The Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts announced they will celebrate the Honorable Edward G. Rendell and PHILADANCO! founder Joan Myers Brown as they host the third annual Great Stages Gala on Friday, May 30. Rendell and Brown will be recognized for their efforts as visionary leaders who have made a transformative impact on Philadelphia’s arts and culture community.
The black-tie event will also spotlight premier performing arts groups residing at Ensemble Arts Philly venues and the broad spectrum of art presented by The Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts. Proceeds from the Great Stages Gala will benefit the restoration of the Academy of Music, in addition to the programs, people, and venues of The Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts.
The evening will begin with a donor reception at the Academy of Music at 6 p.m., which will include entertainment by vocalist and pianist V. Shayne Frederick with All-City Jazz Fellow Jacob Dennis. The reception will be followed by an honoree presentation that will take place on the stage of the Academy at 7 p.m., celebrating Rendell and Brown while featuring an appearance by Philadelphia Orchestra Music and Artistic Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin. The celebration will also feature performances by musicians of The Philadelphia Orchestra, vocalist Laurin Talese and dancers from PHILADANCO!
The Rodney Marsalis Philadelphia Big Brass will then lead a processional down Broad St. to the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, where erhu player Qin Qian will greet guests with a musical interlude. Upon arrival, guests of the gala will enjoy inspiring performances and elevated food and beverage options from Rhubarb Hospitality Collection.
The evening will continue with a diverse an assemblage off pop-up performances by musicians of The Philadelphia Orchestra; PHILADANCO!; Opera Philadelphia; Philadelphia Ballet; Broadway and “American Idol” star Justin Guarini; and gospel, jazz, and soul artist Kayla Childs, also known as “Black Buttafly.” As the evening continues, guests will have the special opportunity to dance on stage at Marian Anderson Hall to a set by DJ Diamond Kuts and organist Andy Brown of the Curtis Institute of Music.
Former mayor of Philadelphia and governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Edward Rendell, played a crucial role in supporting the arts during his time in office, from his work to revitalize Center City to his instrumental efforts supporting the creation of the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts and Avenue of the Arts. Rendell played a key role in creating jobs in the arts, fostering development, and rejuvenating residential life in Philadelphia. He has long held an unwavering belief in the power of the arts as a driver of change and worked diligently to see Philadelphia arts and culture thrive during his eight years as governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
The legendary founder and artistic advisor of the Philadelphia Dance Company, PHILADANCO!, Joan Myers Brown is a National Medal of Arts laureate who paved the way for generations of predominantly Black artists by setting the standard for excellence and innovation in dance and helping to preserve African-American traditions in dance. A true trailblazer in the arts, Brown is also being celebrated for efforts to create inclusive, welcoming opportunities where artists can thrive, express themselves, and carry forward the legacy of dance in America.
“As we gather for the third annual Great Stages Gala, we are proud to recognize the immeasurable contributions of both Ed Rendell and Joan Myers Brown,” said Ryan Fleur, president and CEO of The Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts. “Their leadership has enriched Philadelphia, united our communities, and established our city’s global reputation as a destination for the arts. We look forward to an evening that celebrates their accomplishments as well as the vibrancy of Philadelphia’s thriving arts and culture scene.”
240 S. Broad St., For more information about the Great Stages Gala and to purchase benefactor packages, visit www.ensembleartsphilly.org/gala.
