. March 27, Lang Concert Hall, Swarthmore College, 500 College Ave., Swarthmore; March 29, Curtis Institute, 1616 Locust St., orchestra2001.org.
Takács Quartet
Ensemble music making just doesn’t get any better than this kind of string-quartet playing. This extraordinary Budapest-based foursome presents a magnificent program of Haydn, Debussy and Beethoven. April 9, Kimmel Center, pcmsconcerts.org.
Network for New Music
Michael Hersch is quickly emerging as one of the most important composers of his generation. His music is wildly imaginative and not a little bit dark. This tantalizing concert also includes music by the excellent Philadelphia composers Jan Krzywicki and David Ludwig. April 19, Curtis Institute, networkfornewmusic.org.
Curtis Opera Theater
Stravinsky’s opera The Rake’s Progress shows off the great man’s witty side in this classic satire. This is a fully staged production from an extraordinary troupe. May 7-10, Prince Music Theater, 1412 Chestnut St., curtis.edu.
Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia
This vital Philly band celebrates its 50th anniversary with some big guns: Beethoven’s jubilant Triple Concerto and his indestructible Fifth Symphony. Music Director Dirk Brossé will conduct, and also introduce his own new Organ Concerto. May 10, Kimmel Center, chamberorchestra.org.
