Philadelphia, September 16, 2024 — The Philadelphia Orchestra is set to inaugurate its 2024–25 season with a highly anticipated Opening Night Celebration on Thursday, September 26, 2024, at 7:00 PM in the newly renamed Marian Anderson Hall at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. This season opener, marking the first full season in the hall dedicated to the legendary Black contralto and civil rights icon Marian Anderson, promises a night of exceptional music and historical milestones.
The evening will be hosted by Terry Gross, the renowned host and executive producer of Fresh Air with Terry Gross & Tonya Mosley. Gross, a dedicated fan of The Philadelphia Orchestra, will guide the audience through a program featuring an array of distinguished performances.
The concert will highlight violinist María Dueñas, who will perform Bruch’s celebrated Violin Concerto No. 1. Known for her “fearless attack and nimble-fingered technique,” Dueñas has been lauded for her compelling performances and will bring her remarkable artistry to this beloved concerto.
A focal point of the evening will be the world premiere of Terence Blanchard’s Orchestral Suite from Fire Shut Up in My Bones, co-commissioned by Yannick Nézet-Séguin and The Philadelphia Orchestra. This groundbreaking work, derived from Blanchard’s GRAMMY-winning opera—the first by a Black composer performed at the Metropolitan Opera—promises to be a landmark event in the orchestra’s history. The opera, conducted by Nézet-Séguin in 2021, has already made waves in the classical music world, and this premiere will continue its legacy.
The program will conclude with Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet, a testament to the composer’s emotional depth and passion. This suite, inspired by Shakespeare’s timeless tale of star-crossed lovers, will serve as a fitting finale to a program that blends tradition with innovation.
Music and Artistic Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin, now entering his 13th season with the Orchestra, expressed his enthusiasm: “The Opening Night Concert sets the stage for a season of renewal and rediscovery. We revisit beloved masterpieces and explore works by historically overlooked composers, reminding us that art knows no boundaries. Presenting the world premiere of Blanchard’s suite is a full-circle moment, and I can think of no better way to start our first full season in Marian Anderson Hall.”
For those interested in exclusive benefits, benefactors contributing at higher levels will be invited to a pre-concert reception at 5:30 PM in the Tier 2 Lounge, followed by a gala dinner featuring cuisine from Rhubarb Hospitality Collection by Oak View Group (RHC) in the Kimmel Center’s Commonwealth Plaza.
This year’s Opening Night Celebration is organized by Co-Chairs Lauren Gilchrist, Marvin Moon, and Diane Larzelere, along with The Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts Board of Trustees. It is a testament to the dedication of the orchestra’s Volunteer Committees, which have been instrumental in presenting the Opening Night festivities for 38 years.
The Philadelphia Orchestra’s Opening Night Celebration is a highlight of the cultural calendar and offers a glimpse into a season rich with musical exploration and excellence. Tickets for the event are available at 215.893.1999 or on the Orchestra’s website at www.philorch.org.
