This week, concertgoers in the Philadelphia area are treated to an eclectic mix of performances that challenge traditional genre classifications.
Whether you’re a seasoned aficionado or a curious newcomer, there’s something on offer to expand your musical palate.
For the string quartet lovers, there’s an opportunity to join the waitlist for the Philadelphia Chamber Music Society’s mesmerizing concert by the Brentano Quartet, which is already sold out.
One of the highlights for this week is the concert themed “The Witty and the Wicked,” taking place on Thursday and Friday at Marian Anderson Hall.
In recent months, The Philadelphia Orchestra has delved into some of Mahler’s monumental symphonies, but this week, they present a dynamic program featuring four shorter works, each one a staple of the orchestral repertoire.
This thematic narrative showcases a delightful blend of wit and wickedness, starting with Richard Strauss’s tone poem, Till Eulenspiegel’s Merry Pranks, which vividly brings to life the whimsical adventures of its titular character.
Also by Strauss is the “Dance of the Seven Veils” from the opera Salome, a piece known for its audacious and thrilling musical turns.
Adding to the excitement is Liszt’s First Piano Concerto, recognized for its challenging solo piano part; the talented Haochen Zhang will grace the stage, delivering a performance that makes this intricate score appear effortless.
Completing the program is Wagner’s Overture to Tannhäuser, conducted by the skilled Tugan Sokhiev, whose expertise in the romantic repertoire is well established.
Concert details: May 1 at 7:30 p.m. and May 2 at 2 p.m. at Marian Anderson Hall, Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, 300 South Broad Street, with tickets priced between $25 and $166.
On Wednesday, the American Philosophical Society will host Musicians from Marlboro, a concert showcasing some rising stars from the Marlboro Music School and Festival.
This esteemed summer program in Vermont has a reputation for nurturing exceptional talent in chamber music, allowing audiences to enjoy performances by these gifted artists right here in Philadelphia.
This week’s concert offers a program that spans varied musical styles, aiming to engage listeners with both classic and contemporary compositions.
The performance opens with string quartets by Haydn and Mozart, guaranteed to delight classical music enthusiasts.
The centerpiece features “Got Lost” by Helmut Lachenmann, an adventurous and entertaining work for soprano and piano, performed by pianist Sahun Sam Hong and soprano Lucy Fitz Gibbon, both of whom had the opportunity to collaborate with the composer himself in 2023.
Catch this intriguing concert on April 30 at 7:30 p.m. at Benjamin Franklin Hall, American Philosophical Society, 427 Chestnut Street, with tickets priced at $30.
For residents of South Jersey looking for a stellar orchestral experience without the hassle of crossing the bridge, Symphony in C offers an ideal option this Saturday at the Gordon Theater in Camden, NJ.
This training orchestra features outstanding musicians, often drawn from elite schools like Juilliard and Curtis Institute of Music, and they will perform Brahms’ Third Symphony along with a violin concerto by local favorite Samuel Barber.
The evening’s soloist will be the promising young violinist Amaryn Olmeda, under the direction of conductor Noam Aviel, who brings youthful energy to the performance.
Concert details: May 3 at 7:30 p.m. at Gordon Theater, Rutgers-Camden Center for the Arts, 314 Linden Street, Camden, NJ, with tickets ranging from $10 to $60.
On the same evening, talented Broadway star Kristin Chenoweth will take the stage at Marian Anderson Hall, performing with one of the cornerstone orchestras of the region.
Though often categorized outside of classical music, Chenoweth’s unique blend of Broadway hits and operatic flair is sure to attract both fans of the theater and classical music lovers alike.
This event promises an evening filled with memorable songs and entertaining anecdotes, making it an approachable entry point for anyone hesitant about classical concerts.
Join her on May 3 at 7 p.m. at Marian Anderson Hall, Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, 300 South Broad Street, with tickets available from $69 to $199.
For contemporary classical music aficionados, Sunday presents a unique opportunity to hear the innovative sounds of composer Max Richter at The Met Philadelphia.
Expect to hear selections from his upcoming album, “In a Landscape,” which is anticipated to offer a fresh perspective on classical music with its ambient, film score-like quality, interwoven with melancholic melodies that echo influences from both Icelandic rock and classical giants like Debussy.
The concert is scheduled for May 4 at 8 p.m. at The Met Philadelphia, 858 North Broad Street, with tickets starting at $55.
Lastly, if you’re in Delaware and want a peaceful afternoon surrounded by classical guitar, the benefit concert “A Sunday Serenade at The Carriage House” at Rockwood Park is a perfect option.
This event supports the Rockwood Park Preservation Society while showcasing a selection of delightful classical guitar repertoire.
In conclusion, this week’s diverse lineup of concerts offers an excellent chance to explore a range of musical styles and possibly discover new favorites, whether it’s through a string quartet, orchestral works, contemporary compositions, or engaging performances by icons in the musical world.
image source from：https://www.wrti.org/wrti-spotlight/2025-04-27/musicians-from-marlboro-return-symphony-in-c-plays-brahms-3rd
