For over two centuries, Philadelphia has fostered a passionate love for classical music. Refusing to remain on the sidelines of the canonical style, the Quaker City saw its destiny in the innovation and diversification of what classical music could come to be, now standing firmly among the finest in the United States.
Maintaining both prestige and remarkable accessibility, the city has cultivated a deep musical engagement among its aficionados. With several local touring orchestras and historical landmarks that have shaped the diligent foundation of its classical scene, Philadelphia has come full circle, by celebrating its legacy through an enduring orchestral tradition.
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Classical music venues in Philly
Marian Anderson Hall (Kimmel Center)
In honor of the revered contralto Marian Anderson, the once labeled Verizon Hall, adopted the singer’s name in order to elevate her legacy toward the fundraising and cultural alignment of the local orchestra. As the main concert hall of the Kimmel Center, the venue not only serves as the home of the Philadelphia Orchestra and a vital hub for the city’s performing arts scene, but it also holds symbolic significance as one of the first major concert halls to be named after a Black woman who made lasting contributions to opera and classical music.
Location: 300 South Broad Street, Philadelphia
Perelman Theater (Kimmel Center)
Perelman here is the younger sibling to Marian Anderson Hall, both in the same Kimmel Center building. Younger because the space is smaller, more intimate, but not any less important. Used as the primary venue for the Philadelphia Chamber Music Society where the space holds great importance to the city’s opera scene bringing chamber music and ensemble performances to the stage.
Location: 300 S Broad St, Philadelphia
Academy of Music
A historical landmark as we know it. This is where opera’s greatest in the city flourished and found an audience who devoted their ears to the art. Fondly known as “The Grand Old Lady of Locust Street,” this iconic venue holds the title of the oldest opera house in the city still in full use today. And she’s far from retiring. The Academy continues to keep the arts alive year-round, hosting everything from the Philadelphia Opera and Ballet to chamber music, choral works, solo recitals, and national Broadway tours.
Location: 240 South Broad Street, Philadelphia
The American Philosophical Society Hall
The American Philosophical Society Hall offers a more intimate setting, in other words, smaller but more personal. Its 374-seat auditorium stands as a quiet testament to the city’s cultural refinement, finding its purpose within these historic walls. A space dedicated to orchestral and chamber music, it regularly hosts performances that span both historical masterworks and contemporary compositions.
Location: 104 South 5th Street in Center City, Philadelphia
The Media Theatre
Officially a cinema in the early 20th century, known for its screening of “The Jazz Singer,” the space had its architectural charm and hosted Philadelphia’s share of entertainment. But having completed its duty as a screen anchor for the greater part of the century, the venue underwent a revival, transforming into a kernel for musical performances. Ever since, it has attracted musicals, community events, classical concerts — you name it. And some of these fall under recurring series, such as Candlelight, which reimagines iconic works under the glow of hundreds of candles led by the Listeso String Quartet.
Location: 104 East State Street, Media
Orchestras in Philadelphia
The Philadelphia Orchestra
One of the “Big Five” orchestras in the U.S. Officially based in the Kimmel Center, the ensemble has been rising to prominence since it formed at the dawn of the 20th century. The orchestra has long been a pioneer, shaped by respected greats like Leopold Stokowski and Eugene Ormandy. Today, it is led by Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin, delivering renowned performances to the masses in and around the Philadelphia music realm.
The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia
The Chamber group comes together as a 33-member ensemble, steeping the limits by dipping into an intimate chamber repertoire and commissioning new music on a regular basis. Dabbling between conductor-led and conductor-less performances, the orchestra nurtures the art in the Kimmel Center venues as well as outdoor and Philly-area gardens. By prioritizing emerging talent as much as the established ones, the group thrives on musical camaraderie and instinctive trust.
How can you get more involved with classical music in Philadelphia?
The Philadelphia Orchestra Subscription Series
This might just make you feel part of the elite; like back in the day when the rich snapped up permanent seats at the opera box office. The Philadelphia Orchestra Subscription Series lets you handpick concerts that match your taste in the classical realm of the city. But other than just secured tickets, loyal subscribers get perks like discounted prices, flexible exchanges, and early access to exclusive events.
Philadelphia Chamber Music Society Series
An elegant nonprofit organization devoted to presenting over 50 classical concerts annually across the city, featuring a blend of outstanding local and international talent. Their rich and diverse programming, combined with affordable ticket prices, draws in a wide and enthusiastic audience. Concerts take place in a variety of prestigious Philadelphia venues, including the Kimmel Center, the American Philosophical Society’s Hall, and several others, making each performance something of a special experience.
Opera Philadelphia Festival
This annual event, known as Festival O, brings quite the satisfying lineup each September, from bold premieres and reimagined classics to uniquely curated productions that defy every stage the city has to offer, and most importantly, you’ll also find community-building programs and thought-provoking talks on the schedule too. Since launching in 2017, the festival has stayed true to its mission of giving both local and international acts a platform to showcase their talent.
Special Orchestras at Marian Anderson Hall
The selection at Marian Anderson Hall is one of notable variety. More of a program than a single concert, the lineup includes events like Orchestra After 5, one-hour performances such as Shostakovich No. 5 or Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastique, served with a social twist. Then come the spotlight concerts, bringing high-profile acts into a more focused setting, along with family-friendly themed gigs, and the seasonal state-of-the-art programming. It’s a well-rounded range, ready to adapt to whatever tickles your fancy.
Philadelphia’s classical music scene offers more than just beautiful performances. As a breathing part of the city’s cultural rhythm, its presence gives comfort to those seasoned listeners and eventually piques curiosity in the newcomers. From historic halls to candlelit quartets, whether you’re catching a full orchestra or discovering a local ensemble, the city makes it easy and ever rewarding to stay connected to the music.