The Mann Center for the Performing Arts classics series returns with ten concerts that celebrate distinct genres paired with some of the finest classical musicians in the world. This season, The Philadelphia Orchestra returns to its summer home in Fairmount Park to perform six concerts, spanning a repertoire of classical and classical-crossover concerts, as well as the popular movie-in-the-park evenings.
The series opens on Tuesday, June 23 with a Philadelphia favorite, “Tchaikovsky with Fireworks” led by Conductor-in-Residence Christian Măcelaru. The first of two movie-in-the-park nights will bring the American classic, The Godfather, to life on the big screen with The Philadelphia Orchestra playing the film score live.
Back by popular demand, the Mann’s movie-in-the-park series elevates the quintessential summer outdoor movie experience with full-length, feature films on the big screens with the world-renowned Philadelphia Orchestra playing the movie scores live. “A Night of Gershwin”, also led by Măcelaru, closes out the first week of The Philadelphia Orchestra’s series at the Mann on Friday, June 26.
“The Philadelphia Orchestra at the Mann has been a summer tradition for generations, and we are honored for them to return this season to launch our classics series,” says Catherine M. Cahill, President and CEO of the Mann Center. “Whether you enjoy the performances seated in our acoustically acclaimed pavilion or with a picnic on the renovated Great Lawn, there is no better way to experience memorable music under the stars.”
Here are details about the series:
Tuesday, June 23
Conductor: Cristian Măcelaru
Soloist: Hai-Ye Ni, Cellist
Tickets: $20-$35
Opening night welcomes a Philadelphia favorite, Tchaikovsky with Fireworks, to start the summer residency of The Philadelphia Orchestra at the Mann. Revel in the unbridled passion of the doomed lovers Romeo and Juliet, delight in the virtuosity of Philadelphia’s principal cellist, Hai-Ye Ni, as she serenades the audience in the elegant Rococo Variations, waltz along on the lawn as the beloved Swan Lake Suite quickens your pulse, and shout for joy as the 1812 Overture lights up the night sky with thrilling melodies and a fireworks finale!
Thursday, June 25
Conductor: Justin Freer
Tickets: $20-$35; Limited VIP tickets available
* Concert begins at 7:30pm, doors open at 6pm
Winner of three Academy Awards, including Best Picture, The Godfather comes to life on the big screen with Nino Rota’s iconic and haunting score performed live by The Philadelphia Orchestra. Ranked as one of the best movies of all time by the American Film Institute, The Godfather with a live orchestral score will leave you absolutely speechless.
Friday, June 26
Conductor: Cristian Măcelaru
Soloists: Terrence Wilson, piano; Taylor Johnson, soprano; Norman Garrett, baritone
Tickets: $20-$35
Celebrate the breadth of George Gershwin’s legacy with one of his most effervescent musical masterworks, Rhapsody in Blue; the first and still the finest American opera, Porgy and Bess; and the ultimate musical postcard to the folks back home, An American in Paris. This evening at the Mann will feature some of the best music America has given the world.
For all concerts, gates open at 6 p.m. for 8 p.m. showtimes unless otherwise noted. For more information and to order tickets, please visit, www.manncenter.org.
