Music lovers in the Tri-State area are in for an exciting June filled with a diverse array of classical concerts.
From robust indoor performances to serene outdoor settings, the month promises familiar sounds and innovative compositions alike.
This season’s highlights include a special collaboration between The Crossing and composer Gavin Bryars, set for June 14 at the Presbyterian Church of Chestnut Hill.
Bryars’ latest work, “What Should I Do?”, draws inspiration from Immanuel Kant’s complex thoughts, influenced by Thomas De Quincey’s essay on Kant’s reflections regarding life and existence.
Conductor Donald Nally describes the piece as an exploration of human impermanence and the celebration of life itself, resonating with timeless philosophical themes.
Tickets for this intriguing performance range from $22 to $43, and the concert starts at 7 p.m.
The Philadelphia Orchestra is also set to captivate audiences with a series of performances throughout June.
Beginning with two concert stagings of Wagner’s epic “Tristan und Isolde” on June 1 and 8, the orchestra features distinguished voices like Stuart Skelton and Nina Stemme in lead roles, under the baton of Yannick Nézet-Séguin.
Additionally, their annual Pride Concert and Celebration takes place on June 4, featuring host Martha Graham Cracker alongside a talented lineup of tenors and local choirs, with free tickets available upon registration.
On June 6 and 7, the orchestra will showcase British cellist Sheku-Kanneh Mason, performing Shostakovich’s Cello Concerto No. 1 against the backdrop of symphonic works by Prokofiev and Mozart.
For outdoor enthusiasts, The Mann Center will host an all-Beethoven concert on June 17, with conductor Lina Gonzalez-Granados leading iconic pieces including Beethoven’s Coriolan Overture and Symphony No. 5.
Film music aficionados can look forward to experiencing John Williams’ score for “Star Wars: A New Hope” on June 20 as the film is screened with live orchestral accompaniment.
Following that, renowned conductor Joe Hisaishi will present a concert celebrating his music on June 27, culminating with a suite from “Spirited Away.”
For more details on events by The Philadelphia Orchestra, interested parties can explore their event calendar.
Another notable event on the calendar is “Guitar Heroes,” scheduled for June 4 at Solar Myth.
The PRISM Quartet, a leading saxophone ensemble, is excited about this innovative collaboration featuring new commissions by composers Leyla McCalla, Rez Abbasi, and Steven Mackey, who will present original works blending guitar and saxophone.
The concert begins at 8 p.m. and tickets are priced at $43.26.
On June 12, the Dolce Suono Ensemble will revisit Fang Man’s poignant song cycle, “Earth,” at Trinity at 22nd.
This composition reflects on the beauty and fragility of nature, utilizing the same majestic themes expressed in Mahler’s “Das Lied von Der Erde,” highlighting the work’s timeless significance.
Tickets for this event range from $10 to $30, with a performance start time of 7 p.m.
The same weekend, on June 13 and 15, the Christ Church Neighborhood House will present “The Sisters,” a new chamber opera by composer Patricia Wallinga that brings to life the words of poet Amy Lowell.
The opera imagines a discourse among celebrated female poets about their experiences and aspirations through expertly paired poetry and music.
Performances are set at 7 p.m. on June 13 and 4 p.m. on June 15, with tickets ranging from $23.11 to $49.77.
Another highly anticipated event is the Serafin Summer Music festival, running from June 10 to June 27 in various venues throughout Delaware.
This chamber music festival promises a rich auditory experience, focusing on the concept of “Firsts,” featuring works from classical giants such as Schumann, Brahms, and Dvořák.
This year, the festival offers twelve concerts over the course of seventeen days, showcasing a variety of musical styles and historical pieces.
Further information regarding the schedule and ticketing for Serafin Summer Music can be found online.
Lastly, residents and visitors to Mount Gretna can look forward to performances by the Telegraph Quartet on June 15, 16, 21, and 22 as part of Gretna Music’s 50th-anniversary season.
These talented artists will engage audiences with an exciting repertoire that includes works from acclaimed composers like Beethoven and Bartók.
With such an impressive lineup of concerts and musical experiences this June, the Tri-State area is set to embrace the vibrant spirit of early summer through the transformative power of classical music.
image source from：https://www.wrti.org/wrti-spotlight/2025-06-01/june-highlights-the-crossing-the-sisters-the-philadelphians
