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Top Classical Music Coming To Philly

There's no shortage of opportunities to enjoy live music in Philadelphia. Whatever your genre of choice, there always seems to be something going on to meet your tastes. Classical music is no exception. Between The Philadelphia Orchestra, Opera Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Chamber Music Society, there are plenty of events for those who love the classics. These upcoming events are sure to delight classical music purists, those who are open to adaptations and those who want to give classical music a try for the first time.

The Philadelphia Orchestra's Free Neighborhood Concert Series
The Schmidt's Commons (The Piazza at Schmidt's)
2nd St. at Germantown Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19123
(215) 893-1990
www.philorch.org
Date: Sunday, July 24, 2016 at 7:30 p.m.

Whether you're a dedicated lover of orchestra music or you're just interested in seeing what it's like, this event is a wonderful way to enjoy some music without the commitment of purchasing concert tickets. The Piazza at Schmidt's recently underwent a bit of rebranding to bring events that are more suited for the residential and commercial area. Now known as The Schmidt's Commons, the Northern Liberties spot will welcome a free chamber-sized performance with musicians from The Philadelphia Orchestra on Sunday, July 24. This event is presented by Wells Fargo.

Related: Top Outdoor Music Venues In Philadelphia

Mozart's Great Mass
Kimmel Center: Verizon Hall
300 S. Broad St.
Philadelphia, PA 19102
(215) 893-1990
www.philorch.org
Date: Thursday, September 29, 2016 at 8 p.m.

This stunning performance features beautiful works that are all fragments (or based on them.) The program begins with American composer Christopher Theofanidis's "Rainbow Body," which was inspired by selections from music from the medieval mystic Hildegard von Bingen and the Tibetan Buddhist theory of "Rainbow Body" – the idea that when an enlightened person dies, their body is absorbed back into the universe as light and energy. The program continues with Schubert's "Symphony in B minor," which premiered in 1865 and is possibly the most famous unfinished work of music. After a brief intermission, the event concludes with Mozart's "C-minor Mass." While this work was incomplete at the time of Mozart's death, conductor Yannick Nezet-Seguin calls it "some of his most profound music." The Westminster Symphonic Choir and director Joe Miller help bring these works of art to life.

Third World Bunfight's Macbeth
Prince Theater
1412 Chestnut St.
Philadelphia, PA 19102
(215) 732-8400
www.operaphila.org
Dates: Saturday, September 24 and Sunday, September 25, 2016 at 7 p.m.

Opera Philadelphia and FringeArts present the American Premiere Tour of Third World Bunfight's "Macbeth." This fresh adaptation of Verdi's opera "Macbeth" (which is based on Shakespeare's play of the same name) replaces the original setting of Scotland with the Democratic Republic of the Congo during a time of war and exploitation. Part of the Curated 2016 Fringe Festival, this startling version of the classic is performed in Italian with English subtitles.

Firebird: Reimagined
Mann Center for the Performing Arts
5201 Parkside Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19131
(215) 893-1990
www.philorch.org
Date: Wednesday, July 20, 2016 at 8 p.m.

Russian composer Igor Stravinsky wrote his ballet "The Firebird" in 1910. The ballet is based on a Russian legend involving a heroic prince, evil sorcerer, a kidnapped princess and the Firebird, a powerful spirit whose feathers are a source of protection. "Firebird: Reimagined" takes Stravinsky's orchestral score and reinterprets it by linking the Russian folklore with South African traditions and integrating new music, dance and puppetry. As part of the North American premiere of the show, this performance will feature The Philadelphia Orchestra, the Grammy Award-winning South African vocal ensemble Ladysmith Black Mambazo and puppetry from Janni Younge Productions Puppets.

Mozarteum Orchestra Of Salzburg
Kimmel Center: Perelman Theater
300 S. Broad St.
Philadelphia, PA 19102
(215) 569-8080
www.pcmsconcerts.org
Date: Tuesday, November 29, 2016 at 8 p.m.

The Mozarteum Orchestra of Salzburg was founded by Mozart's widow, Constanza in 1841. This November, the ensemble celebrates its 175th anniversary with its PCMS (Philadelphia Chamber Music Society) and Kimmel Center debut. The performance features Matthew Halls as conductor and Radovan Vlatkovic, who is widely known to be one of the best horn players in the world. The music selection will include Beethoven's Prometheus Overture, Op. 43 in addition to Mozart's Horn Concerto No. 3 in E-Flat Major, K. 447 and Symphony No. 41 in C Major, K. 551, Jupiter.

Related: Ask A Philadelphia Expert: Top Ways To Discover New Music

Michelle Hein is the social media editor for a women's fashion company in Bucks County by day and a self-proclaimed food and drink fanatic by night and weekend. She enjoys attending wine classes, trying new recipes in the kitchen and going to old favorites and new restaurants alike in the Bucks County and Philadelphia area.
< a href=http://www.examiner.com/user-michelle-hein

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