Recently the Kimmel Cultural Campus and Philadelphia Orchestra announced their 23-24 season, which features a variety of live performances that will officially kick off in September (along with the venue’s free Philadelphia Fall Festival as well.)
“We are writing the exciting next chapter of the performing arts in Philadelphia, providing artistic experiences that build bridges and create a sense of community,” said Matías Tarnopolsky, president and CEO of The Philadelphia Orchestra and Kimmel Center, Inc in a statement.
Tarnopolsky continued: “A new season means new opportunities to share the transformative power of live performance, educational events, free community partnerships, and more. We look forward to welcoming audiences throughout this wonderful season.”
The new season kicks off on Sept. 23 with the 3rd annual free Philadelphia Fall Arts Fest, which features entertainment from over 50 arts organizations, bite-sized performances, a free performance from The Philadelphia Orchestra, and the chance for locals to see the first public viewing of the innovatively designed Maene-Viñoly Concert Grand Piano.
In a fitting homage to the late musician-architect Rafael Viñoly, the piano will be on display for the public to enjoy in the very building that he designed, the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, the release states. In partnership with Rafael Viñoly Architects, the special exhibition marks the piano’s first appearance in the United States.
After the fall-season kick-off, the 22-23 lineup puts the spotlight on everything from orchestral music to Broadway, jazz to comedy, contemporary dance to ballet, opera to rock, and much more.
‘Mean Girls’ will be first to hit the stage from Oct. 3 to 8, and then ‘Wicked’ will follow a short time later from Nov. 1 to 26.
Following shows will be ‘Cirque Dreams Holidaze’ (Dec. 26 – 31); ‘Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations’ (Jan. 3 – 21, 2024); ‘Mrs. Doubtfire’ (Feb. 6 – 18, 2024); ‘Girl from the North Country’ (Feb. 27 – March 10, 2024); Disney’s ‘Frozen’ (March 21 – April 7, 2024); ‘Hadestown’ (April 10 – 14, 2024); ‘Message In A Bottle’ (May 14 – 19, 2024); ‘Funny Girl’ (July 16 – 28, 2024), and ‘Mamma Mia!’ (Aug. 6 – 11, 2024).
The Philadelphia Orchestra on the other hand, (led by Music and Artistic Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin) is also offering “a musical journey of discovery, beauty, and inspiration.”
As the release states, Nézet-Séguin will open the 2023–24 season – his 12th with the Orchestra – on Sept. 28 with a special program featuring Yo-Yo Ma performing Shostakovich’s ‘Cello Concerto No. 1.’ The Opening Night Celebration is one of three appearances by Yo-Yo Ma throughout the season.
Philadelphians can also expect four world premieres with the orchestra, as well as works that highlight women artists throughout the season. The season also includes a co-commissioned work by Pulitzer Prize–winning composer Du Yun. Her new Pipa Concerto will be performed by Wu Man in its world premiere, led by Anna Sułkowska-Migoń in her Philadelphia Orchestra debut (Jan. 11 and 13, 2024).
In other line-up news, the Kimmel will also be hosting their Family Discovery Series with highlights including performances like ‘Elf in Concert’ with the Philadelphia Orchestra, ‘Coco’ Live-to-Film Concert and more (a full line-up of the orchestra’s performances can be found online.)
Multi-show packages for the Family Discovery Series start at $21 per show and single tickets to select Family Discovery Series shows are on sale now. (Note: choose two or more shows and save 10%.)
Additional shows calling the Kimmel Cultural Campus home this season span the popular Jazz Series, different holiday happenings and even showcases of comedy, dance, speakers, unique concert experiences, and more.
Highlights include Taylor Tomlinson: ‘The Have It All Tour’ (Sept. 7 – 8); Aunty Donna: ‘The Magical Dead Cat Tour’ (Oct. 7); Steve Martin & Martin Short: ‘You Won’t Believe What They Look Like Today!’ (Oct. 27); Brit Floyd: ’50 Years of Dark Side’ (Nov. 4); David Spade: ‘Catch Me Inside’ (Dec. 2) and plenty of others.
For more information on the 23-24 season from the Kimmel Cultural Campus, visit kimmelculturalcampus.org
