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TCHAIKOVSKY WITH FIREWORKS, THE GODFATHER & GERSHWIN OPEN WEEK ONE OF

MANN’S SUMMER SERIES WITH THE PHILADELPHIA ORCHESTRA

Series Opens June 23

PHILADELPHIA (June 1, 2015) – The Mann’s classics series returns with ten concerts that celebrate distinct genres paired with some of the finest classical musicians in the world.  This season, The Philadelphia Orchestra returns to its summer home in Fairmount Park to perform six concerts, spanning a repertoire of classical and classical-crossover concerts, as well as the popular movie-in-the-park evenings. 

The series opens on Tuesday, June 23 with a Philadelphia favorite, “Tchaikovsky with Fireworks” led by Conductor-in-Residence Christian Măcelaru.  On June 25, the first of two movie-in-the-park nights will bring the American classic, The Godfather, to life on the big screen with The Philadelphia Orchestra playing the film score live. Back by popular demand, the Mann’s movie-in-the-park series elevates the quintessential summer outdoor movie experience with full-length, feature films on the big screens with the world-renowned Philadelphia Orchestra playing the movie scores live.  “A Night of Gershwin”, also led by Măcelaru, closes out the first week of The Philadelphia Orchestra’s series at the Mann on Friday, June 26.

“The Philadelphia Orchestra at the Mann has been a summer tradition for generations, and we are honored for them to return this season to launch our classics series,” says Catherine M. Cahill, President and CEO of the Mann Center for the Performing Arts.  “Whether you enjoy the performances seated in our acoustically acclaimed pavilion or with a picnic on the renovated Great Lawn, there is no better way to experience memorable music under the stars.” 

TUESDAY, JUNE 23 Opening Night: Tchaikovsky with Fireworks with The Philadelphia Orchestra

Opening night welcomes a Philadelphia favorite, Tchaikovsky with Fireworks, to start the summer residency of The Philadelphia Orchestra at the Mann. Revel in the unbridled passion of the doomed lovers Romeo and Juliet, delight in the virtuosity of Philadelphia’s principal cellist, Hai-Ye Ni, as she serenades the audience in the elegant Rococo Variations, waltz along on the lawn as the beloved Swan Lake Suite quickens your pulse, and shout for joy as the 1812 Overture lights up the night sky with thrilling melodies and a fireworks finale!

Conductor:  Cristian Măcelaru

Soloist: Hai-Ye Ni, Cellist

Tickets: $20-$35

THURSDAY, JUNE 25: The Godfather Live with The Philadelphia Orchestra

Winner of three Academy Awards, including Best Picture, The Godfather comes to life on the big screen with Nino Rota’s iconic and haunting score performed live by The Philadelphia Orchestra. Ranked as one of the best movies of all time by the American Film Institute, The Godfather with a live orchestral score will leave you absolutely speechless.

Conductor:  Justin Freer

Tickets: $20-$35; Limited VIP tickets available
* Concert begins at 7:30pm, doors open at 6pm

FRIDAY, JUNE 26: A Night of Gershwin with The Philadelphia Orchestra

Celebrate the breadth of George Gershwin’s legacy with one of his most effervescent musical masterworks, Rhapsody in Blue; the first and still the finest American opera, Porgy and Bess; and the ultimate musical postcard to the folks back home, An American in Paris. This evening at the Mann will feature some of the best music America has given the world.

Conductor:  Cristian Măcelaru

Soloists: Terrence Wilson, piano; Taylor Johnson, soprano; Norman Garrett, baritone

Tickets: $20-$35

For all concerts, gates open at 6 p.m. for 8 p.m. showtimes unless otherwise noted.  For more information and to order tickets, please visit, www.manncenter.org.

About the Mann

As one of the most important outdoor music centers in the country, the Mann presents premiere artists in a world-class, entertainment destination in association with AEG Live.  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, and today’s success is a nod to the venue’s storied history.  The Mann has been the summer home of The Philadelphia Orchestra since the 1930s and presented critically acclaimed performers in every decade since then.  Located in the heart of Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park, the Mann hosts more than 170,000 visitors annually.  Signature concert experiences are surrounded by Philadelphia’s stunning skyline and include seats beneath the Mann’s acoustically acclaimed pavilion; picnics, blankets and music under the stars on its famous lawn; and dining in Crescendo, the venue’s spectacular tented restaurant.  For more information, visit www.manncenter.org.

About The Philadelphia Orchestra

The Philadelphia Orchestra is one of the preeminent orchestras in the world, renowned for its distinctive sound, desired for its keen ability to capture the hearts and imaginations of audiences, and admired for a legacy of innovation in music-making. The Orchestra is inspiring the future and transforming its rich tradition of achievement, sustaining the highest level of artistic quality, but also challenging—and exceeding—that level, by creating powerful musical experiences for audiences at home and around the world. Yannick Nézet-Séguin continues his inspired leadership as the eighth music director of The Philadelphia Orchestra, which began in the fall of 2012. His highly collaborative style, deeply-rooted musical curiosity, and boundless enthusiasm, paired with a fresh approach to orchestral programming, have been heralded by critics and audiences alike. Musician-led initiatives shine a spotlight on the Orchestra’s musicians, as they spread out from the stage into the community, and the Orchestra’s numerous education and community partnership initiatives are an important focus of the organization’s offerings. For more information on The Philadelphia Orchestra, please visit www.philorch.org.

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