^{— The Philadelphia Orchestra, BalletX return to the Mann for summer residencies —
— The Mann’s first Community Artist-In-Residence, Chill Moody, curates special performances —
— Movies @ the Mann showcases Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Jurassic Park and Rocky — 
— Downstage @ the Mann returns for its second season, celebrating 50th Anniversary of Hip-Hop —
— Darin Atwater’s Black Metropolis explores Black culture through multimedia production —
— More than 45 performances already announced with more shows adding weekly —}

PHILADELPHIA (April 13, 2022) – The Mann Center for the Performing Arts’ 2023 season is providing patrons with an extensive lineup this summer, filled with summer favorites and new twists, bringing the sounds of summer alive to the Mann’s 22-acre campus in Fairmount Park. The Philadelphia Orchestra returns for its summer residency, which is extended into a long-term partnership running through 2027, BalletX returns for the second year of its residency, and the Mann introduces its first Community Artist-In-Residence, hip-hop artist and entrepreneur Chill Moody, who will guest star and curate several performances throughout the season.

In addition to the Mann’s residencies, the Movies @ the Mann series will showcase fan favorite films on giant screens above the Presser Stage and the Great Lawn. Patrons will enjoy Star Wars: The Force Awakens and the original Jurassic Park under the stars, complete with mesmerizing scores played by The Philadelphia Orchestra, and the Philadelphia classic Rocky will feature a performance from the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra.

“We cannot wait to welcome patrons back to historic Fairmount Park for what promises to be a dynamic 2023 season!” said Catherine M. Cahill, president and CEO of the Mann. “This is a truly special season. We welcome back our iconic resident ensembles with The Philadelphia Orchestra and BalletX and introduce our first-ever Community Artist-In-Residence, Chill Moody. As a critical aspect of our mission to bring a wealth of performing arts knowledge and experience to young people and our Philadelphia community, Chill works with us on our educational efforts, has specially curated the second season of our Downstage, and has collaborated with Emmy Award-winning artist and visionary composure Darin Atwater on his world premiere composition, Black Metropolis. We hope that whether our patrons are attending a concert or participating in one of our education and community engagement events, their time at the Mann produces memorable evenings under the stars at the Mann this season.”

COMPANIES IN RESIDENCE

The Philadelphia Orchestra returns to the TD Pavilion at the Mann, its summer home since 1976, for its multiyear residency through 2027, and Philadelphia’s premier ballet company BalletX returns for the second year of its residency through 2024.

This year, The Philadelphia Orchestra will perform eight concerts throughout the summer, providing patrons with the opportunity to experience live classical music season-round. This season’s performances will include two led by Music and Artistic Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin: Beethoven’s Ninth on May 18 and Music Under the Stars on May 19, where the Orchestra will perform composer and activist Margaret Bonds’ music for the first time at the Mann. The Orchestra will also take the stage on June 20 for the Tchaikovsky Spectacular complete with a fireworks show; June 22 for a legendary tribute with The Trailblazing Music of Joni Mitchell, Carole King & Carly Simon; June 24 for Star Wars: The Force Awakens In Concert; July 19 for a celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Hip-Hop with Darin Atwater’s Black Metropolis featuring Chill Moody; and July 20 for a blend of folk, rock and soul with WXPN Welcomes Amos Lee.

The Philadelphia Orchestra’s summer season concludes with Movies @ the Mann’s Jurassic Park In Concert on July 22 where, in addition to most of The Philadelphia Orchestra’s performances, patrons are welcome to pack a picnic and enjoy the beauty of Fairmount Park as the Orchestra plays the film scores live and in sync with the film.

“We are delighted to return to the Mann this summer for an extended residency that features a wide array of programs featuring Music and Artistic Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin and a host of special guests from a variety of genres,” said Matías Tarnopolsky, president and CEO of The Philadelphia Orchestra and Kimmel Center, Inc. “Furthermore, we are thrilled to extend our partnership with the Mann through 2027, a reaffirmation and celebration of the close relationship between our two organizations.”  

BalletX kickstarts the Mann’s season with two performances on May 4 and 5 for its Spring Series, including a world premiere by Amy Hall Garner and the return of Justin Peck’s Become a Mountain (2021) and Trey McIntyre’s Big Ones (2016), with live music by electronic composer Dan Deacon.

“BalletX is thrilled to be returning to the Mann as the resident dance company and thrilled to be expanding our reach and bringing new audiences in to experience our work,” said Christine Cox, artistic and executive director and co-founder of BalletX. “Philadelphia is a tight community and we want to celebrate our city with pre-performances from 14 different partner organizations, live performances from our amazing BalletX dancers, and surprises all over the campus while enjoying a picnic under the stars.”

Alongside the companies, the Mann is introducing its first-ever Community Artist-In-Residence program this season. West Philadelphia-native and hip-hop artist and entrepreneur Chill Moody will be a guest contributor to many of the Mann’s education and community outreach programs this year, in addition to its summer season programs. He is also headlining Darin Atwater’s Black Metropolis with The Philadelphia Orchestra, collaborating with the composer on a celebration of Black culture during hip-hop’s 50th anniversary year.  

All BalletX and orchestra shows, apart from WXPN Welcomes Amos Lee, are a part of the Mann’s Summer Picnic Series. The series invites patrons to pack a picnic to enjoy on the Mann’s Great Lawn before and during the show, or to pre-order a gourmet picnic basket from DiBruno Bros. to pick up inside the venue during select performances.

THE RETURN OF THE MANN'S IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE, DOWNSTAGE @ THE MANN

The Mann’s newest audience experience, and a Philly Mag Best of Philly award-winning venue, Downstage @ the Mann returns for its second season.

Downstage @ the Mann offers audiences an intimate, in-the-round experience to engage with performances alongside the artists. As both audience and artist share the Presser Foundation Stage in the TD Pavilion, patrons can experience an intimate concert with up-close, under cover and open air seating. Accommodating an audience of up to 300, this year’s Downstage @ the Mann series joins in the worldwide celebrations of the 50th anniversary of hip-hop.

As the Community Artist-In-Residence, Moody is curating and performing in the Downstage @ the Mann series presented by Cadillac and welcomed by radio partner WXPN. Moody will be a guest performer alongside Low Cut Connie on June 29, DJ Aktive & DJ Cash Money on August 10 and Time for Three on October 5.

RENTALS

In addition to offering its 22-acre, open-air campus for world-class entertainment, the Mann is also available for rentals to bring a truly unique atmosphere to performing arts ensembles, private events and all organizations, complete with the Mann’s breathtaking views of the Philadelphia skyline.

Spaces available for rental include:

• Crescendo, a 5,000 sq. ft. tented, outdoor dining space at the top of the Mann’s magnificent Great Lawn that looks out to Philadelphia’s city skyline

• Acclaim, a 2,400 sq. ft. tented space also at the top of the hill that is surrounded by lush garden accents and is adaptable to a wide range of event needs

• Cadillac Terrace, a 4,000 sq. ft. indoor and outdoor space with a private bar and restroom access, perfect for an intimate gathering

• TD Pavilion & Presser Foundation Stage, spanning 6,000 sq. ft. and serving as the host of many historic concerts and performances since 1976

• Skyline Stage & Great Lawn, providing a festival-like atmosphere, featuring an open-air and newly rebuilt in 2023 Skyline Stage and expansive lawn area, which food trucks and vendors can access

• Woodlands by TD, an 8,500 sq. ft. space embedded in the Mann’s Picnic Grove, offering picnic bench sitting, an illuminated grove of trees, and easy accessibility for a wide array of interactive activities like live entertainment, food trucks, and specialty vendors.
  The Mann’s events team can help facilitate in-person events, production services, catering and flexible pricing packages.

Highlights of Mann Presents concerts are below. For a full list of shows that have been announced to date for summer 2023, and to purchase tickets, visit manncenter.org/events.

2023 MANN PRESENTS LINE-UP
THURSDAY, MAY 4 AND FRIDAY, MAY 5: BalletX Spring Series
TD Pavilion
BalletX returns to TD Pavilion at the Mann for two nights with a world premiere by Amy Hall Garner, the return of Justin Peck’s Become a Mountain (2021) and Trey McIntyre’s Big Ones (2016), with live music by Dan Deacon.

BalletX, whose dancers were named “among America’s best” by The New York Times, commissions choreographers from around the world to create dance that is “fresh, inclusive, and connects to what people want” (Philadelphia Citizen) while “positioning Philadelphia on the cutting edge of contemporary ballet” (The Dance Journal).

THURSDAY, MAY 18: Beethoven’s Ninth with The Philadelphia Orchestra
TD Pavilion

Yannick Nézet-Séguin, conductor
Leah Hawkins, soprano
Cierra Byrd, mezzo-soprano
Issachah Savage, tenor
Kevin Short, bass-baritone
Morgan State University Choir
Dr. Eric Conway, director

On May 18, The Philadelphia Orchestra and Music and Artistic Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin will return to the Mann for an evening that is certainly not to be missed. The power of music will undoubtedly be felt as one of the world’s preeminent orchestras and most prestigious Historically Black College and University choirs perform together in the acoustically renowned TD Pavilion. 

The first half of this momentous evening will feature the GRAMMY®-nominated and Emmy Award-winning Morgan State University Choir led by Director Dr. Eric Conway. The Morgan State University Choir has performed for audiences throughout the United States and worldwide – including the Virgin Islands, Canary Islands, Canada, Africa, Asia, and Europe. One of its most historical moments was performing under the baton of Robert Shaw at Carnegie Hall’s 100th Birthday Tribute to Marian Anderson.

During the second half, Yannick Nézet-Séguin will conduct the world-class Philadelphia Orchestra and Morgan State University Choir in Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, one of the towering masterworks of classical music. With its choral finale extolling the wish for peace and tolerance for all, the Ninth has become more than a symphony — it is a worldwide cultural icon. With an acclaimed group of soloists, the Morgan State University Choir, the “Fabulous Philadelphians,” and our spectacular setting, we predict a supreme summer evening.

This event is presented by TD Bank as part of the Mann’s HBCU Festival in celebration of Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

FRIDAY, MAY 19: Music Under the Stars with The Philadelphia Orchestra
TD Pavilion

Yannick Nézet-Séguin, conductor
María Dueñas, violin

Join us for Music Under the Stars on Friday, May 19 — night two of our residency with the world-class Philadelphia Orchestra. Led by Music and Artistic Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin and joined by violinist María Dueñas, this evening's program will begin with Margaret Bonds’ impactful Montgomery Variations — a tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The evening will continue with Mendelssohn's beloved Violin Concerto and conclude with one of Ravel's most passionate works, the Suite No. 2 from Daphnis and Chloe, all aligning for a quintessential musical evening under the stars.

SATURDAY, MAY 20: HBCU Festival Powered by TD Bank
Campus-Wide

Join us at the first-ever HBCU Festival Presented by TD Bank at the Mann on May 20, 2023! This FREE festival will be an all-day community event celebrating Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and their vibrant culture. As an interactive college fair featuring representatives from national and regional HBCUs, the festival will serve to engage and inspire the next generation of students while celebrating the rich and varied performing arts that are integral to HBCU culture.

The festival will include performances by guest artists as well as live HBCU choirs, marching bands, majorettes, and cheer squads, along with performances curated by Community Artist-in-Residence Chill Moody. Attendees can also enjoy masterclasses by choral and band directors, panel discussions on college affairs, and more. There will be food trucks and plenty of family-friendly activities such as face painting, balloon making, crafts, and more around the campus for all to enjoy!

The Mann is grateful for TD Bank's support of our venue and our many community engagement efforts, including the annual Voices of Hope celebration honoring local community leaders, and now the highly anticipated HBCU Festival.

SUNDAY, JUNE 18: Voices of Hope: A Celebration of Black Excellence Powered by TD Bank
TD Pavilion

The Mann is thrilled to announce that Voices of Hope: A Celebration of Black Excellence Powered by TD Bank will return to our stage for a free in-person event on June 18, 2023! This annual celebration honors Philadelphia trailblazers who embody a culture of compassion and positive change. This year, we will be honoring four inspirational Philadelphians:

Loree D. Jones Brown
CEO, Philabundance
Innovation Award for Community Impact

Senator Vincent J. Hughes
Senate District 7, Pennsylvania State Senate
Innovation Award for Community Advocacy

Sharmain Matlock-Turner
CEO, Urban Affairs Coalition
Innovation for Community Advancement

Reverend Dr. Alyn E. Waller
Senior Pastor, Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church
Innovation Award for Inspirational Excellence

The evening will also have various performances curated by Philadelphia's own Chill Moody. Not only did Chill Moody perform at last year's Voice of Hope celebration, but he is also the Mann’s first-ever Community Artist-In-Residence. In this role, Moody serves as a guest and contributor to many of the organization’s education programs, sharing his style, creative spirit, and industry experiences directly with Philadelphia’s youth. The emcee for the evening will be contemporary gospel artist and comedian, Jermaine Dolly. 

TUESDAY, JUNE 20: Tchaikovsky Spectacular with The Philadelphia Orchestra
TD Pavilion

Paolo Bortolameolli, conductor

What could be better than an idyllic summer night in Fairmount Park complete with Tchaikovsky, stunning skyline views, a picnic, and fireworks? Our beloved summer tradition returns to TD Pavilion at the Mann on June 20 as Paolo Bortolameolli leads The Philadelphia Orchestra in timeless Tchaikovsky pieces, culminating in an epic display of fireworks!

THURSDAY, JUNE 22: The Trailblazing Music of Joni Mitchell, Carole King & Carly Simon with The Philadelphia Orchestra
TD Pavilion

Ted Sperling, conductor
Andréa Burns, vocalist
Aisha de Haas, vocalist
Morgan James, vocalist

Join us on Thursday, June 22, for The Trailblazing Music of Joni Mitchell, Carole King & Carly Simon with The Philadelphia Orchestra! Curated and conducted by Ted Sperling, the evening will feature vocals by Andréa Burns, Aisha de Haas, and Morgan James.

Few singer-songwriters have enjoyed the success and influence of Joni Mitchel, Carole King and Carly Simon. Fifty years ago, these talented musicians channeled the changing role of women into pop music classics that have endured across generations. More than simply crafting great songs, these three have expanded what music was, drawing on new and deeply personal styles that have resonated with millions of fans and continue to inspire the stars of today, from Madonna to Adele to Taylor Swift.  

Join us as we celebrate these maverick artists and their indelible catalog of music in exciting new arrangements for symphony orchestra. Ted Sperling brings his unique touch to curating the program, and a superbly talented trio of female vocalists will thrill you with new and familiar renditions of the soundtrack of your life!

Song list will include "Both Sides Now," "You’ve Got a Friend," "You’re So Vain," and many other favorites.

SATURDAY, JUNE 24: Star Wars: The Force Awakens In Concert with The Philadelphia Orchestra
TD Pavilion

Anthony Parnther, conductor

The Mann is thrilled to present Star Wars: The Force Awakens live in concert on Saturday, June 24. The Philadelphia Orchestra will play Oscar®-winning composer John Williams' musical score live as the film is projected on three giant screens. Pack a picnic and join us for a perfect summer night under the stars!

Since the release of the first Star Wars movie over 40 years ago, the Star Wars saga has had a seismic impact on both cinema and culture, inspiring audiences around the world with its mythic storytelling, captivating characters, groundbreaking special effects and iconic musical scores composed by Williams. The Mann presented Star Wars: A New Hope in 2018, Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back in 2019, Star Wars: Return of the Jedi in 2022, and now, in 2023, Star Wars: The Force Awakens with The Philadelphia Orchestra.

THURSDAY, JUNE 29: WXPN Welcomes Low Cut Connie with Chill Moody
Downstage @ the Mann

Don't miss the first concert in our Downstage @ the Mann series Presented by Cadillac, celebrating the 50th anniversary of hip-hop! On Thursday, June 29, rock-outfit Low Cut Connie will perform with Chill Moody for One Night Only, a concert exploring the intersection of hip-hop, rock and visual art. Featuring live art by Gianni Lee and Made by Murdic.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 19: Darin Atwater’s Black Metropolis with The Philadelphia Orchestra & Chill Moody
TD Pavilion

Darin Atwater, composer
Lina Gonzalez-Granados, conductor

In celebration of hip-hop’s 50th anniversary, The Philadelphia Orchestra and West Philadelphia rapper Chill Moody will perform Darin Atwater's Black Metropolis: Improvisations on Paint Factory. This one-of-a-kind composition explores the pillars of hip-hop and Black culture. In addition to the great Philadelphia Orchestra, this evening will also feature rappers, DJs, choirs and visual artists. Join us for this free concert debuting at the TD Pavilion at the Mann on July 19!

Black Metropolis looks at the way in which culture is constructed through music. It creates a musical language connected to the social movements and sonic atmosphere of our time. Interweaving a dramatic narrative - from scenes of modern urban culture to red-as-fire-no-nonsense sermonizing from a prophetic protagonist - the tragic and heroic testify in ecstatic celebration of Black Culture.

The original Paint Factory first premiered in 2007 with Atwater’s Soulful Symphony, a 75-member orchestra predominantly featuring people of color. While many of the themes will remain the same in this newly adapted iteration, Black Metropolis: Improvisations on Paint Factory is an entirely new work in partnership with the Mann’s Community Artist-in-Residence, Chill Moody.

This project is supported by The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage.

THURSDAY, JULY 20: WXPN Welcomes Amos Lee with The Philadelphia Orchestra
TD Pavilion

Steven Reineke, conductor

Don’t miss an unforgettable night of music as Amos Lee and his hometown Philadelphia Orchestra perform together for the first time ever on July 20 at the TD Pavilion at the Mann! Lee's signature blend of introspective folk, rock and soul will reach new heights in this collaboration with the Orchestra.

“Over the course of my life I’ve come to understand that music is my bridge to other people,” Amos Lee says. “I have no idea what the waters are like below that bridge—it might be lava for all I know—but music allows me to float over the whole thing and connect. To me that’s the whole point of why we do this: to give people something to listen to and be enveloped by the love of another human being, and just be reminded that humanity is beautiful.”

SATURDAY, JULY 22: Jurassic Park In Concert with The Philadelphia Orchestra
TD Pavilion

Celebrate the 30th anniversary of Jurassic Park with us on Saturday, July 22! Experience the film like never before: projected in HD with The Philadelphia Orchestra performing John Williams’ iconic score live to picture on three giant screens.

This action-packed adventure pits man against prehistoric predators in the ultimate battle for survival. Featuring visually stunning imagery and groundbreaking special effects, this epic film is sheer movie magic 65 million years in the making. Welcome... to Jurassic Park!

THURSDAY, AUGUST 10: WXPN Welcomes DJ Aktive & DJ Cash Money
Downstage @ the Mann

Downstage @ the Mann Presented by Cadillac continues on Thursday, August 10! Join us on the eve of hip-hop's 50th anniversary for Philly Pillars & Pioneers: a dance party with legendary DJs Aktive and Cash Money. This celebration of our city's historical contribution to hip-hop will be hosted by Chill Moody and will feature the Project Positive dance crew.

THURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14: Rocky In Concert with Baltimore Symphony Orchestra 
TD Pavilion

Philadelphia’s beloved underdog story is coming to Movies @ the Mann! On September 14, don’t miss Rocky In Concert with the world-class Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. Pack a picnic and join us!

It's the film that inspired a nation and won Oscars® for Best Picture and Best Director (John G. Avildsen). Audiences everywhere cheered this American success story of an "everyman" triumphing against all odds. As boxer Rocky Balboa, Sylvester Stallone comes out swinging with heart, humor, and unforgettable power as he "goes the distance" against World Heavyweight Champion Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers) in this unforgettable film!

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5: WXPN Welcomes Time for Three & Chill Moody
Downstage @ the Mann

Our Downstage @ the Mann series Presented by Cadillac comes to a close on Thursday, October 5 with The Art of Storytelling! This genre-melding concert will feature music from GRAMMY® award-winning Time For Three and words by Chill Moody in a celebration of the 50th anniversary of hip-hop.

About the Mann Center for the Performing Arts
As one of the foremost outdoor music centers in the country, the Mann Center for the Performing Arts, a leading non-profit organization, has a historical legacy of artistic excellence as a world-class entertainment destination presenting premier artists, now in association with Live Nation Entertainment. Each summer season, renowned symphony orchestras, iconic rock stars and the latest touring artists in indie rock, hip hop, R&B and pop take the stage here. The Mann is the summer home of The Philadelphia Orchestra and has presented critically acclaimed performers in every decade since the 1930s. Located in the heart of Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park, the Mann hosts more than 200,000 visitors annually. Signature concert experiences are surrounded by Philadelphia’s stunning skyline and include seats beneath the Mann’s acoustically acclaimed TD Pavilion; picnics, blankets and music under the stars on its Great Lawn or at the top of the hill at the Skyline Stage; and dining in Crescendo, the venue’s spectacular tented restaurant. In addition, the Mann’s Education & Community Engagement Program reaches tens of thousands of young people annually through free programming and educational initiatives as well as its virtual Mann Music Room. For more information, visit www.manncenter.org.

About The Philadelphia Orchestra

About BALLETX
BalletX, celebrating its 15th Anniversary Season as Philadelphia’s premier contemporary ballet, commissions choreographers from around the world to create new ballets that are “fresh, inclusive, and connect to what people want” (Philadelphia Citizen). Led by Artistic & Executive Director Christine Cox, BalletX has been recognized by The New Yorker as a “place of choreographic innovation” for producing nearly 100 world premiere ballets by more than 50 choreographers in its 15-year history. In addition to virtual works, main-stage performances, and international touring, the company offers free community pop ups, dance classes, artist Q&As, open rehearsals, and in-school dance education, designed to bring its audiences and the nation closer to dance. Among its many accolades and honors, BalletX was featured on the cover of Dance Magazine’s October 2019 issue under the headline “BalletX is Taking All the Right Risks.” To learn more about BalletX’s programming and dancers, please visit www.BalletX.org and follow the company on social media.
 

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