Performances by The Philadelphia Orchestra and Special Guests Wynton Marsalis, Steve Martin, Nicola Benedetti, Lang Lang, and more
June 6, 2020, at 8 PM ET
Evening features the world premiere of Seven O’clock Shout by Valerie Coleman in honor of frontline workers, and a specially produced cinematic performance of Rachmaninoff’s Vocalise
Event highlights the Orchestra’s commitment to music education
(Philadelphia, May 26, 2020)—Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin and The Philadelphia Orchestra will connect with audiences at home and around the world through HearNOW: An At-Home Gala on June 6, 2020, at 8 PM ET. Hosted by Nézet-Séguin, the hour-long event will feature performances by The Philadelphia Orchestra, individual members of the Orchestra, and an all-star lineup of guest artists including Wynton Marsalis, Steve Martin, Nicola Benedetti, Lang Lang, and more. The event will also include a world premiere commission by composer Valerie Coleman. Through a mix of live and pre-recorded elements, the virtual gala will showcase the Orchestra’s exceptional artistry, deep civic purpose, and enduring relevance. HearNOW will be simulcast for free on www.philorch.org and www.facebook.com/philorch, and will remain available for viewing through June 8, 2020.
“The Philadelphia Orchestra brings joy and hope to audiences, reflecting and responding to the world around us in ways that only music can,” said Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin. “We look forward to spending a truly memorable evening with our dear friends around the world. It will be a beautiful and uplifting journey.”
“Even while social distancing, the Orchestra is finding new ways to innovate, remain artistically vibrant, provide educational programming, and be a resource for our communities,” said President and CEO Matías Tarnopolsky. “Although we cannot be with our audiences and collaborators in person right now, we can still connect with one another, powerfully, through music. This virtual gala is a beacon to the future when we can be together again.”
The event will feature the world premiere of a newly commissioned orchestral work by composer Valerie Coleman, whose Umoja was enthusiastically received at its premiere by Nézet-Séguin and The Philadelphia Orchestra on September 19, 2019. Coleman’s new work, Seven O’clock Shout, honors frontline workers and is inspired by the public cheers and applause they receive every evening at 7 PM. Beginning with a solo trumpet salute, the piece turns from a ballad to a celebration. Written specifically for musicians performing and recording while social distancing, Seven O’clock Shout is a moving response to this moment in time.
Highlighting The Philadelphia Orchestra’s enduring relationships with beloved artists from a variety of genres, HearNOW will welcome special guests and frequent collaborators. Piano virtuoso Lang Lang; internationally renowned jazz musician, composer, and educator Wynton Marsalis; and GRAMMY Award-winning violinist and education advocate Nicola Benedetti will each perform from their homes. GRAMMY Award-winning musician and actor Steve Martin, special guest at the 2018 Academy of Music Anniversary Concert, will also appear in a unique collaboration with musicians of the Orchestra. In addition, Concertmaster David Kim will perform live for the virtual audience.
HearNOW will also celebrate The Philadelphia Orchestra’s ongoing commitment to music education through a performance by violist Beatrice Chen, 2019 Junior Division winner of the Orchestra’s Albert M. Greenfield Student Competition, which is dedicated to fostering and recognizing extraordinary young talent in the Greater Philadelphia region.
The evening will conclude with a newly recorded performance of Rachmaninoff’s Vocalise. The specially produced short film will serve as a visual expression of the Orchestra’s legacy and its bond with the City of Philadelphia.
HearNOW: An At-Home Gala is made possible by The Philadelphia Orchestra’s community of supporters who believe in the power of music to create hope and joy. Accordant Advisors is the lead corporate sponsor. Additional major support has been provided by Neal W. Krouse, Robert E. Mortensen, and Mari and Peter Shaw. Gifts in support of the Orchestra can be made at www.philorch.org/HearNOW/give or by texting “Orchestra” to 91999.
CONTACTS:
Ashley Berke 215.893.1939
[email protected]
Natalie Lewis 215.893.3136
[email protected]
Ashley Stahmer 215.893.3142
[email protected]