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Home , Alan Gilbert (conductor), Cello Concerto (Thomson), Gil Shaham, Hilary Hahn, Larger than Life (House), Philadelphia Orchestra

2020 SEA- This year. This season. This . This music director.

Our This performance. This artist.

World This moment. This breath. This breath.

2021 SON This breath. Don’t blink.

ThePhiladelphiaOrchestra

MUSIC DIRECTOR YANNICK NÉZET-SÉGUIN our world

Ours is a world divided. And yet, night after night, live music brings audiences together, gifting them with a shared experience. This season, Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin and The Orchestra invite you to experience the transformative power of fellowship through a bold exploration of sound.

2 2020–21 Season 3 “For me, music is more than an art form. It’s an artistic force connecting us to each other and to the world around us. I love that our concerts create a space for people to gather as a community—to explore and experience an incredible spectrum of music. Sometimes, we spend an evening in the concert hall together, and it’s simply some hours of and beauty. Other times there may be an additional purpose, music in dialogue with an issue or an idea, maybe historic or current, or even a thought that is still not fully formed in our minds and hearts. What’s wonderful is that music gives voice to ideas and feelings that words alone do not; it touches all aspects of our being. Music inspires us to reflect deeply, and music brings us great joy, and so much more. In the end, music connects us more deeply to Our World NOW.”

—Yannick Nézet-Séguin

4 2020–21 Season 5 philorch.org / 215.893.1955 Thursday 6A

Yannick Leads Return to Brahms and Ravel Favorites the Academy

Thursday, October 1 / 7:30 PM Thursday, January 21 / 7:30 PM Thursday, March 25 / 7:30 PM Academy of Music, Philadelphia Yannick Nézet-Séguin Conductor Conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin Conductor Garrick Ohlsson Hai-Ye Ni Cello Westminster Symphonic Choir Ravel Le Tombeau de Couperin Joe Miller Director Szymanowski Violin No. 1 Prokofiev Symphony-Concerto Chausson Poème, for violin and orchestra Prokofiev Symphony No. 5 Ives A Symphony: New England Holidays Ravel Bolero Brahms Piano Concerto No. 2 A rare chance to hear a full night of Prokofiev We open our new season with two of Ravel’s in the grand Academy of Music. Prokofiev’s Brahms dedicated his Second Piano Concerto most revered works: Bolero and Le Tombeau de Fifth is described as the “yesterday, today, and to his piano teacher, which might explain Couperin, which will spotlight new Principal tomorrow” of symphonies. The Symphony- the virtuosic talent needed to perform this Philippe Tondre. Plus, you’ll hear the extraordinary Concerto is both and full- dramatic and expansive tour de force. lyricism of Szymanowski’s No. 1 throated symphony, a sublime match for the Enter the marvelous Garrick Ohlsson, who with virtuoso Lisa Batiashvili, who calls it, simply, Orchestra and Principal Cello Hai-Ye Ni. has been wowing Philadelphia audiences with “the most delicious thing in the world.” his playing for over 50 years. ’s New England Holidays, a radical-for-its-time look at Americana, is led by the acclaimed Michael Tilson Thomas. Women / Nature / Identity / Digital / Women / Nature / Identity / Digital / Women / Nature / Identity / Digital / Women / Nature / Identity /Digital / Women / Nature / Identity / Digital / Women / Tchaikovsky Emanuel Ax and the Ballet Trilogy Plays Mozart Korngold Violin Concerto

Nature / Identity / Digital / Women / Nature / Identity / Digital / Thursday, November 5 / 7:30 PM Thursday, March 4 / 7:30 PM Thursday, April 29 / 7:30 PM

Branford Marsalis Yannick Nézet-Séguin Conductor Louis Langrée Conductor Tugan Sokhiev Conductor Women / Nature / Identity / Digital / Women / Nature / Identity /Brian Sanders’ JUNK Emanuel Ax Piano Gil Shaham Violin

Tchaikovsky Selections from , Mozart Overture to La clemenza di Tito Prokofiev Symphony No. 1 (“Classical”) Digital / Women / Nature / Identity / Digital /Mirga Women Gražinytė-Tyla / Nature / Swan Lake, and The Sleeping Beauty Mozart Piano Concerto No. 9, K. 271 Korngold Violin Concerto Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 5 Dvořák Symphony No. 8 Rethinking how we view even the most Identity /Digital / Women / Nature / Identity / Digital / Women / enduring of fairy tales is part of the wonder The talented Emanuel Ax is the ideal Erich Korngold is the rare composer of Our World NOW. In this production, Brian interpreter for Mozart’s joyful Ninth Piano renowned both for his golden age of Sanders’s provocative dance/physical theater Concerto, which will prepare you for music Hollywood movie scores (including the company returns to Verizon Hall for a modern on a large scale in the form of Tchaikovsky’s Oscar-winning The Adventures of Robin Hood) Nature / Identity / Digital / Women / Nature / Identity / Digital / mash-up of Tchaikovsky’s three famous ballets. great Romantic work. His Fifth Symphony and his classical works. Leading man A cast of 21st-century protagonists will bring begins with an ominous opening “fate” theme, Gil Shaham brings out all the singing unexpected surprises and gravity-defying which gradually evolves to a rousing triumphal beauty of this starring role for violin. Women / Nature / Identity / Digital / Women / Nature / Identity /choreography to these classic stories. march for a thrilling and unforgettable finale. Digital / Women / Nature / Identity / Digital / Women / Nature / Identity /Digital / Women / Nature / Identity / Digital / Women / Nature / Identity / Digital / Women / Nature / Identity / Digital / Enjoy flexibility and savings by purchasing a Create-Your-Own subscription today. 7 Women / Nature / Identity / Digital / Women / Nature / Identity / Digital / Women / Nature / Identity / Digital / Women / Nature / Our philorch.org / 215.893.1955 Thursday 6B World NOW

Chopin’s Piano Gustavo Dudamel Mirga Returns Concerto No. 2 Debuts Thursday, April 8 / 7:30 PM Thursday, October 22 / 7:30 PM Thursday, January 14 / 7:30 PM Mirga Gražinytė-Tyla Conductor Conductor Gustavo Dudamel Conductor Seong-Jin Cho Piano Sergio Tiempo Piano Šerkšnytė De Profundis Schubert Symphony No. 8 (“Unfinished”) Holcomb Paradise (world premiere— Benzecry (world premiere—Philadelphia Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 4 commission) Orchestra commission) Chopin Piano Concerto No. 2 Ginastera Piano Concerto No. 1 The magnetic conductor Mirga Gražinytė-Tyla, Schumann Symphony No. 2 Shostakovich Symphony No. 5 “whose concerts buzz with passion” (BBC), returns to our podium for the first time since “Unequivocally brilliant” is how the Telegraph Hailed as “fresh, insightful, and exciting” her acclaimed 2018 Verizon Hall debut. This (London) described Seong-Jin Cho’s performance (), Gustavo Dudamel time she leads the Orchestra in Schubert’s as the 2015 winner of the prestigious International electrifies audiences around the globe with melodic but turbulent “Unfinished” Symphony Chopin Piano Competition, which might explain his passionate approach to everything he and Tchaikovsky’s deeply passionate why fans are standing in line just to buy his conducts. Shostakovich’s Fifth Symphony is Symphony No. 4. recordings. Hear him live when the 25-year-old a perfect showcase for his highly anticipated rising star performs the evocative Romantic Philadelphia Orchestra debut. The piece repertoire that made him famous. stands as a stirring victory of human creativity in the face of oppression.

Florence Price Symphony No. 1

When sang her the Orchestra’s commitment to Joyce, Yannick, Love and Tragedy Mitsuko Meets landmark concert on the steps put female artists in what Yannick and Mahler Yannick of the Lincoln Memorial in 1939, calls “their rightful place at center Thursday, March 11 / 7:30 PM she concluded with a spiritual stage.” Look for more women on Thursday, November 12 / 7:30 PM Thursday, May 6 / 7:30 PM arranged by Florence Price, then the stage as guest soloists, on the Nathalie Stutzmann Conductor a practically unheard-of composer. podium , and in the Yannick Nézet-Séguin Conductor Daniel Lozakovich Violin Yannick Nézet-Séguin Conductor Just a few years earlier, Price had repertoire as we envision a world Joyce DiDonato Mezzo- Mitsuko Uchida Piano become the first African-American where gender, race, and ethnicity Brahms Tragic Overture woman to have a symphonic work are no longer barriers to artistic Mahler Rückert Lieder Wagner Prelude and “Liebestod,” Bates Suite from The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs Mahler Symphony No. 4 from (world premiere—Philadelphia Orchestra performed by a major American expression. Tristan and Isolde Prokofiev Violin Concerto No. 2 co-commission) orchestra. The hardships of Price’s The voice of the “out-of-this-world” Joyce Tchaikovsky Romeo and Juliet Ravel Piano Concerto in G major unlikely journey from a post-Civil “We have to understand that DiDonato (as Yannick describes her) is made Shostakovich Symphony No. 8 War South to the stage of the for Mahler’s ethereal Rückert Lieder, and the When the course of true love fails to run smooth … Chicago Symphony are summed women have been composing special connection these two stars share on cue the strings. And the harps. Tchaikovsky’s The divine Mitsuko Uchida, “one of the great up in one of her letters: “I have two for a very long time. This is stage only enhances the bliss of the music. Romeo and Juliet, a sumptuous telling of pianists of our, or any, time” (The New York handicaps—those of sex and race. Listen carefully to the last movement of Shakespeare’s star-crossed lovers, will leave your Times), reveals all the spirit of Ravel’s jazzy I am a woman; and I have some just merely giving them the Mahler’s Symphony No. 4, with its timeless heart swelling with its famous love theme, one concerto, while Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 8 Negro blood in my veins.” platform that has been denied,” balance of beauty and perfection. of the most recognizable in all of . evokes the heroism of World War II. We’ll ask Rising star Daniel Lozakovich fell in love with you to please silence your iPhones for the This season, The Philadelphia says Composer-in-Residence the violin at age six and performs Prokofiev’s world premiere of a suite from Mason Bates’s sparkling Second Violin Concerto, bristling opera about the tech guru Steve Jobs. Orchestra performs Price’s . with vitality and wit. groundbreaking Symphony No. 1 for the first time. It’s just one of the highlights of WomenNOW,

photo / G. Nelidoff / Special Collections, University of Arkansas Libraries, Fayetteville Subscribe today and secure your seats for this brilliant season. 9 Wang Xi

Branford Marsalis Khatia and Weinberg and the Sax Concerto Plays Prokofiev Thursday, April 15 / 7:30 PM Our Thursday, October 29 / 7:30 PM Thursday, January 7 / 7:30 PM Mirga Gražinytė-Tyla Conductor Robin Rafael Payare Conductor Xian Zhang Conductor Khatia Buniatishvili Piano World NOW Holcomb Branford Marsalis Monica Czausz Organ

Thursday 6C Thursday Hilary Hahn Violin Xi Ensō (world premiere—Philadelphia Strauss Don Juan Orchestra commission) Adams Saxophone Concerto Eötvös When It Hits the Ocean Below (world Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No. 1 Dvořák Symphony No. 7 premiere—Philadelphia Orchestra commission) Weinberg Symphony No. 3 When the young Prokofiev Violin Concerto No. 1 JANE GOODALL New Orleans-born Branford Marsalis is a Saint-Saëns Symphony No. 3 (“Organ”) Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1 has true Renaissance man: a Grammy-winning everything we associate with the composer: walked into the saxophonist, band leader, Broadway composer, From its haunting, dreamy opening until the exquisite melodies, sophisticated interplay African jungle to begin and orchestra collaborator who has also toured final notes float away, Prokofiev’s urgent between soloist and orchestra, and with Sting and the Grateful Dead. He joins and rapturous First Violin Concerto soars in fireworks to spare. The Guardian says soloist her fascinating and the Orchestra for ’s Saxophone the captivating hands of Hilary Hahn. Xian Khatia Buniatishvili plays “straight from the lifelong study of Concerto, inspired by the works of greats Zhang makes her Philadelphia Orchestra heart.” A second chance to thrill to Stan Getz and Charlie Parker. subscription debut with this hallmark program Mirga Gražinytė-Tyla’s conducting! chimpanzees, she When the young Jane Goodall walked into the of WomenNOW, also leading Melody Eötvös’s initiated a new era African jungle to begin her fascinating and powerful new organ work, which will evoke in how we understand lifelong study of chimpanzees, she initiated a new the thunderous force of melting icebergs. era in how we understand the natural world. the NATURAL Her devotion and keen observations inspired WORLD. generations to follow her path.

How we perceive and relate to our environment is an underlying theme this season, beginning Hilary with the showing of Jane, the acclaimed National Purrington Geographic documentary with the Orchestra performing Philip Glass’s film score. And we extend the exploration of Our World NOW Puccini: La bohème throughout the season with five Philadelphia with Chick Corea Orchestra commissions by women composers Thursday, March 18 / 7:30 PM Thursday, May 13 / 7:30 PM writing music inspired by the natural world, Thursday, December 10 / 7:30 PM Yannick Nézet-Séguin Conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin Conductor showing us how music can change the way we Yannick Nézet-Séguin Conductor Ailyn Pérez Soprano (Mimì) think about the world around us. Chick Corea Piano Frank Picaflor (world premiere—Philadelphia Charles Castronovo (Rodolfo) Orchestra commission) Latonia Moore Soprano (Musetta) Composer Melody Eötvös evokes the thunderous Ellington Solitude Stravinsky The Rite of Spring Quinn Kelsey (Marcello) cracking of melting icebergs with When It Hits the Melody Gershwin Rhapsody in Blue Andrey Zhilikhovsky Baritone (Schaunard) . Robin Holcomb’s is fueled Eötvös Ocean Below Paradise Price Symphony No. 1 Folktales of the natural world are reimagined in Christian Van Horn Bass-baritone (Colline) by fire, an experiential response to California’s this program. First, The Rite of Spring, Stravinsky’s Donald Maxwell Baritone (Benoit/Alcindoro) deadly wildfires. Wang Xi’s Ensō, named for Unless you were in in 1924 for vision of pagan rituals, still astounds a century Philadelphia Symphonic Choir a sacred Buddhist symbol “circle,” the premiere, you’ve never heard Gershwin’s after its riotous Paris premiere. It’s paired with Joe Miller Director considers the flow and togetherness of nature like this. Jazz legend Chick the world premiere of by Composer- Rhapsody in Blue Picaflor and people. New England-based composer Hilary Corea joins the hottest big band on the planet in-Residence Gabriela Lena Frank. The work, Puccini La bohème for this classic melting pot of American musical meaning “hummingbird,” retells a traditional Purrington’s work has included music related to styles. Florence Price was the first African- Peruvian creation myth through the voices of The world’s reigning opera conductor leads the effects of climate change. While Composer- American woman to have her work performed Philadelphians with text from School District one of the greatest operas of all time. “Puccini is in-Residence Gabriela Lena Frank wonders how by a major U.S. orchestra. Yannick leads of Philadelphia students and visuals from Mural the epitome of Italian opera, where feelings and it all may have begun in Picaflor, which examines the Philadelphia Orchestra premiere of her Arts Philadelphia. Yannick leads the Orchestra emotions are so true, yet also larger than life. We life creation myths from Latin America through Symphony No. 1, plus music by the legendary in this collaborative program highlighting can all relate to Puccini. I still cry every single time the eyes of a hummingbird. Duke Ellington. Admit it. You always knew Our World NOW and WomenNOW. I conduct the final act of La bohème,” says Yannick. Yannick was a hepcat at heart. With the Orchestra front and center and a superb cast, this is Puccini’s beloved tale of Parisian bohemian artists as you’ve never heard it before. Gabriela Lena Frank 10 2020–21 Season 11 philorch.org / 215.893.1955 Friday Evening 6 Our World NOW Identity Beethoven: Ravel: Daphnis South Pacific Missa solemnis 2.0 and Chloé 2021

Friday, October 9 / 8:00 PM Friday, February 12 / 8:00 PM Friday, April 23 / 8:00 PM

Yannick Nézet-Séguin Conductor Stéphane Denève Conductor Andy Einhorn Conductor Jennifer Rowley Soprano Gautier Capuçon Cello Karen Cargill Mezzo-soprano Westminster Symphonic Choir Rodgers South Pacific Rodrick Dixon Tenor Joe Miller Director Eric Owens Bass In South Pacific, Broadway legends Rodgers Philadelphia Symphonic Choir Purrington Words for Departure and Hammerstein set out to enlighten as Joe Miller Director (world premiere—Philadelphia Orchestra well as entertain. Issues of race, nationalism, Refik Anadol Visual Design commission) imperialism, and identity remain as relevant Connesson Cello Concerto today, more than 70 years after the work’s Beethoven Missa solemnis Ravel Daphnis and Chloé (complete ballet) premiere. Our version of this Broadway classic reexamines those issues as well … The new digital world embraces Beethoven’s Shimmering and sensual, Daphnis and Chloé plus a stellar Broadway cast pouring its heart old world in these groundbreaking is a masterpiece of French impressionistic into some of America’s best-loved show tunes. performances of his renowned but rarely splendor. Stéphane Denève returns to lead the performed Missa solemnis. In collaboration complete version of Ravel’s love story ballet. with Refik Anadol, one of the world’s leading Lush and exotic, and brimming with orchestral visual artists, the interior of Verizon Hall will be color, the sweeping music conjures every detail Our world has changed in the 71 years transformed into a virtual, multi-denominational of this mythological tale, from glorious sunrise cathedral through the magic of artificial to hedonistic bacchanal. since the premiere of , one South Pacific intelligence and data visualization. If only of the greatest American musicals. Beethoven were here to see this! During that time, questions of race, gender, and American dominance that are central to the South Pacific story have been rethought, reimagined, and reconsidered. This season we invite you to a bold retelling of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s classic, yet shockingly relevant, masterpiece South Pacific. Issues of nationalism, imperialism, and inherited prejudices are at the heart of this beloved Broadway musical often Brahms’s Special Event: Chamber Shostakovich’s more appreciated for its unforgettable Symphony No. 1 Orchestra of Europe Symphony No. 8 melodies than for its progressive message. This production casts a new Friday, November 27 / 8:00 PM Friday, March 12 / 8:00 PM Friday, May 14 / 8:00 PM perspective on the white woman who works for the U.S. Army and recognizes Alan Gilbert Conductor Chamber Orchestra of Europe Yannick Nézet-Séguin Conductor her role in systemic racism, a mixed-race Juliette Kang Violin Yannick Nézet-Séguin Conductor Paolo Bordignon Organ couple that finds each other amidst the Lisa Batiashvili Violin backdrop of a war on anti-Semitism, Chin Frontispiece for Orchestra Bach Selections from The Art of the Fugue, and the young Polynesian woman at Bartók Violin Concerto No. 2 Brahms Violin Concerto for organ and mixed ensembles Brahms Symphony No. 1 Brahms Symphony No. 3 Shostakovich Symphony No. 8 the heart of this love story.

Laboring under the towering shadow of The renowned Chamber Orchestra of Europe, Hear a masterwork from a titan of Russian Beethoven’s monumental works, Brahms spent comprised of the greatest virtuosic musicians music. A direct response to the horrors and two decades crafting his First Symphony. from throughout Europe, will pay a rare visit to heroism of World War II, Shostakovich’s towering The wait was assuredly worth it: The First Philadelphia led by none other than Yannick, Eighth Symphony was initially condemned exceeds all the weighty expectations the an honorary member of the ensemble. The in the composer’s Soviet homeland. Today it composer struggled with. First Associate elegant playing of Lisa Batiashvili will be front can be heard as the musical achievement Concertmaster Juliette Kang takes center and center in Brahms’s Violin Concerto, and it is, impeccably realized by Yannick and stage for Bartók’s ingenious Second his deeply romantic and popular Symphony Your Philadelphia Orchestra. Plus a special Violin Concerto, infused with Hungarian No. 3 completes the program. one-night-only presentation of Bach’s late folk-dance melodies. masterwork The Art of the Fugue, arranged for Please note: The Philadelphia Orchestra doesn’t perform on this concert. organ and chamber ensembles. Subscribe today before our most popular concerts sell out. 13 philorch.org / 215.893.1955

Yannick Leads Joyce, Yannick, Gustavo Dudamel Love and Tragedy Yannick Leads Ravel Favorites and Mahler Debuts Tchaikovsky’s “Pathétique” Friday, March 12 / 2:00 PM Friday, October 2 / 2:00 PM Friday, November 13 / 2:00 PM Friday, January 15 / 2:00 PM Friday, May 21 / 2:00 PM Nathalie Stutzmann Conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin Conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin Conductor Gustavo Dudamel Conductor Daniel Lozakovich Violin Yannick Nézet-Séguin Conductor Lisa Batiashvili Violin Joyce DiDonato Mezzo-soprano Sergio Tiempo Piano Brahms Tragic Overture Sibelius Symphony No. 6 Ravel Le Tombeau de Couperin Mahler Rückert Lieder Benzecry (world premiere—Philadelphia Wagner Prelude and “Liebestod,” Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 6 (“Pathétique”) Szymanowski Violin Concerto No. 1 Mahler Symphony No. 4 Orchestra commission) from Tristan and Isolde Chausson Poème, for violin and orchestra Ginastera Piano Concerto No. 1 Prokofiev Violin Concerto No. 2 Yannick conducts Tchaikovsky’s final symphony, Ravel Bolero The voice of the “out-of-this-world” Joyce Shostakovich Symphony No. 5 Tchaikovsky Romeo and Juliet completed just nine days before his death. DiDonato (as Yannick describes her) is made This soaring work is filled with raw emotions We open our new season with two of Ravel’s for Mahler’s ethereal Rückert Lieder, and the Hailed as “fresh, insightful, and exciting” When the course of true love fails to run smooth … ranging from sunny exuberance to solemn Friday Matinee 9A Matinee Friday most revered works: Bolero and Le Tombeau de special connection these two stars share on (The New York Times), Gustavo Dudamel cue the strings. And the harps. Tchaikovsky’s introspection. With his lush orchestrations Couperin, which will spotlight new Principal Oboe stage only enhances the bliss of the music. electrifies audiences around the globe with Romeo and Juliet, a sumptuous telling of and graceful melodies, no composer captures Philippe Tondre. Plus, you’ll hear the extraordinary Listen carefully to the last movement of his passionate approach to everything he Shakespeare’s star-crossed lovers, will leave your this spectrum of sentiments better than lyricism of Szymanowski’s Violin Concerto No. 1 Mahler’s Symphony No. 4, with its timeless conducts. Shostakovich’s Fifth Symphony is heart swelling with its famous love theme, one Tchaikovsky. Sibelius’s Sixth Symphony is also with virtuoso Lisa Batiashvili, who calls it, simply, balance of beauty and perfection. a perfect showcase for his highly anticipated of the most recognizable in all of classical music. an impassioned, anti-modernist work from 1923 “the most delicious thing in the world.” Philadelphia Orchestra debut. The piece Rising star Daniel Lozakovich fell in love with that Sibelius described as “pure cold water.” stands as a stirring victory of human creativity the violin at age six and performs Prokofiev’s in the face of oppression. sparkling Second Violin Concerto, bristling with vitality and wit.

Branford Marsalis Rhapsody in Blue Pictures from Brahms and and the Sax Concerto with Chick Corea an Exhibition Garrick Ohlsson

Friday, October 30 / 2:00 PM Friday, December 11 / 2:00 PM Friday, February 5 / 2:00 PM Friday, March 26 / 2:00 PM

Rafael Payare Conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin Conductor Conductor Michael Tilson Thomas Conductor Branford Marsalis Saxophone Chick Corea Piano David Kim Violin Garrick Ohlsson Piano Westminster Symphonic Choir Strauss Don Juan Ellington Solitude Rimsky-Korsakov Capriccio espagnol Joe Miller Director Adams Saxophone Concerto Gershwin Rhapsody in Blue Massenet “Meditation,” from Thaïs, for Dvořák Symphony No. 7 Price Symphony No. 1 violin and orchestra Ives A Symphony: New England Holidays Sarasate Carmen Fantasy, for violin Brahms Piano Concerto No. 2 New Orleans-born Branford Marsalis is a Unless you were in New York City in 1924 for and orchestra true Renaissance man: a Grammy-winning the premiere, you’ve never heard Gershwin’s Musorgsky Pictures from an Exhibition Brahms dedicated his Second Piano Concerto saxophonist, band leader, Broadway composer, Rhapsody in Blue like this. Jazz legend Chick to his piano teacher, which might explain and orchestra collaborator who has also toured Corea joins the hottest big band on the planet After hearing Pictures from an Exhibition the virtuosic talent needed to perform this with Sting and the Grateful Dead. He joins for this classic melting pot of American musical you will see in orchestral Technicolor. From dramatic and expansive tour de force. the Orchestra for John Adams’s Saxophone styles. Florence Price was the first African- the opening “Promenade” to the majestic Enter the marvelous Garrick Ohlsson, who Concerto, inspired by the works of jazz greats American woman to have her work performed “Great Gate of Kiev,” this showpiece of the has been wowing Philadelphia audiences with Stan Getz and Charlie Parker. by a major U.S. orchestra. Yannick leads repertoire will send you home humming. his playing for over 50 years. Charles Ives’s the Philadelphia Orchestra premiere of her Plus, Concertmaster David Kim offers the New England Holidays, a radical-for-its-time Symphony No. 1, plus music by the legendary wonderfully delicate “Meditation” from look at Americana, is led by the acclaimed Duke Ellington. Admit it. You always knew Massenet’s opera Thaïs. Michael Tilson Thomas. Yannick was a hepcat at heart.

14 2020–21 Season Subscribe and receive discounts on convenient garage parking. 15 philorch.org / 215.893.1955

Chopin’s Piano Rachmaninoff’s Return to The Rite of Spring Gil Shaham and the Concerto No. 2 Piano Concerto No. 3 the Academy Korngold Violin Concerto Friday, March 19 / 2:00 PM Friday, October 23 / 2:00 PM Friday, November 20 / 2:00 PM Friday, January 22 / 2:00 PM Friday, April 30 / 2:00 PM Academy of Music, Philadelphia Yannick Nézet-Séguin Conductor Christoph Eschenbach Conductor Lahav Shani Conductor Tugan Sokhiev Conductor Seong-Jin Cho Piano Piano Yannick Nézet-Séguin Conductor Frank Picaflor (world premiere—Philadelphia Gil Shaham Violin Hai-Ye Ni Cello Orchestra commission) Holcomb Paradise (world premiere— Prokofiev Lieutenant Kijé Stravinsky The Rite of Spring Prokofiev Symphony No. 1 (“Classical”) Philadelphia Orchestra commission) Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 3 Prokofiev Symphony-Concerto Korngold Violin Concerto Chopin Piano Concerto No. 2 Stravinsky Prokofiev Symphony No. 5 Folktales of the natural world are reimagined in Dvořák Symphony No. 8 Schumann Symphony No. 2 this program. First, The Rite of Spring, Stravinsky’s Have you ever heard a piano sing? In this A rare chance to hear a full night of Prokofiev vision of pagan rituals, still astounds a century Erich Korngold is the rare composer “Unequivocally brilliant” is how the Telegraph concert you will as the masterful Yefim in the grand Academy of Music. Prokofiev’s after its riotous Paris premiere. It’s paired with renowned both for his golden age of Friday Matinee 9B Matinee Friday (London) described Seong-Jin Cho’s performance Bronfman performs Rachmaninoff’s Third Fifth is described as the “yesterday, today, and the world premiere of Picaflor by Composer- Hollywood movie scores (including the as the 2015 winner of the prestigious International Piano Concerto, or as Bronfman calls it, “one tomorrow” of symphonies. The Symphony- in-Residence Gabriela Lena Frank. The work, Oscar-winning The Adventures of Robin Hood) Chopin Piano Competition, which might explain of the most beautiful melodies ever written” Concerto is both cello concerto and full- meaning “hummingbird,” retells a traditional and his classical works. Leading man why fans are standing in line just to buy his and “the easiest introduction to classical music: throated symphony, a sublime match for the Peruvian creation myth through the voices of Gil Shaham brings out all the singing recordings. Hear him live when the 25-year-old thrilling, exciting, larger than life.” This is a Orchestra and Principal Cello Hai-Ye Ni. Philadelphians with text from School District beauty of this starring role for violin. rising star performs the evocative Romantic program of pure Russian poetry, steeped in the of Philadelphia students and visuals from Mural repertoire that made him famous. sound that made the Philadelphians famous. Arts Philadelphia. Yannick leads the Orchestra in this collaborative program highlighting Our World NOW and WomenNOW.

Tchaikovsky Hilary Hahn Emanuel Ax Khatia and Weinberg Ballet Trilogy Plays Prokofiev Plays Mozart Friday, April 16 / 2:00 PM Friday, November 6 / 2:00 PM Friday, January 8 / 2:00 PM Friday, March 5 / 2:00 PM Mirga Gražinytė-Tyla Conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin Conductor Xian Zhang Conductor Louis Langrée Conductor Khatia Buniatishvili Piano Brian Sanders’ JUNK Monica Czausz Organ Emanuel Ax Piano Hilary Hahn Violin Xi Ensō (world premiere—Philadelphia Tchaikovsky Selections from The Nutcracker, Mozart Overture to La clemenza di Tito Orchestra commission) Swan Lake, and The Sleeping Beauty Eötvös When It Hits the Ocean Below (world Mozart Piano Concerto No. 9, K. 271 Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No. 1 premiere—Philadelphia Orchestra commission) Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 5 Weinberg Symphony No. 3 Rethinking how we view even the most Prokofiev Violin Concerto No. 1 enduring of fairy tales is part of the wonder Saint-Saëns Symphony No. 3 (“Organ”) The talented Emanuel Ax is the ideal Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1 has of Our World NOW. In this production, Brian interpreter for Mozart’s joyful Ninth Piano everything we associate with the composer: Sanders’s provocative dance/physical theater From its haunting, dreamy opening until the Concerto, which will prepare you for music exquisite melodies, sophisticated interplay company returns to Verizon Hall for a modern final notes float away, Prokofiev’s urgent on a large scale in the form of Tchaikovsky’s between soloist and orchestra, and mash-up of Tchaikovsky’s three famous ballets. and rapturous First Violin Concerto soars in great Romantic work. His Fifth Symphony fireworks to spare. The Guardian says soloist A cast of 21st-century protagonists will bring the captivating hands of Hilary Hahn. Xian begins with an ominous opening “fate” theme, Khatia Buniatishvili plays “straight from the unexpected surprises and gravity-defying Zhang makes her Philadelphia Orchestra which gradually evolves to a rousing triumphal heart.” A second chance to thrill to choreography to these classic stories. subscription debut with this hallmark program march for a thrilling and unforgettable finale. Mirga Gražinytė-Tyla’s conducting! of WomenNOW, also leading Melody Eötvös’s powerful new organ work, which will evoke the thunderous force of melting icebergs.

16 2020–21 Season Subscribers get fee-free ticket exchanges all season long. 17

Beethoven: Hilary Hahn Khatia and Weinberg Missa solemnis 2.0 Plays Prokofiev Saturday, April 17 / 8:00 PM Saturday, October 10 / 8:00 PM Saturday, January 9 / 8:00 PM Mirga Gražinytė-Tyla Conductor

Saturday 6A Saturday Yannick Nézet-Séguin Conductor Xian Zhang Conductor Khatia Buniatishvili Piano Jennifer Rowley Soprano Monica Czausz Organ Karen Cargill Mezzo-soprano Hilary Hahn Violin Xi Ensō (world premiere—Philadelphia Rodrick Dixon Tenor Orchestra commission) Eric Owens Bass Eötvös When It Hits the Ocean Below (world Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No. 1 Philadelphia Symphonic Choir premiere—Philadelphia Orchestra commission) Weinberg Symphony No. 3 Joe Miller Director Prokofiev Violin Concerto No. 1 Refik Anadol Visual Design Saint-Saëns Symphony No. 3 (“Organ”) Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1 has everything we associate with the composer: Beethoven Missa solemnis From its haunting, dreamy opening until the exquisite melodies, sophisticated interplay final notes float away, Prokofiev’s urgent between soloist and orchestra, and The new digital world embraces Beethoven’s and rapturous First Violin Concerto soars in fireworks to spare. The Guardian says soloist old world in these groundbreaking the captivating hands of Hilary Hahn. Xian Khatia Buniatishvili plays “straight from the performances of his renowned but rarely Zhang makes her Philadelphia Orchestra heart.” A second chance to thrill to performed Missa solemnis. In collaboration subscription debut with this hallmark program Mirga Gražinytė-Tyla’s conducting! with Refik Anadol, one of the world’s leading of WomenNOW, also leading Melody Eötvös’s visual artists, the interior of Verizon Hall will be powerful new organ work, which will evoke transformed into a virtual, multi-denominational the thunderous force of melting icebergs. cathedral through the magic of artificial intelligence and data visualization. If only Beethoven were here to see this!

It’s not too bold to say that Refik Anadol writes with data the way Beethoven wrote notes on a page Our of music. He has, after all, been described as the Rachmaninoff’s Songs from the Earth Mitsuko Meets da Vinci of our time. This U.S. based, Turkish-born Piano Concerto No. 3 Yannick World NOW artist embeds media arts into architecture with data Saturday, February 27 / 8:00 PM and machine intelligence to create masterpieces Saturday, November 21 / 8:00 PM Saturday, May 8 / 8:00 PM of art. So, when Beethoven’s monumental Yannick Nézet-Séguin Conductor combines with the digital mastery of Anadol, Lahav Shani Conductor Ekaterina Gubanova Mezzo-soprano Yannick Nézet-Séguin Conductor Yefim Bronfman Piano Piotr Beczała Tenor Mitsuko Uchida Piano Verizon Hall will be transformed into virtual, visual, and sonic cathedrals. And, while Beethoven speaks to the Prokofiev Lieutenant Kijé Debussy La Mer Bates Suite from The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs universality of spirituality, Anadol leads us to see how Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 3 Mahler (world premiere—Philadelphia Orchestra many aspects of the world around us are not what Stravinsky Petrushka co-commission) they seem. The result is at once contemporary ... Never before has our environment felt more Ravel Piano Concerto in G major and timeless. Yannick Nézet-Séguin leads a deeply Have you ever heard a piano sing? In this imperiled. In this program, we celebrate the Shostakovich Symphony No. 8 moving presentation of this masterwork of spirituality concert you will as the masterful Yefim beauty of nature, and how it connects us to Missa solemnis 2.0 and music. Bronfman performs Rachmaninoff’s Third our world and to our souls. The great Mahler The divine Mitsuko Uchida, “one of the great Piano Concerto, or as Bronfman calls it, “one champion called Refik Anadol Das Lied pianists of our, or any, time” (The New York Times), Through Our World NOW Digital, we offer of the most beautiful melodies ever written” von der Erde (The Song of the Earth) “Mahler’s reveals all the spirit of Ravel’s jazzy concerto, and “the easiest introduction to classical music: greatest symphony.” Based on Chinese poetry while Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 8 evokes composer Mason Bates’s Suite from his opera, thrilling, exciting, larger than life.” This is a about sorrow and solitude, youth and friendship, the heroism of World War II. We’ll ask you The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs, the story of the program of pure Russian poetry, steeped in the the work embodies Mahler’s passion for both to please silence your iPhones for the world man who brought us the iPhone, and who truly sound that made the Philadelphians famous. symphony and song. Debussy’s La Mer (The Sea) premiere of a suite from Mason Bates’s opera Beethoven: Missa solemnis 2.0 has been supported changed our world in ways we’re still struggling provides a meditative and fluid contrast. about the tech guru Steve Jobs. by The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage. to understand.

20 2020–21 Season 21 philorch.org / 215.893.1955 Saturday 6C

Branford Marsalis Rhapsody in Blue Love and Tragedy Chopin’s Piano Pictures from South Pacific and the Sax Concerto with Chick Corea Concerto No. 2 an Exhibition 2021 Saturday, March 13 / 8:00 PM Saturday, October 31 / 8:00 PM Saturday, December 12 / 8:00 PM Saturday, October 24 / 8:00 PM Saturday, February 6 / 8:00 PM Saturday, April 24 / 8:00 PM Nathalie Stutzmann Conductor Rafael Payare Conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin Conductor Daniel Lozakovich Violin Christoph Eschenbach Conductor Andrew Davis Conductor Andy Einhorn Conductor Branford Marsalis Saxophone Chick Corea Piano Seong-Jin Cho Piano David Kim Violin

Saturday 6B Saturday Brahms Tragic Overture Rodgers South Pacific Strauss Don Juan Ellington Solitude Wagner Prelude and “Liebestod,” Holcomb Paradise (world premiere— Rimsky-Korsakov Capriccio espagnol Adams Saxophone Concerto Gershwin Rhapsody in Blue from Tristan and Isolde Philadelphia Orchestra commission) Massenet “Meditation,” from Thaïs, for In South Pacific, Broadway legends Rodgers Dvořák Symphony No. 7 Price Symphony No. 1 Prokofiev Violin Concerto No. 2 Chopin Piano Concerto No. 2 violin and orchestra and Hammerstein set out to enlighten as Tchaikovsky Romeo and Juliet Schumann Symphony No. 2 Sarasate Carmen Fantasy, for violin well as entertain. Issues of race, nationalism, New Orleans-born Branford Marsalis is a Unless you were in New York City in 1924 for and orchestra imperialism, and identity remain as relevant true Renaissance man: a Grammy-winning the premiere, you’ve never heard Gershwin’s When the course of true love fails to run smooth … “Unequivocally brilliant” is how the Telegraph Musorgsky Pictures from an Exhibition today, more than 70 years after the work’s saxophonist, band leader, Broadway composer, Rhapsody in Blue like this. Jazz legend Chick cue the strings. And the harps. Tchaikovsky’s (London) described Seong-Jin Cho’s performance premiere. Our version of this Broadway and orchestra collaborator who has also toured Corea joins the hottest big band on the planet Romeo and Juliet, a sumptuous telling of as the 2015 winner of the prestigious International After hearing Pictures from an Exhibition classic reexamines those issues as well … with Sting and the Grateful Dead. He joins for this classic melting pot of American musical Shakespeare’s star-crossed lovers, will leave your Chopin Piano Competition, which might explain you will see in orchestral Technicolor. From plus a stellar Broadway cast pouring its heart the Orchestra for John Adams’s Saxophone styles. Florence Price was the first African- heart swelling with its famous love theme, one why fans are standing in line just to buy his the opening “Promenade” to the majestic into some of America’s best-loved show tunes. Concerto, inspired by the works of jazz greats American woman to have her work performed of the most recognizable in all of classical music. recordings. Hear him live when the 25-year-old “Great Gate of Kiev,” this showpiece of the Stan Getz and Charlie Parker. by a major U.S. orchestra. Yannick leads Rising star Daniel Lozakovich fell in love with rising star performs the evocative Romantic repertoire will send you home humming. the Philadelphia Orchestra premiere of her the violin at age six and performs Prokofiev’s repertoire that made him famous. Plus, Concertmaster David Kim offers the Symphony No. 1, plus music by the legendary sparkling Second Violin Concerto, bristling wonderfully delicate “Meditation” from Duke Ellington. Admit it. You always knew with vitality and wit. Massenet’s opera Thaïs. Yannick was a hepcat at heart.

Brahms’s Songs from the Earth Puccini: La bohème Joyce, Yannick, Emanuel Ax Yannick Leads Symphony No. 1 and Mahler Plays Mozart Tchaikovsky’s “Pathétique” Friday, February 26 / 8:00 PM Saturday, May 15 / 7:30 PM Saturday, November 28 / 8:00 PM Saturday, November 14 / 8:00 PM Saturday, March 6 / 8:00 PM Saturday, May 22 / 8:00 PM

Alan Gilbert Conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin Conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin Conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin Conductor Louis Langrée Conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin Conductor Juliette Kang Violin Ekaterina Gubanova Mezzo-soprano Ailyn Pérez Soprano (Mimì) Joyce DiDonato Mezzo-soprano Emanuel Ax Piano Piotr Beczała Tenor Charles Castronovo Tenor (Rodolfo) Sibelius Symphony No. 6 Chin Frontispiece for Orchestra Latonia Moore Soprano (Musetta) Mahler Rückert Lieder Mozart Overture to La clemenza di Tito Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 6 “Pathétique” Bartók Violin Concerto No. 2 Debussy La Mer Quinn Kelsey Baritone (Marcello) Mahler Symphony No. 4 Mozart Piano Concerto No. 9, K. 271 Brahms Symphony No. 1 Mahler Das Lied von der Erde Andrey Zhilikhovsky Baritone (Schaunard) Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 5 Yannick conducts Tchaikovsky’s final symphony, Christian Van Horn Bass-baritone (Colline) The voice of the “out-of-this-world” Joyce completed just nine days before his death. Laboring under the towering shadow of Never before has our environment felt more Donald Maxwell Baritone (Benoit/Alcindoro) DiDonato (as Yannick describes her) is made The talented Emanuel Ax is the ideal This soaring work is filled with raw emotions Beethoven’s monumental works, Brahms spent imperiled. In this program, we celebrate the Philadelphia Symphonic Choir for Mahler’s ethereal Rückert Lieder, and the interpreter for Mozart’s joyful Ninth Piano ranging from sunny exuberance to solemn two decades crafting his First Symphony. beauty of nature, and how it connects us to Joe Miller Director special connection these two stars share on Concerto, which will prepare you for music introspection. With his lush orchestrations The wait was assuredly worth it: The First our world and to our souls. The great Mahler stage only enhances the bliss of the music. on a large scale in the form of Tchaikovsky’s and graceful melodies, no composer captures exceeds all the weighty expectations the champion Leonard Bernstein called Das Lied Puccini La bohème Listen carefully to the last movement of great Romantic work. His Fifth Symphony this spectrum of sentiments better than composer struggled with. First Associate von der Erde (The Song of the Earth) “Mahler’s Mahler’s Symphony No. 4, with its timeless begins with an ominous opening “fate” theme, Tchaikovsky. Sibelius’s Sixth Symphony is also Concertmaster Juliette Kang takes center greatest symphony.” Based on Chinese poetry The world’s reigning opera conductor leads balance of beauty and perfection. which gradually evolves to a rousing triumphal an impassioned, anti-modernist work from 1923 stage for Bartók’s ingenious Second about sorrow and solitude, youth and friendship, one of the greatest operas of all time. “Puccini is march for a thrilling and unforgettable finale. that Sibelius described as “pure cold water.” Violin Concerto, infused with Hungarian the work embodies Mahler’s passion for both the epitome of Italian opera, where feelings and folk-dance melodies. symphony and song. Debussy’s La Mer (The Sea) emotions are so true, yet also larger than life. We provides a meditative and fluid contrast. can all relate to Puccini. I still cry every single time I conduct the final act of La bohème,” says Yannick. With the Orchestra front and center and a superb cast, this is Puccini’s beloved tale of Parisian bohemian artists as you’ve never heard it before. 22 2020–21 Season Enjoy flexibility and savings by purchasing a Create-Your-Own subscription today. 23 Academy of Music

As stewards and owners of the Academy of Music, The Philadelphia Orchestra and the Board of Trustees have embarked on a comprehensive restoration plan for this treasured National HistoricLandmark. The Academy is central to our region’s arts ecosystem, Yannick Leads Ravel: Daphnis Mirga Returns and it is an integral part of The Philadelphia Orchestra’s Ravel Favorites and Chloé vision for a vibrant future for arts and culture in our Saturday, April 10 / 8:00 PM community. It is our responsibility to ensure the Saturday, October 3 / 8:00 PM Saturday, February 13 / 8:00 PM Academy will continue to be enjoyed by audiences Mirga Gražinytė-Tyla Conductor for generations to come. Yannick Nézet-Séguin Conductor Stéphane Denève Conductor

Saturday 6D Saturday Lisa Batiashvili Violin Gautier Capuçon Cello Šerkšnytė De Profundis Westminster Symphonic Choir Schubert Symphony No. 8 (“Unfinished”) This past year the Orchestra returned to the Academy Ravel Le Tombeau de Couperin Joe Miller Director Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 4 stage to perform subscription concerts for the first Szymanowski Violin Concerto No. 1 time since 2001. We look forward to returning in the Chausson Poème, for violin and orchestra Purrington Words for Departure The magnetic conductor Mirga Gražinytė-Tyla, 2020–21 season to turn the spotlight, once again, on Ravel Bolero (world premiere—Philadelphia Orchestra “whose concerts buzz with passion” (BBC), the Orchestra’s original home and the important role commission) returns to our podium for the first time since of the Academy as one of America’s most spectacular We open our new season with two of Ravel’s Connesson Cello Concerto her acclaimed 2018 Verizon Hall debut. This performing arts buildings. most revered works: Bolero and Le Tombeau de Ravel Daphnis and Chloé (complete ballet) time she leads the Orchestra in Schubert’s Couperin, which will spotlight new Principal Oboe melodic but turbulent “Unfinished” Symphony We are taking a pause from the traditional Anniversary Philippe Tondre. Plus, you’ll hear the extraordinary Shimmering and sensual, and Tchaikovsky’s deeply passionate Daphnis and Chloé Concert and Ball in 2021 to reevaluate and reimagine lyricism of Szymanowski’s Violin Concerto No. 1 is a masterpiece of French impressionistic Symphony No. 4. how to best support the fabric and spirit of this beautiful with virtuoso Lisa Batiashvili, who calls it, simply, splendor. Stéphane Denève returns to lead the “the most delicious thing in the world.” complete version of Ravel’s love story ballet. building. While there will be no Ball in 2021, there will Lush and exotic, and brimming with orchestral be plenty of ways of celebrate and help support the color, the sweeping music conjures every detail Academy of Music. of this mythological tale, from glorious sunrise to hedonistic bacchanal. Follow us on social media and at academyofmusic.org as we unveil exciting new plans! Opening Night Concert & Gala

Tchaikovsky The Rite of Spring Gil Shaham and the with Yannick and Lang Lang Ballet Trilogy Korngold Violin Concerto Saturday, March 20 / 8:00 PM Saturday, November 7 / 8:00 PM Saturday, May 1 / 8:00 PM Wednesday, September 30 / 7:00 PM Yannick Nézet-Séguin Conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin Conductor Tugan Sokhiev Conductor Yannick opens our season with Beethoven Brian Sanders’ JUNK Frank Picaflor (world premiere—Philadelphia Gil Shaham Violin Orchestra commission) in celebration of his 250th birthday. And Tchaikovsky Selections from The Nutcracker, Stravinsky The Rite of Spring Prokofiev Symphony No. 1 (“Classical”) Swan Lake, and The Sleeping Beauty Korngold Violin Concerto who better to play the master’s Second Folktales of the natural world are reimagined in Dvořák Symphony No. 8 Rethinking how we view even the most this program. First, The Rite of Spring, Stravinsky’s Piano Concerto than longtime Philadelphia enduring of fairy tales is part of the wonder vision of pagan rituals, still astounds a century Erich Korngold is the rare composer of Our World NOW. In this production, Brian after its riotous Paris premiere. It’s paired with renowned both for his golden age of Orchestra favorite Lang Lang, hailed Sanders’s provocative dance/physical theater the world premiere of Picaflor by Composer- Hollywood movie scores (including the for his “eloquent, shapely and utterly company returns to Verizon Hall for a modern in-Residence Gabriela Lena Frank. The work, Oscar-winning The Adventures of Robin Hood) mash-up of Tchaikovsky’s three famous ballets. meaning “hummingbird,” retells a traditional and his classical works. Leading man beautiful performance” of this work A cast of 21st-century protagonists will bring Peruvian creation myth through the voices of Gil Shaham brings out all the singing unexpected surprises and gravity-defying Philadelphians with text from School District beauty of this starring role for violin. (The San Francisco Chronicle). Join us for choreography to these classic stories. of Philadelphia students and visuals from Mural Arts. Yannick leads the Orchestra in this a spectacular start to our 121st season! collaborative program highlighting Our World NOW and WomenNOW.

24 2020–21 Season 25 philorch.org / 215.893.1955 Sunday Matinee 6B

Beethoven: Gustavo Dudamel Mirga Returns Tchaikovsky Pictures from Brahms and Missa solemnis 2.0 Debuts Ballet Trilogy an Exhibition Garrick Ohlsson Sunday, April 11 / 2:00 PM Sunday, October 11 / 2:00 PM Sunday, January 17 / 2:00 PM Sunday, November 8 / 2:00 PM Sunday, February 7 / 2:00 PM Sunday, March 28 / 2:00 PM Mirga Gražinytė-Tyla Conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin Conductor Gustavo Dudamel Conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin Conductor Andrew Davis Conductor Michael Tilson Thomas Conductor Jennifer Rowley Soprano Sergio Tiempo Piano Šerkšnytė De Profundis Brian Sanders’ JUNK David Kim Violin Garrick Ohlsson Piano Karen Cargill Mezzo-soprano Schubert Symphony No. 8 (“Unfinished”) Westminster Symphonic Choir Rodrick Dixon Tenor Benzecry (world premiere—Philadelphia Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 4 Tchaikovsky Selections from The Nutcracker, Rimsky-Korsakov Capriccio espagnol Joe Miller Director Eric Owens Bass Orchestra commission) Swan Lake, and The Sleeping Beauty Massenet “Meditation,” from Thaïs, for Philadelphia Symphonic Choir Ginastera Piano Concerto No. 1 The magnetic conductor Mirga Gražinytė-Tyla, violin and orchestra Ives A Symphony: New England Holidays Joe Miller Director Shostakovich Symphony No. 5 “whose concerts buzz with passion” (BBC), Rethinking how we view even the most Sarasate Carmen Fantasy, for violin Brahms Piano Concerto No. 2 Refik Anadol Visual Design returns to our podium for the first time since enduring of fairy tales is part of the wonder and orchestra Hailed as “fresh, insightful, and exciting” her acclaimed 2018 Verizon Hall debut. This of Our World NOW. In this production, Brian Musorgsky Pictures from an Exhibition Brahms dedicated his Second Piano Concerto Beethoven Missa solemnis (The New York Times), Gustavo Dudamel time she leads the Orchestra in Schubert’s Sanders’s provocative dance/physical theater to his piano teacher, which might explain electrifies audiences around the globe with melodic but turbulent “Unfinished” Symphony company returns to Verizon Hall for a modern After hearing Pictures from an Exhibition the virtuosic talent needed to perform this The new digital world embraces Beethoven’s his passionate approach to everything he and Tchaikovsky’s deeply passionate mash-up of Tchaikovsky’s three famous ballets. you will see in orchestral Technicolor. From dramatic and expansive tour de force. Sunday Matinee 6A Matinee Sunday old world in these groundbreaking conducts. Shostakovich’s Fifth Symphony is Symphony No. 4. A cast of 21st-century protagonists will bring the opening “Promenade” to the majestic Enter the marvelous Garrick Ohlsson, who performances of his renowned but rarely a perfect showcase for his highly anticipated unexpected surprises and gravity-defying “Great Gate of Kiev,” this showpiece of the has been wowing Philadelphia audiences with performed Missa solemnis. In collaboration Philadelphia Orchestra debut. The piece choreography to these classic stories. repertoire will send you home humming. his playing for over 50 years. Charles Ives’s with Refik Anadol, one of the world’s leading stands as a stirring victory of human creativity Plus, Concertmaster David Kim offers the New England Holidays, a radical-for-its-time visual artists, the interior of Verizon Hall will be in the face of oppression. wonderfully delicate “Meditation” from look at Americana, is led by the acclaimed transformed into a virtual, multi-denominational Massenet’s opera Thaïs. Michael Tilson Thomas. cathedral through the magic of artificial intelligence and data visualization. If only Beethoven were here to see this!

Rachmaninoff’s Ravel: Daphnis Mitsuko Meets Rhapsody in Blue Songs from the Earth South Pacific Piano Concerto No. 3 and Chloé Yannick with Chick Corea 2021 Sunday, February 28 / 2:00 PM Sunday, November 22 / 2:00 PM Sunday, February 14 / 2:00 PM Sunday, May 9 / 2:00 PM Sunday, December 13 / 2:00 PM Sunday, April 25 / 2:00 PM Yannick Nézet-Séguin Conductor Lahav Shani Conductor Stéphane Denève Conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin Conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin Conductor Ekaterina Gubanova Mezzo-soprano Andy Einhorn Conductor Yefim Bronfman Piano Gautier Capuçon Cello Mitsuko Uchida Piano Chick Corea Piano Piotr Beczała Tenor Westminster Symphonic Choir Rodgers South Pacific Prokofiev Lieutenant Kijé Joe Miller Director Bates Suite from The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs Ellington Solitude Debussy La Mer Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 3 (world premiere—Philadelphia Orchestra Gershwin Rhapsody in Blue Mahler Das Lied von der Erde In South Pacific, Broadway legends Rodgers Stravinsky Petrushka Purrington Words for Departure co-commission) Price Symphony No. 1 and Hammerstein set out to enlighten as (world premiere—Philadelphia Orchestra Ravel Piano Concerto in G major Never before has our environment felt more well as entertain. Issues of race, nationalism, Have you ever heard a piano sing? In this commission) Shostakovich Symphony No. 8 Unless you were in New York City in 1924 for imperiled. In this program, we celebrate the imperialism, and identity remain as relevant concert you will as the masterful Yefim Connesson Cello Concerto the premiere, you’ve never heard Gershwin’s beauty of nature, and how it connects us to today, more than 70 years after the work’s Bronfman performs Rachmaninoff’s Third Ravel Daphnis and Chloé (complete ballet) The divine Mitsuko Uchida, “one of the great Rhapsody in Blue like this. Jazz legend Chick our world and to our souls. The great Mahler premiere. Our version of this Broadway Piano Concerto, or as Bronfman calls it, “one pianists of our, or any, time” (The New York Times), Corea joins the hottest big band on the planet champion Leonard Bernstein called Das Lied classic reexamines those issues as well … of the most beautiful melodies ever written” Shimmering and sensual, Daphnis and Chloé reveals all the spirit of Ravel’s jazzy concerto, for this classic melting pot of American musical von der Erde (The Song of the Earth) “Mahler’s plus a stellar Broadway cast pouring its heart and “the easiest introduction to classical music: is a masterpiece of French impressionistic while Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 8 evokes styles. Florence Price was the first African- greatest symphony.” Based on Chinese poetry into some of America’s best-loved show tunes. thrilling, exciting, larger than life.” This is a splendor. Stéphane Denève returns to lead the the heroism of World War II. We’ll ask you American woman to have her work performed about sorrow and solitude, youth and friendship, program of pure Russian poetry, steeped in the complete version of Ravel’s love story ballet. to please silence your iPhones for the world by a major U.S. orchestra. Yannick leads the work embodies Mahler’s passion for both sound that made the Philadelphians famous. Lush and exotic, and brimming with orchestral premiere of a suite from Mason Bates’s opera the Philadelphia Orchestra premiere of her symphony and song. Debussy’s La Mer (The Sea) color, the sweeping music conjures every detail about the tech guru Steve Jobs. Symphony No. 1, plus music by the legendary provides a meditative and fluid contrast. of this mythological tale, from glorious sunrise Duke Ellington. Admit it. You always knew to hedonistic bacchanal. Yannick was a hepcat at heart.

26 2020–21 Season Subscribe today and secure your seats for this brilliant season. 27 Subscribers can purchase tickets to special events in advance.

Jane in Concert Home Alone in Concert

Films Tuesday, October 13 / 7:00 PM Friday, December 4 / 8:00 PM Saturday, December 5 / 8:00 PM Lina Gonzalez-Granados Conductor Sunday, December 6 / 2:00 PM

Glass Jane (complete with film) Constantine Kitsopoulos Conductor The Choirs of the College of New Jersey “When I was a little girl, I used to dream John Leonard Director as a man, because I wanted to do things that women didn’t do.”—Jane Goodall Williams Home Alone (complete with film)

The music of Philip Glass sets the scene for Jane ’s Oscar®-nominated score is one of Goodall’s expeditions deep into the rainforests of the main characters in this holiday slapstick classic. Tanzania. This beautifully filmed National Geographic The hilarious eight-year-old Kevin defends his , documentary gets up close with the chimpanzees fends for himself, and outwits a pair of bungling she spent her life studying and draws from hours of burglars. The Philadelphia Orchestra, joined by chorus previously unseen footage. The stunning images are and the Fred J. Cooper Memorial Organ, brings this as vivid as the colorful musical score. film to life like never before. © 1990 Twentieth Century Fox

The Princess Bride in Concert Charlie Chaplin’s City Lights

Friday, October 16 / 8:00 PM Saturday, January 2 / 8:00 PM Saturday, October 17 / 8:00 PM Sunday, January 3 / 2:00 PM Sunday, October 18 / 2:00 PM William Eddins Conductor David Newman Conductor Chaplin City Lights (complete with film) Knopfler The Princess Bride (complete with film) Well into the “talkie” era in 1931, Charlie Chaplin Fencing, fighting, giants, rodents-of-unusual size, released his masterpiece City Lights as a silent film torture chambers, revenge, true love, miracles… and created a jaunty, vaudeville-style score to go You don’t need much more for a great movie, but this along with it. Could Chaplin have imagined a better Rob Reiner cult classic also has an all-star cast accompaniment than The Philadelphia Orchestra? (Cary Elwes, Robin Wright, Mandy Patinkin, Robin The music perfectly underscores the film’s inspired Wright, Billy Crystal). Now for the first time, composer combination of clowning and pathos. Now widely Mark Knopfler’s unforgettable score has been specially considered one of the greatest films of all time, it’s arranged for symphony orchestra. Missing this a silent movie that must be heard! cinematic concert experience would be inconceivable! © The Princess Bride Limited. All Rights Reserved.

Jurassic Park in Concert

Friday, January 29 / 8:00 PM Saturday, January 30 / 8:00 PM Sunday, January 31 / 2:00 PM

Damon Gupton Conductor Comedy and adventure, classic and Williams Jurassic Park (complete with film)

contemporary, our film series has it all, Featuring visually stunning imagery and groundbreaking special effects, the action-packed with The Philadelphia Orchestra sweeping adventure of Jurassic Park pits man against prehistoric predators in the ultimate battle for you right into the middle of the action. survival. Experience it now, projected in HD with The Philadelphia Orchestra performing John Williams’ iconic score live to picture.

2020–21 Season © Universal City Studios LLC 28 and Amblin Entertainment, 29 Inc. All Rights Reserved. Family Concerts

Organ Halloween Halloween Celebration Listen UP! Music Is a Extravaganza Language Saturday, October 31 / 11:30 AM Wednesday, October 28 / 7:30 PM SPECIAL EVENT Erina Yashima Conductor Saturday, November 28 / 11:30 AM Join the Orchestra in costume for this fun and irreverent night with the Philadelphians and the Put on your best Halloween costume and the Nicholas Kendall Violin Fred J. Cooper Memorial Organ. Stick around Orchestra will put on theirs! We’ve got plenty after the concert for our signature “organ pump” of musical treats to fill up your goodie bag. Did you know music has a lot to say? experience—come up and lie down on stage to The Philadelphia Orchestra explores the spooky Without any words at all, it tells stories, feel the vibrations from this king of instruments! and the silly in this orchestral adventure, an expresses feelings, and even makes us think. annual audience favorite! Get ready for na exciting morning with Your awesome Philadelphia Orchestra, along Special Presentation: Chinese New Year’s Concert An Intimate Afternoon with with Nicholas Kendall, violinist from the ’s NCPA Orchestra Yannick and Joyce internationally acclaimed classical music Holidays Symphony Thursday, February 4 / 7:00 PM string band , who will host. Friday, October 30 / 8:00 PM Sunday, June 20 / 2:00 PM He and the entire orchestra will “speak” Saturday, March 27 / 11:30 AM Tan Dun Conductor through the Language of Music! Lü Jia Conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin Piano Michael Tilson Thomas Conductor Wu Wei Sheng Join the Orchestra to celebrate the Year Joyce DiDonato Mezzo-soprano of the Ox! Acclaimed conductor/composer Christmas Kids’ Spectacular How does a holiday sound? The eccentric A scintillating blend of East and West! Tan Dun will lead the Orchestra and special Yannick trades his baton for the piano American composer Charles Ives gave us We proudly showcase our long-term strategic guests in repertoire from the East and West as he accompanies his great friend and SPECIAL EVENT his musical memory of holidays from his

Special Concerts partner the National Centre for the Performing in a family friendly evening. collaborator Joyce DiDonato in Schubert’s Saturday, December 12 / 11:30 AM childhood, from the cacophonous Fourth Puccini Arts Orchestra from Beijing, with a program profound and moving song cycle Winterreise of July to the serene and patriotic sounds of ranging from Tchaikovsky’s passionate (Winter Journey). Don’t miss this rare chance Lina Gonzalez-Granados Conductor Memorial Day. Beautiful and provocative, Symphony No. 4 to a contemporary concerto to see two of classical music’s biggest stars Ives’s music encourages us to think about for sheng, an ancient instrument also known in an intimate recital. It’s the start of the holiday season! Join us sound in new ways. Acclaimed conductor as the Chinese mouth organ. Sheng virtuoso for a festive celebration of all your favorite Michael Tilson Thomas leads the Orchestra. Wu Wei is the guest soloist. Christmas sounds and sing-alongs. Listen closely for those jingle bells, too—you never know who might pay a special visit to Verizon A Night with John Williams Hall. Add these tickets on to your subscription and Anne-Sophie Mutter Puccini today as this one sells out each year! Anne-Sophie Tuesday, January 26 / 8:00 PM Mutter

John Williams Conductor Anne-Sophie Mutter Violin

The Music of John Williams La bohème

Renowned composer and conductor Wednesday, May 19 / 7:30 PM John Williams and superstar violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter bring a special program Yannick Nézet-Séguin Conductor of Williams’s beloved film music (Harry Potter, Ailyn Pérez Soprano (Mimì) Travels with Peer Gynt Star Wars, Schindler’s List, and more) to Charles Castronovo Tenor (Rodolfo) John Verizon Hall for a one-night-only concert Latonia Moore Soprano (Musetta) Saturday, May 1 / 11:30 AM Williams featuring Your Philadelphia Orchestra. Quinn Kelsey Baritone (Marcello) Andrey Zhilikhovsky Baritone (Schaunard) Erina Yashima Conductor Christian Van Horn Bass-baritone (Colline) Enchantment Theatre Company Donald Maxwell Baritone (Benoit/Alcindoro) Philadelphia Symphonic Choir Grieg Peer Gynt, incidental music Joe Miller Director Join us on a wild journey with our friend Peer Gynt! Puccini La bohème Popularized by Looney Tunes and The Simpsons, Grieg’s Peer Gynt Suite will guide you from the lush The world’s reigning opera conductor leads Scandinavia countryside to the Arabian desert one of the greatest operas of all time. with popular tunes like “Morning–Mood” and “Puccini is the epitome of Italian opera, where “In the Hall of the Mountain King.” feelings and emotions are so true, yet also larger than life. We can all relate to Puccini. I still cry every single time I conduct the final act of La bohème,” says Yannick. With the Orchestra front and center and a superb cast, this is Puccini’s beloved tale of Parisian bohemian artists as you’ve never heard it before.

philorch.org / 215.893.1955 31 philorch.org / 215.893.1955 Holidays

Organ and Brass Christmas

Thursday, December 3 / 7:30 PM

Hark the herald (and horns, , and ) sing! The unmatched sound and musicality of members of The Philadelphia Orchestra’s legendary brass section usher in the holiday season on a high note. And the glory of the Fred J. Cooper Memorial Organ adds another heavenly voice to this collection Messiah of treasured Christmas music. Sunday, December 20 / 2:00 PM

The Glorious Julian Wachner Conductor ® Sound of Christmas Philadelphia Symphonic Choir Joe Miller Director Thursday, December 17 / 7:00 PM Friday, December 18 / 7:00 PM Handel Messiah Saturday, December 19 / 7:00 PM Tuesday, December 22 / 7:00 PM Shortly after sending Handel his libretto for a new oratorio, Charles Jennens wrote to a friend, hoping Celebrate Bramwell Tovey Conductor that the composer “will lay out his whole genius and skill upon it.” In 24 days of feverish writing, The Glorious Sound of Christmas has been Handel did just that, creating his immortal Messiah. a Philadelphia Orchestra tradition since the Conductor Julian Wachner joins the Orchestra and Philadelphians and released the Philadelphia Symphonic Choir for a revelatory the now-iconic recording in 1962. Make these performance of this masterwork. concerts part of your holiday tradition with these jubilant and family friendly concerts. New Year’s Eve

Thursday, December 31 / 7:30 PM

Yannick Nézet-Séguin Conductor the Yannick returns, bringing his inimitable charm and joy to our New Year’s Eve concert. Bring on the bubbly and ring in 2021 with the Fabulous Philadelphians. Season

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