Pennsylvania Philharmonic Information

The mission of the Pennsylvania Philharmonic is to present the highest quality orchestral performances throughout Pennsylvania. More than half of these performances will take place in schools directly benefiting students in underserved rural and urban areas outside the cities of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. Additional public Classical and Pops programs are performed in multiple communities around the State sharing unique accessible concert experiences with audiences of all ages. The Pennsylvania Philharmonic and its music director Michael Butterman will bring the magic of a symphony orchestra performance to school districts throughout central and eastern Pennsylvania in a series of concerts specially designed for students in grades 4 - 8 this fall. Students will experience and assist in creating a 50-minute interactive symphony concert designed especially for them, highlighting accessible music from Classical to Jazz to Pops. Butterman, nationally recognized for innovative programming and his commitment to audience and community engagement, says there is only a positive impact on a young person by providing them access to music. The initial interactive concert program is entitled Stories and Legends, introducing the students to works by some of the greatest classical composers including Rimsky-Korsakov, Grieg, Rossini, Bernstein, Berlioz and others. In addition to working in the school districts the Pennsylvania Philharmonic will perform public Classical and Pops concerts in a number of the same communities. The season begins with a program entitled “Fascinatin’ Rhythms: Gershwin, Copland, Ravel & More…” celebrates the concept of rhythm through compositions of composers including Higdon, Ginastera, Ravel, Copland and Gershwin. The concert features renowned pianist Simone Dinnerstein performing both Gershwin’s “Rhapsody In Blue” and Ravel’s Piano Concerto in G.