A Musical Adventure in the British Isles
Thursday, January 18, 2018
6:00 – 9:30 p.m.
The Kimmel Center, Philadelphia
Recap
On Thursday, January 18, 2018, the BABCPHL partnered with the Philadelphia Orchestra on a very special event in honor of the Orchestra’s three-week British Isles’ concert series. More than 30 BABCPHL members and friends gathered at the Kimmel Center for a VIP behind the scenes tour; a meet and greet with Philadelphia Orchestra musicians; and reserved seats for the concert.
Geoff Cohen, Associate Director of Audience Development for the Philadelphia Orchestra welcomed BABCPHL guests and led our group through an informative discussion and tour of the awe inspiring building, built to ensure sound quality. Our group stood on the Verizon Hall stage at three different points throughout the evening. We also explored behind the stage where we saw the microphones, instruments, shipping containers, offices, and dressing rooms. After the tour we were joined in the Green Room by Matthew Loden, Interim Co-President; David Kim, Concertmaster; and Philip Kates, Second Violinist for the Philadelphia Orchestra. Matthew, David and Phil spoke with BABCPHL event participants about the Orchestra, and educated us about fascinating facts. Did you know the Philadelphia Orchestra is the most recorded orchestra in the world, and out of approximately 100 musicians, average musician tenure is about 20 years. Philadelphia Orchestra musicians are so talented and in sync with one another that when presented with a new program, if necessary, they can be performance ready after only one rehearsal. The Orchestra is fortunate to own Stradivarius violins from the 1700s, worth millions of dollars. Some of the musicians play these instruments on stage during the concerts.
During the dynamic question and answer session with the musicians, we were informed there was a special treat in store for us – a bagpipe serenade. Police & Fire Bagpipers were performing with the Philadelphia Orchestra in memory of Lt. Matthew LeTourneau, and the BABCPHL was lucky to have a preview of the performance before the actual concert began. Before dismissing our group, Michael Pedrick, BABCPHL President thanked our hosts Geoff and Matthew and the musicians David and Phil for the dedicated time they spent with us. While Orchestra members left to prepare for the concert, BABCPHL guests were encouraged to have a bite to eat and a drink at the PECO Concession Stand or Volver Restaurant, both housed in the Kimmel Center.
Verizon Hall filled quickly as people began to arrive for the concert conducted by Yannick Nézet-Séguin, the inspired leader of The Philadelphia Orchestra. The January 18th concert featured two soloists and pieces by Peter Maxwell Davies, Bruch and Mendelssohn. Juliette Kang, Canadian violinist, who was appointed first associate concertmaster of the Philadelphia Orchestra in 2005, had a solo. She received a standing ovation for performing Bruch’s fantasia of traditional folk songs from the Highlands and beyond.
The BABCPHL was truly honored to partner with the Philadelphia Orchestra for this wonderful musical adventure in the British Isles. Special thanks to the Orchestra for working with us to offer our members and friends this unique opportunity. For more information about the Philadelphia Orchestra, and to purchase tickets please click here.
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