Blog

The Orchestra has joined with partner WHYY-TV on a special production, Sawallisch: The Philadelphia Orchestra Tribute, honoring late Music Director Wolfgang Sawallisch, who led the acclaimed ensemble from 1993 to 2003. This one-hour program airs Tuesday, October 8, at 8:00 PM during WHYY-TV’s Fall Arts premiere week. 

Sawallisch: The Philadelphia Orchestra Tribute honors the Orchestra’s past under Maestro Sawallisch’s leadership, while shining a light on its bright future. Featuring Yannick Nézet-Séguin leading the Orchestra in a May 2013 tribute concert in works by Janáček, Schumann, and Dvořák, the program also includes interviews with Orchestra members and staff who worked with Maestro Sawallisch, alongside segments of exclusive interviews conducted by WHYY’s Marty Moss-Coane at his home in Germany.

The Philadelphia Orchestra’s sixth music director, Wolfgang Sawallisch fostered the rich tradition of the Orchestra’s legendary Philadelphia Sound while strengthening its artistic future. He became conductor laureate of the Orchestra in September 2003, directly following the conclusion of his tenure as music director. Maestro Sawallisch passed away in February 2013 at his home in Germany. He was 89 years old.

For more information please visit WHYY.org/sawallisch. Sawallisch: The Philadelphia Orchestra Tribute is made possible by the Neubauer Family Foundation.