The return of the Erie Philharmonic’s In Your Hometown summer series!
Announcing Jerry Anderson as new Junior Phil Music Director!
A fabulous radio interview with legendary violinist Midori, thanks to our friends at WQLN!
Our new season is finally here…you won’t believe what’s in store!
Music Director Daniel Meyer previews our upcoming March 25 concert!
Giving back to the home of our Erie Junior Philharmonic!
In lieu of the originally planned Alexander Nevsky, the Erie Philharmonic will conclude its 2022-23 season with Mozart’s beloved Requiem on the same day and time.
From Erie Philharmonic Keyboardist Beth Etter
"I was there...the night the Erie Philharmonic played Star Wars."
I'm certain folks will be saying this in years to come. It was one of those nights, for all of us.
I'm in the orchestra. I know what I did to make sure my part was all it could be. But every single one of us did the same…and for Star Wars, it was a lot.
Musicians talk to each other in anticipation of the next show. Once in a while, it's a piece of cake. Star Wars, on the other hand, is masterful music from a living composer nearly everyone knows. If you are in the brass or woodwind section, you know it means serious chops and hours of extra practice. For all of us on stage, it means don't ever for one single second think about dinner or your trip home or your kids. Because if you do, for two or three bars, you will be lost and have a hard time getting back on.
For our maestro - responsible for keeping all of us on track, and inspiring us to soar or hush - and for making sure every single second corresponds with the movie exactly, the task is superhuman.
The whooshing wave of cheers, bravos, whistles and clapping we experienced after both shows is a sound we on the stage long for, and our audience craves too. Why? Because we all want something to take us beyond where we imagine we can be.
Music can do that. Last weekend, it did. It's possible even the stars heard us.
And smiled.
From composer Timothy Adams
Harriet: Journey to Freedom (2022)
Commissioned by the Erie Philharmonic with additional support from the Akron Symphony, the Buffalo Philharmonic, the Naples Philharmonic, the Niagara Symphony, the San Jose Chamber Orchestra and the Sewanee Music Festival. The May 14 performance is the world premiere of this work.
After George Floyd’s murder, Music Director Daniel Meyer and I were speaking about the state of the world at that moment in time. We have known each other for over 20 years and have performed some wonderful concerts together throughout our time with the Pittsburgh Symphony. Our discussion led us to a question, “how can orchestras bring hope, understanding, and peace into our communities in this country?” We all can find our life’s story in orchestral music. In my 31 years of playing in orchestras, I performed the music of only 3 Black Composers. These composers were only performed during the Gospel, Martin Luther King Jr., or Black History Month Concerts. We both agreed that this is and has been an unfortunate practice for many years. Thus, the lack of diversity in orchestra audiences.
I told Daniel that I would love to write a piece of music that would not only bring people of color into the concert hall, but bring in an audience of people that would not normally attend orchestra concerts. My feeling was Harriet Tubman’s life would be the perfect story to spark interest. The most compelling aspect of her story for me, is the fact that she returned multiple times to free enslaved people she did not know. Harriet Tubman’s humanity, compassion, love, determination and courage are qualities for all of us to imitate. After our discussion, Daniel said that he would like to commission me to compose this narrative in music. We agreed that text would be an important element of the sounds heard from the stage to tell her story. At that point, I decided the combination of instruments that would best move her story to the audience was a double string orchestra with percussion. Daniel gave me suggestions of some performances of this combination of instruments to study. In my attempt to tell her story, the text drives the music in this composition.
The piece is divided into 8 sections. The A section starts with solo cello playing a popular melody from the Black Church hummed by a deacon during the devotional before prayer. The strings play a chord to set the mood. The melody comes back again with the strings tremolo as the narrator tells Harriet’s feeling of being in the fields and knowing it is time to leave. The B section starts with pizzicato in the strings and adds percussion as the text deals with the urgency of fleeing from bondage. The C section has the strings playing lyrically with dissonance to accompany the plea of Harriet’s asking for the Lord’s strength to move. The D section has the strings playing pizzicato in the feeling of 7/8 when the time is actually 4/4 in a fast tempo. At this point, Harriet starts her escape to freedom with power. The E section has the strings arco playing forte, with the percussion taking on the characters of Harriet, the slave owner, other slave owners helping with the chase, dogs, and other white people from the area who just want her caught and killed. Harriet is running by night through swamps, rain, dealing with wolves, snakes, spiders and everything that could possibly hurt her. The F section shows her seeing the promised land and feeling blessed by the sight of freedom. There is a short 8 bar interlude from the percussion section that leads us into the G section where Harriet has reached freedom! The melody in the strings is reminiscent of Rachmaninoff ‘s 2nd Piano Concerto and the Civil Rights Anthem, We Shall Overcome. The H section has Harriet going back to free her people. The last section gives reflection on our human condition through the words of Amanda Gorman or my words, depending on the orchestras in the consortium’s preference. In addition, there is an audio track that is played softly throughout the composition. The sounds you will hear are chains that represent the bondage of enslaved black folks and the oscillating drone is the souls of people of color whose lives have been taken throughout our country’s history.
World premiere narrator Harry Lennix from NBC’s The Blacklist, Justice League, Matrix Revolutions and more
It was an honor and a privilege to put these sounds on paper to your ears. I appreciate Daniel’s confidence in allowing me the opportunity to write for his orchestra. I would like to thank Steve Weiser for putting the consortium together and also believing in this project. I dedicated this composition to the memory of my father who passed during its creation and thank him for exposing me to orchestra music at a very young age. The person who made all of this possible is my wife, Kim, the love of my life, who truly sees me and makes my life worth living. And finally, our beautiful son, who is our world and for whom I write every note.
FREE CULTURAL LOOP TROLLEY SET TO RESTART APRIL 30
April 19, 2022 – After a short hiatus, the free park-and-ride trolley service – the Cultural Loop – is scheduled to begin again April 30th.
This service is a brand-new partnership between Erie Metropolitan Transit Authority and the Erie Philharmonic. The Loop will run on Saturday evenings from 5pm to 12am and will service popular events and activities in Erie’s downtown area.
The Cultural Loop’s route will service many of downtown Erie’s attractions such as the Erie Art Museum, expERIEnce Children’s Museum, Erie Insurance Arena, the Warner Theatre, PACA, and the Erie Playhouse. The route travels south on French Street to 14th Street, west on 14th Street to State Street, north to 11th Street, west on 11th Street to Peach Street, north on Peach Street to 10th Street, east on 10th Street to State Street, north on State Street to Perry Square, around Perry Square and north on State Street, returning to the Intermodal Transportation Center.
Patrons can enjoy free parking located at the Intermodal Transportation Center, Liberty Park and Ride, and the new EMTA parking ramp at 125 East 14th Street.
You can track where the Loop is using the MyStop Transit Tracker. This app is available on both Andriod and iPhone and allows you to track your bus in real-time, find your stop, plan your trip, or set service alerts.
“The Philharmonic and the EMTA are honored to make an investment in our community benefitting all patrons. Regardless if you’re attending concerts at the Warner Theatre, the Playhouse, PACA, or any of the other fabulous locations up and down State and French Streets, this service will prove beneficial to thousands each year.
A rising tide lifts all ships.”
The first event this service will be running for is the Erie Philharmonic’s Star Wars: A New Hope film-with-live- orchestra concert on April 30th. This sold out show will welcome more than 2,100 people alone to downtown Erie and is the perfect opportunity to relaunch this community service.
THE ERIE PHILHARMONIC HOSTS A FREE LIVE CONCERT AND FASCINATING SPACES TV BROADCAST ON WQLN PBS
March 24, 2022— The Erie Philharmonic’s initiative, Fascinating Spaces, continues with their second broadcasted television concert of the 2021-22 season. This unique program will explore how jazz, blues, work songs and spirituals have blended with European classical tradition to create a uniquely American voice in the concert hall. The concert will initially be held in person , and then subsequently recorded and broadcasted on WQLN PBS.
The free, in-person concert will be hosted at Edinboro University’s Cole Auditorium on Wednesday, April 13, 7:30pm, where everyone is welcome to experience and enjoy the works of African American composers Duke Ellington, William Grant Still and Adolphus Hailstork along with music from beloved Edinboro University composer William Alexander. These works will be featured alongside sensational Canadian pianist Stewart Goodyear, who is joining the Philharmonic in his Erie debut.
Renowned pianist Stewart Goodyear to visit Erie this April!
“As a recognized and gifted composer, Dr. William Alexander established the William and Mary Alexander Music Performance Fund which provides funding for at least two concerts on the Edinboro campus each year. The Edinboro University Foundation is proud to invite the Erie Philharmonic once again on campus to share a live performance for the campus community featuring a work of Dr. William Alexander.”
The following day, this concert will be recorded on stage in the stunning, newly renovated Warner Theatre and later broadcasted on WQLN PBS as the second part of the Erie Philharmonic’s Fascinating Spaces initiative on May 26. The footage from this event will also be repurposed for the Philharmonic’s free virtual Youth Concert that will be distributed to all regional schools at no cost.
For both the televised concert and virtual Youth Concert, the orchestra will also explore the life of Erie’s hometown musical hero, Harry T. Burleigh, and trace some of the important spaces in which he launched his life in music. These exclusive performances will feature renowned Burleigh expert Eddie Pleasant, baritone, as well as Erie Philharmonic musicians Eri Snowden-Rodríguez, cello, and Beth Etter, piano.
This will be the first concert in the free Fascinating Spaces series that offers an in-person, live experience. After the free, 17-concert tour in Summer 2021, titled In Your Hometown, the Philharmonic has recognized the significant impact that free music brings to our communities outside of the Warner Theatre, and they look forward to bringing this joy in and outside your homes with their TV concert initiatives and their upcoming 2022 free summer concert series.
CONCERT SCHEDULE:
IN-PERSON:
Wednesday, April 13, 7:30 PM: Cole Auditorium, Edinboro University
FREE and open to the public
Please note: masks are not required for this performance, but they are highly recommended.
Vaccines will not be required.
WQLN BROADCASTS:
Thursday, May 26, 8:00 PM: WQLN PBS, Facebook LIVE and WQLN.org
Sunday, May 29, 2:00 PM: WQLN PBS, Facebook LIVE and WQLN.org
For any questions regarding the free, in-person, performance or broadcasts please contact the Erie Philharmonic Box Office at 814.455.1375, open Monday-Friday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Links to media content:
Soloist, Stewart Goodyear: https://www.stewartgoodyearpiano.com
In-person concert information: https://eriephil.org/calendar/edinboro
With a spirit of solidarity, the leading arts presenters in Erie have banded together to develop a consistent COVID-19 policy in the face of relaxing restrictions from the CDC. It is our hope this unified policy allows for the greatest ease and consistency for all patrons.
In accordance with changes in guidelines from the CDC, masks are recommended but no longer required* for performances from the following organizations, effective April 1, 2022:
Erie Philharmonic
Erie Playhouse
All an Act
Dramashop
PACA
Jefferson Educational Society
MIAC
As long as Erie County, PA, remains in Low or Medium Community Levels, as determined by the CDC, this new masking policy will remain in effect. Should Erie County return to a High Community Level, masking will revert to mandatory. These levels will be monitored by the partners on a bi-weekly basis.
At this time, proof of vaccination or a negative test is still required to attend all events.
This policy will be reevaluated on a rolling basis by the partners as well.
All staff, volunteers, and security will continue to be required to wear masks and to be fully vaccinated.
For more information on partner COVID-19 Safety Protocols, please visit the organization’s websites.
For the full Erie Philharmonic safety plan, please click below:
* This updated policy is at the discretion of visiting guest artists and may be changed accordingly. Please be sure to check applicable protocols when purchasing tickets with each respective organization.
ERIE PHILHARMONIC ANNOUNCES SOLOIST CHANGE FOR RACHMANINOFF
March 17, 2022 – Renowned pianist George Li is set to make his Erie Philharmonic debut with Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3 this weekend, replacing the originally scheduled Olga Kern who removed herself from the concert due to illness.
Praised by The Washington Post for combining “staggering technical prowess, a sense of command, and depth of expression,” pianist George Li possesses brilliant virtuosity and effortless grace far beyond his years. Since winning the Silver Medal at the 2015 International Tchaikovsky Competition and being named the recipient of the 2016 Avery Fisher Career Grant, Li has rapidly established a major international reputation as he performs regularly with some of the world’s leading orchestras and conductors, such as Gustavo Dudamel, James Gaffigan, Gustavo Gimeno, Manfred Honeck, Andrés Orozco-Estrada, Kirill Petrenko, David Robertson, Leonard Slatkin, Yuri Temirkanov, Vladimir Spivakov, Michael Tilson Thomas, Long Yu, and Xian Zhang.
“We are honored to welcome someone of George’s stature to Erie, especially when it comes to performing a work as daunting as Rachmaninoff’s 3rd Piano Concerto,” stated Executive Director Steve Weiser. “If we’ve learned anything over the last few years, it’s that we have to be ready to adjust, pivot and adapt all hours of the day. This is how we ended up presenting a free season of music on TV during the pandemic and how we’re able to still perform this amazing concerto this weekend.”
All subsequent outreach events originally scheduled with Olga Kern have been canceled, including the piano master class (March 17) and the Live from Studio Q (March 18).
As always, the Philharmonic is looking ahead. "I'm very sad that Olga had to cancel, and our whole Philharmonic family joins me in wishing her a speedy recovery as well as looking forward to introducing her to Erie audiences in the near future," said Music Director Daniel Meyer. "I am however very excited that we could secure this incredibly talented artist to perform Rachmaninoff with us this weekend. Our audiences are in for an amazing treat!”
Considered one of the most challenging pieces ever written for piano and orchestra, Rachmaninoff’s 3rd Piano Concerto was the inspiration for the Academy-Award-Winning film, Shine (1996), starring Geoffrey Rush as pianist David Helfgott. In addition to the Rachmaninoff, the orchestra will also perform Along the Western Shore, by renowned American composer Elinor Remick Warren, as well as Richard Wagner’s tragically beautiful Prelude and Liebestod from Tristan and Isolde.
Doors open 90 minutes prior to the performance (6:30pm). Tickets are available and range in price $23 - $56. Student tickets are $12. All concert attendees are required to show proof of their COVID-19 vaccination or proof of a negative COVID test, and must wear a mask throughout the entire event.
For more information regarding tickets or our COVID-19 Safety Plan, please visit our website at eriephil.org.
Saturday, March 19, 2022
Warner Theatre, 811 State Street, Erie PA
8:00pm; doors open at 6:30pm
Renowned pianist George Li takes the stage with the Erie Philharmonic in the newly-renovated Warner Theatre. The orchestra will perform Rachmaninoff’s legendary Piano Concerto No. 3 along with works from Wagner and Elinor Remick Warren.
ERIE PHILHARMONIC WELCOMES WORLD-RENOWNED PIANIST OLGA KERN TO THE STAGE
March 14, 2022– On Saturday, March 19, the Erie Philharmonic welcomes pianist Olga Kern, “one of our generation’s great artists,” to the Warner Theatre stage.
With direct family connections to Rachmaninoff, as well as being the first woman to win the Gold Medal at the vaunted Van Cliburn International Piano Competition in more than 30 years, Ms. Kern brings an unprecedented level of talent, passion, and knowledge to the stage for her performance of Rachmaninoff’s legendary Piano Concerto No. 3.
Considered one of the most challenging pieces ever written for piano and orchestra, Rachmaninoff’s 3rd Piano Concerto was the inspiration for the Academy-Award-Winning film, Shine (1996), starring Geoffrey Rush as pianist David Helfgott.
Ms. Kern will be performing this iconic concerto on the Philharmonic’s brand-new Steinway piano, hand-selected from the factory showroom this past summer. “The storyline for this concert is made even more special given that Olga will be performing such a legendary piece of music on this stunning new instrument,” remarked Executive Director Steve Weiser. “I simply can’t think of a more perfect work to showcase the power, sensitivity, and grandeur of our new piano. We are indebted to the Scibetta family for their generous gift that allowed us to purchase this spectacular instrument.”
Pianist Adam Golka, Music Director Daniel Meyer and Philharmonic keyboardist Nathan Hess at the Steinway factory in NYC this past August.
In addition to the Rachmaninoff, the orchestra will also perform Along the Western Shore, by renowned American composer Elinor Remick Warren, as well as Richard Wagner’s tragically beautiful Prelude and Liebestod from Tristan and Isolde.
Doors open 90 minutes prior to the performance (6:30pm). Tickets are available and range in price $23 - $56. Student tickets are $12. All concert attendees are required to show proof of their COVID-19 vaccination or proof of a negative COVID test, and must wear a mask throughout the entire event.
For more information regarding tickets or our COVID-19 Safety Plan, please visit our website at eriephil.org/safetyplan.
Prior to Ms. Kern’s performance with the orchestra on March 19, she will present two free events in the community, the first of their kind in two years: a piano master class, hosted at the Blasco Library, as well as a Live from Studio Q with an in-house audience at the WQLN radio studios.
Please see below for residency details. Information can also be found at here.
Thursday, March 17, 2022
Hirt Auditorium, Blasco Library, 160 East Front Street, Erie PA
6:00 pm
Watch pianist Olga Kern, one of our “generation’s great artists,” work with local and regional piano students in a workshop setting. The audience will be treated to amazing performances from our guest artists, after which Ms. Kern will offer professional advice and critique in a unique, collaborative environment.
Our COVID-19 Safety plan is still in effect and can be found at eriephil.org/safetyplan.
Friday, March 18, 2022
WQLN Studios, 8425 Peach Street, Erie PA
Live on 93.1 FM, WQLN.org and Facebook
12:00 pm
Join host Brian Hannah and world-renowned pianist Olga Kern for an exciting hour of music and stories live in the WQLN studios.
Saturday, March 19, 2022
Warner Theatre, 811 State Street, Erie PA
8:00 pm; doors open at 6:30pm
World-renowned pianist Olga Kern takes the stage with the Erie Philharmonic in the newly-renovated Warner Theatre. The orchestra will perform Rachmaninoff’s legendary Piano Concerto No. 3 along with works from Wagner and Elinor Remick Warren.
February 23, 2022: Music Director Daniel Meyer announced the Erie Philharmonic’s exciting 2022-23 lineup on Wednesday, February 23, at a 1pm news conference held in the Meiser Building, home of the orchestra’s administrative offices. The orchestra will begin its first full season of music in the newly renovated Warner Theatre on October 1 with legendary pop icon Sheena Easton, and will conclude this historic season on May 13 with a monumental presentation of Prokofiev’s Alexander Nevsky.
“With our brand new acoustical shell, beautifully-renovated back stage, new percussion equipment, a celeste, a new concert organ, and two Steinway grand pianos, we are poised to sound bigger and better than ever. You have come to expect the very best of us, and we aim to deliver through world-class concert experiences with violinist Midori, Grammy-winning baritone Mark Steven Doss, northwest Pennsylvania native Cameron Carpenter, Sheena Easton, Darth Vader, and Woody (From Toy Story)!”
The orchestra is especially honored to welcome both Midori and Cameron Carpenter to the Warner Theatre stage this season. Both these iconic artists were slated to perform with the Philharmonic during the current 2021-22 season, but had to postpone their performances due to COVID-19-related delays.
“From the moment we had to postpone the performances of Midori and Cameron, we started working behind-the-scenes to ensure we could bring both of them to Erie as soon as possible. To have two artists of this world-renowned caliber agree to come be a part of the magic we’re creating here in Erie speaks volumes for the support our community continually shows towards the orchestra. We definitely have the best audiences in the region, and I’m confident we’ve created a season that will simply blow everyone away!”
With an unprecedented number of new season pass holders, more than 800, the Philharmonic is in the midst a triumphant return to a newly renovated Warner Theatre. With more than 4,000 people having attended the first two performances in the new theatre, and other concerts selling out months in advance, the Philharmonic recognizes the special nature of this moment in the history of the orchestra.
“We are at a watershed moment for the Philharmonic, and the Erie community as a whole,” says Weiser. “Erie now has a venue unique in the nation, combining the grandeur of a 1930s movie palace with a state-of-the-art performing arts center. Orchestras 10 times our size would relish the chance to perform just once where our musicians get to play on regular basis. We are lucky and blessed, and will continue to present world-class concert experiences worthy of our magnificent home.”
Subscription renewals launch March 1, 2022, and will be available for sale to the general public on March 21, 2022. All concerts will take place at the Warner Theatre, located at 811 State Street in downtown Erie, PA.
2022-23 Season Highlights
Saturday, October 1 · 8pm
Rock n’ Radio with Sheena Easton (from the creators of Music of the Knights)
Saturday, October 22 · 8pm
Beethoven’s Ode to Joy with the Erie Philharmonic Chorus
Erie native, Grammy-winning baritone, Mark Steven Doss
Saturday, November 5 · 8pm & Sunday, November 6 · 3pm
Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back in Concert
Saturday, November 12 · 8pm
Cameron Carpenter, organ
Saturday, December 3 · 3pm & 8pm
Come Home for the Holidays, A Soulful Christmas
Saturday, January 28 · 8pm
The Planets
Hanzhi Wang, accordion
Saturday, February 18 · 8pm & Sunday, February 19 · 3pm
Pixar’s Toy Story in Concert
Saturday, March 25 · 8pm
Midori, violin
Saturday, April 15 · 8pm
Cirque at the Symphony with Troupe Vertigo
Saturday, May 13 · 8pm
Alexander Nevsky with the Erie Philharmonic Chorus
Adam Golka, piano
Written by Michael E. DeSanctis
Chair, Erie Philharmonic Board of Governors
Click here to learn more about Michael and his storied career.
The late Yale architectural historian, Vincent Scully (1920-2017), was fond of describing the art of building in strictly moral terms.
For Scully, great buildings and the cities that arose from them were the products of great men and women—good and courageous ones, at least, less interested in making a quick buck at the expense of others than in promoting the wellbeing of everyone in their communities.
“Nothing shows up more definitively in a building than a lack of love, unless it is a love of money,” Scully asserted in a 1985 essay for the New York Times lamenting the sad state of his beloved artform nationally and what it revealed about the American soul.
Though cynics might quibble with Scully’s observation, it’s hard not to agree that something gravely wrong has happened to the built environment in which Americans now find themselves.
To tour the cities and towns of our country nowadays is to encounter communities whose once-handsome urban cores have been left to decay for lack of the sort of popular attachment to place once considered an integral part of “civic-mindedness.”
Who can disagree that even in Erie, more often than not, we’ve been guilty of under-loving those parts of our city regarded too clunky, old-fashioned or reflective of the values of previous generations to warrant anything but a wrecking ball?
One wonders, for instance, what the profile of our downtown area might look like today as a welcome move toward historic preservation seems finally to be overtaking the city, had we not long ago torn down with blinding short-sightedness structures like the Commerce Building, the old Central Market or the Koehler Brewery, to name a few.
Which brings me to the recent completion of the Warner Theater renovation.
By all accounts, Erieites are thrilled with the improvements to the Warner.
The buzz generated by the mere lighting of the theater’s restored marquee—a month even before its doors were reopened to the public—suggests that the building holds a special place in the hearts of people throughout the Erie area.
After a spectacular, grand reopening matinee performance on January 23 by the Erie Philharmonic and, less than a week later, a sold-out “Music of the Knights” event likewise provided by the Phil, word has spread quickly not only that the Warner is the place to be for world-class stage entertainment but, more generally, that maybe it really is possible for a community to pour new wine into existing wineskins.
Native Erieites, especially, who remember the Warner primarily as a Depression-era movie house, are bound to be amazed by the improvements made to the theater’s stage, a deeper, higher and more resonant space than they’re likely to have experienced previously.
It is bright and beautiful, too, when its wood-paneled shell is inserted for symphonic and choral performances.
What the Warner’s rejuvenation means to Erie cannot be overestimated.
From my perspective as a trained architectural historian and the current chair of the Erie Philharmonic Board of Governors, it’s the harbinger of a new way of thinking about Erie set in opposition of the defeatism that has too long sold this city and it residents short in the marketplace of possibilities.
All around the city right now, in fact, there’s evidence of a can-do spirit taking hold, one more respectful of the past than prevailed during the decades when “urban renewal” projects of one kind or another were regarded the only way of saving a rusting, heavy-manufacturing town like ours.
West 6th Street Renovations
The string of historic buildings along Erie’s so-called Millionaire’s Row on West 6th Street to have recently undergone restoration, alone, is impressive, not to mention the ongoing transformation of the parcels comprising North Park Row and planned restoration of the Richard Arms towers.
The collection of first-rate buildings on the Bayfront is truly beginning to coalesce.
And who hasn’t marveled at the sheer scale at which the Erie Insurance Company continues to transform its corporate campus and surroundings to the benefit of more than just its employees.
The affection we hold for our city, briefly ritualized each August during the CelebrateErie days, underlies the greater season of pride and accomplishment into which we’re now entering.
The Warner’s renovated frame stands prominently at its start, a thing to be loved and boasted about—and with it the whole of this scrappy, little city of ours, where, for better or worse, our respective lives and fortunes are intertwined.
ERIE JUNIOR PHILHARMONIC WELCOMES MATT SALVAGGIO AS MUSIC DIRECTOR
February 1st, 2022– The Erie Junior Philharmonic (EJP) is delighted to announce Mathew Salvaggio as the new permanent Music Director and Conductor. Salvaggio served in this capacity in an interim role beginning in October, 2021, and helped to usher in a new era of music-making for the organization as it launched its memorable 75th season.
In addition to his work with the EJP, Salvaggio is the founder and Music Director of the Cleveland Repertory Orchestra. The 2021-22 season marks his fifth season as Music Director of the Euclid Symphony Orchestra. Matt was the 2021 Second Prize winner of the American Prize in wind conducting and a 2015 semi-finalist in the National Band Association’s Young Conductor Mentor Project. In 2019, he was a finalist for conducting positions with both the United States Army and Air Force Bands – an honor reserved for a select few each year.
“Getting to work with the students of the Jr. Phil has been an incredible experience - they are hard-working, driven and really love music. Erie is so fortunate to have this program that provides musical opportunities for students of all ages, and I’m so excited to be leading the Jr. Phil through its 75th season and beyond,” says Salvaggio.
Celebrating its 75th season, the Erie Junior Philharmonic has been an orchestra for young people since 1947 and is one of the oldest youth orchestras in the United States. Graduates are now playing in numerous orchestras, such as the New York Philharmonic, the Columbus Symphony, the Erie Philharmonic and many other music organizations across the country.
The Erie Junior Philharmonic traditionally offers weekly rehearsals at Strong Vincent Middle School, with sectional coaching and advanced chamber ensembles for members of the string, brass, woodwind and percussion sections of the orchestra. Performance opportunities include annual winter and spring concerts, a tour of schools, ensemble performances, an annual concerto competition and a performance on the stage of the historic Warner Theater side-by-side with the Erie Philharmonic.
Along with the Erie Philharmonic Chorus, the Erie Junior Philharmonic Chorus and the newly formed Youth Chorale, the Erie Junior Philharmonic is under the umbrella of the Erie Philharmonic and its mission is to enrich, entertain and educate.
Links for Media Content:
Erie Junior Philharmonic website: www.eriephil.org/jr-phil
Join the Junior Philharmonic: https://eriephil.org/jrphilauditions
Erie Philharmonic Webpage: https://eriephil.org/home
FIRST ERIE PHILHARMONIC SELL OUT OF THE SEASON WITH THE MUSIC OF THE KNIGHTS
The stunning, newly renovated Warner Theatre stage
January 28th, 2022– On Saturday, January 29th the Erie Philharmonic presents Music of the Knights, a thrilling musical celebration of Britain’s three legendary songwriters Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber, Sir Elton John and Sir Paul McCartney. The performance will celebrate the best hits of all three of these great composers and performers with an iconic lineup of songs including “Don’t Cry for Me, Argentina”, “The Phantom of the Opera”, “Circle of Life”, “Can You Feel the Love Tonight”, “Yesterday”, and “Hey Jude”.
This exciting blend of the three knights’ compositions will be celebrated Saturday night with Maestro Daniel Meyer leading the Erie Philharmonic and four acclaimed vocalists who will bring their lyrics to life on the newly renovated Warner Theatre stage. Soloists John Boswell, Scott Coulter, Kelli Rabke, and Lorinda Lisitza will be joining us from New York City, all of whom have extensive and impressive resumes. Their credits include multiple Broadway productions, an array of awards, and appearances on sitcoms like The Facts of Life.
Adding to the excitement will be the debut of guest ‘Baton’ conductor Mike Batchelor. Once a year, a community member is selected to take the helm of the Philharmonic as a fundraiser for the orchestra’s life-changing educational outreach activities, including youth concerts, instrumental petting zoos, virtual reality experiences and more. The orchestra is proud to announce Mr. Batchelor has raised $20,000 towards these initiatives. He will lead the full orchestra in a stirring performance of the Beatles’ classic “The Long and Winding Road.”
“I am honored to help our Philharmonic celebrate their return to the renovated Warner Theatre,” said Batchelor. “As Tammy and I review our long history in Erie, some of our fondest memories are associated with the Erie Philharmonic and the Warner. I know that funds raised will help the Phil continue their community outreach and to build audiences that will secure their future for generations to come”.
The show is sold out and tickets are no longer available. Doors open an hour and a half prior to the performance, at 6:30 PM. All concert attendees are required to show proof of their COVID-19 vaccination or proof of a negative COVID test. Masks are required throughout the entire event.
Concert Details
Saturday, January 29, 2022 @ 8pm - SOLD OUT
Music of the Knights
Warner Theatre, 811 State Street
More info: https://eriephil.org/calendar/knights
Erie Philharmonic Box Office - 814.455.1375 (available Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm)
Links for Additional Media Content:
2021-22 Season: https://eriephil.org/21-22
2021-22 COVID policy: https://eriephil.org/safetyplan
Patrons will be required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or negative test upon arrival (PCR within 72 hours, antigen within 24 hours). All patrons must wear their mask when inside a concert venue. Visit eriephil.org/safetyplan for full details.
ERIE PHILHARMONIC RETURNS HOME TO THE WARNER THEATRE WITH OPENING SYMPHONIC SERIES CONCERT
Emaunel Ax and Music Director Daniel Meyer, 2017
January 21, 2022– On Sunday, January 23rd the Erie Philharmonic will return to its newly renovated home, the Warner Theatre, for the first time in almost two years. Leading the concert is celebrated pianist, Emanuel Ax.
The renovations made to the Warner Theatre have been nearly 25 years in the making, with extraordinary new additions to the stage area, including a stunning new acoustical shell.
The show will begin with a performance of Christopher Rouse’s Rapture (2000). Rouse describes this work as depicting a world entirely devoid of darkness– the piece strays away from Rouse’s usual dark works and “looks toward the light”. Ax will then join the orchestra for a performance of Frédéric Chopin’s Piano Concerto No.2. Ax will be returning to Erie for his second performance with the Philharmonic, where he will be the first to perform on our brand-new, freshly installed, Steinway Model D grand piano. The performance will conclude with Stravinsky’s epic, Russian folklore-inspired ballet, The Firebird (1945 Version).
The Erie Philharmonic, under the direction of Music Director Daniel Meyer, is delighted to finally return home to the Warner Theatre this weekend. “From televised concerts in your living room to free summer concerts in your community, we are grateful for the continued support of our fabulous audience over the last 22 months,” states Music Director Daniel Meyer. “Now, after years of anticipation and a season on the road, we can finally celebrate coming home to the Warner together. And we can’t wait!”
Doors open an hour and a half prior to the performance (1:30 PM). Limited tickets are available ranging in prices from $23 - $56. Student tickets are $12. All concert attendees are required to show proof of their COVID-19 vaccination or proof of a negative COVID test, and must wear a mask throughout the entire event.
For more information regarding tickets or our COVID-19 Safety Plan, please visit our website at eriephil.org.
Concert details:
Sunday, January 23, 2022
Doors open at 1:30pm, concert starts at 3pm
Emanuel Ax at the Grand Re-Opening of the Warner Theatre
Warner Theatre | 811 State Street, Erie PA
Emanuel Ax takes the stage with the Erie Philharmonic in the newly-renovated Warner Theatre for a historic and brilliant evening. The orchestra will perform Christopher Rouse’s Rapture, Frédéric Chopin’s Piano Concerto No.2, Opus 21, and Stravinsky’s The Firebird.
Patrons aged 5 and older will be required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination (14 days post final shot) or a negative test (PCR test within 72 hours of performance or antigen test within 24 hours of performance) upon arrival in addition to wearing a mask.
On the day of the event, anyone who will not comply with these guidelines will not be admitted into the concert and will not receive a refund.
An exclusive preview performance from the new Warner Theatre stage following a massive, two-year renovation. This concert features two performances of Copland’s Fanfare for the Common Man performed on the exact same spot, seven months apart.
Be there for the grand reopening of the Warner Theatre on Sunday, January 23 at 3pm!