The City of Brotherly Love is set to shine a little brighter this winter.
Beginning Nov. 19, the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul will be transformed into “a spectacular celebration of Christmas” with Luminiscence: Christmas Wonder. The immersive performance will dish out holiday songs, imagery and visual effects for its winter iteration, following on the heels of its summer series, which debuted this past June in Philly.
Since its launch in 2023, 'Luminiscence' has traveled the globe, showcasing its productions to more than one million visitors across eight countries (France, Spain, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Germany, Brazil, the Netherlands, and the United States). The showcase combines architectural projection mapping, immersive soundscapes and narrative-driven performances in one package.
The chosen venue here in Philly isn’t a coincidence either: Against the backdrop of the city where America’s founding ideals first took shape, the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul has long served as both a spiritual home and an architectural symbol of Philadelphia’s cultural legacy.
As a release notes, designed by architect Napoleon LeBrun and constructed between 1846 and 1864, the Basilica reflects the grandeur of the Italian Renaissance and remains the only cathedral in the United States built in the Neo-Classical style inspired by Rome’s San Carlo al Corso.
With Luminiscence: Christmas Wonder specifically, the show will illuminate the Basilica's architecture while also weaving together the Cathedral's history, a live choir and the Luminiscence Orchestra, with an additional 15 minutes of specially curated Christmas music, lights and seasonal storytelling.
Created by Lotchi, part of Banijay Live, Luminiscence has earned international acclaim for its process of "transforming sacred and historic spaces into immersive storytelling experiences through music and digital artistry." Its Philadelphia debut this summer was part of the city's America 250 celebrations, but this holiday edition plans to add an extra layer of seasonal magic to the experience.
“There is no more fitting place to celebrate the wonder of Christmas than beneath the dome of the Cathedral Basilica,” notes Clayton Ferguson, Executive Producer of Luminiscence.
“The people of Philadelphia have embraced Luminiscence from the very first night, and we are thrilled to celebrate the holidays together. There is no more fitting place to celebrate the wonder of Christmas than beneath the dome of the Cathedral Basilica. Pairing these timeless songs with the light and artistry of Luminiscence creates something truly special — a new holiday tradition for families, friends, and visitors from near and far.”
The Philadelphia event opens to the public on Thursday, Nov. 19 at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, 1723 Race St.
Performances will run on select weekdays and weekends, offering options like Luminiscence Live Plus (featuring a live choir and orchestra), Luminiscence Live (with a live choir only), or Luminiscence (featuring recorded music and a voiceover).
Ticket prices ($22-$65) vary depending on the type of experience and date. More information can be found online at luminiscence.com/philadelphia
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