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Of all the performing arts, it's music for which Philadelphia is most renowned and the Philadelphia Orchestra of which its residents are most proud. Though the Orchestra has undergone some financial hardships in recent years, the hope is it can rebound and regain its place among the world's elite. The city also serves as a major stop for touring productions of shows from A Chorus Line to Spring Awakening, and the local theater scene, which supports more than two dozen regional and local companies, is thriving.
Since the opening of the Kimmel Center in 2001, Philadelphia has enjoyed an embarrassment of riches when it comes to performance space. The Academy of Music, the Philadelphia Orchestra's previous home, remains open in all its finery; the Annenberg and Painted Bride house everything from theater to performance art; and both the Mann Center and the Susquehanna Bank Center remain premier outdoor amphitheaters.
Classical music in Philadelphia begins with the world-renowned Philadelphia Orchestra, which, under music director Yannick Nézet-Séguin, has kept its remarkable pedigree. But there is also the Chamber Orchestra, which is also housed in the glorious Kimmel Center; the venerable Philly Pops; and the very talented students of the Curtis Institute, to round out the bill.
First held in 1961, the oldest continuously running folk festival in the country takes place each year in late August. Arlo Guthrie, Levon Helm, Trombone Shorty, Doc Watson, Taj Mahal, Joan Baez, and Judy Collins are just a few of the artists who have performed here.
Directed by Dirk Brossé, this prestigious group performs chamber music from September to May at the Perelman Theater at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts.
The gifted students at this world-renowned music conservatory give free recitals several times a week from October through May at 8 pm. All of its students are on full scholarships; its alumni include such luminaries as Leonard Bernstein, Samuel Barber, and Anna Moffo. The school also has an opera and symphony orchestra series.
PECO, Philadelphia's primary electric provider, sponsors a series of global celebrations along Penn's Landing over summer weekends. Each installment focuses on a different cultural tradition, a welcome respite from the grueling dog days of the season.
Dedicated solely to jazz, including its history and instruction, the Clef Club boasts a 240-seat theater for live concerts, celebrating both the present and past of Philly jazz.
A one-day free-for-all on the Festival Pier of the Delaware waterfront in early June, the Roots Picnic is hosted by Philly's own hip-hop legends, The Roots, and includes a slew of hip-hop, indie, and DJ performances, including previous performers TV on the Radio, Public Enemy, and Nas.
Music director Michael Krajewski leads an orchestra of local musicians in programs that swing from Broadway to big band, or from ragtime to rock and roll, with ease. They perform at the Kimmel Center, as well as at other local venues, from October to May.
In the days leading up to Independence Day (July 4), Welcome America! highlights Philly's history with patriotic happenings, from a massive block party on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway to free museum access and historical tours. It all culminates with a concert and fireworks extravaganza held on the Parkway; past performers have included Hall and Oates, John Legend, and Sheryl Crow.
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