Philadelphia Orchestra to Welcome Audiences Next Season

In October 2021, orchestra will return to the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts with in-person audiences

A mask mandate, socially distanced seating, and elimination of intermission will be enforced to ensure the safety of patrons. The capacity of Verizon Hall will stand at 50%, being about 950 people.

Musicians will be distanced as well — the stage will be extended and the ensemble will include fewer participating musicians.

The Fall 2021 Season entitled "Forward," will reflect the impact of the pandemic, the social justice movement in America, and the drive toward creative equity and inclusion in the world of orchestral music.

In his tenth season with The Philadelphia Orchestra, conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin will lead four subscription weeks, opening the season on October 5 with a special gala program with cellist Yo-Yo Ma.

The opening weekend performances will include Florence Price’s Symphony No. 4, pianist Aaron Diehl performing William Grant Still’s Out of the Silence and Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, and vocalist Laurin Talese performing James Weldon Johnson’s “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”

“With the inspiring dedication and encouragement of so many — Yannick and the musicians of the Orchestra, our Board of Directors, our tireless staff, patrons, Philadelphians, and friends near and far — The Philadelphia Orchestra has persevered through a year of extraordinary hardship and challenge," President and CEO Matías Tarnopolsky said.

"We offer our deepest appreciation for your spirit and your support, which fueled our determination to invent, to collaborate, and to move forward. We are very happy to be able to open our doors and welcome all to Verizon Hall. Our commitment to the health, safety, and well-being of everyone — on stage, in the audience, and behind the scenes — will be our first priority as we emerge with a resolve forged in the pandemic, ready to welcome everyone to a bold, exciting new era of The Philadelphia Orchestra.”