Erie Philharmonic 2021-22 Season Brochure

T he Music Returns!

2021-22 Season

Daniel Meyer Music Director

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The long-awaited renovations begin!

Overhead view of new expanded stage house

Welcome home to the Warner T heatre!

We are beyond excited to celebrate the new 2021-22 concert season with you! The stage house restoration of the Warner Theatre is entering its final stages and will soon be ready for us to resume our concerts.

In addition to the progress on the Warner, we also have some fantastic new enhancements to expect this coming season – the delivery of a new concert-grand Steinway piano and the installation of a theatre pipe organ! Our new season will, of course, take advantage of these wonderful new additions.

The Philharmonic Chorus will be back, and we will present one of the most exciting Pops seasons yet with music of Rodgers & Hammerstein, John Williams and full-feature presentations of Star Wars and Mary Poppins. We are also proud to be the first orchestra in the world to perform a groundbreaking new work by American composer Timothy Adams based on the life and writings of civil rights pioneer Harriet Tubman. We are equally excited to feature some of the world’s finest soloists, including violinist Midori, pianist Olga Kern and organist Cameron Carpenter.

The best way to experience all of these concerts is with a subscription. We hope you will come on this exciting journey with us next year as a new season subscriber. If you already subscribe, consider inviting a friend or two to join you for the season-long adventure.

Thank you for your passion and love of great music. Your support has guided us this far, and now, it will finally guide us back home.

Sincerely,

Daniel Meyer, Music Director

Hard hat concert inside the work site

Rendering of new acoustical shell

The mission of the Erie Philharmonic is to strengthen our community and region by providing high-quality live orchestra concerts and programs that

enrich, entertain and educate people of all ages.

In existence since 1913, the Erie Philharmonic is one of the oldest professional ensembles in the country and is consistently recognized on a national level as one of the top orchestras in its budget size. With a busy season that features symphonic and pops concerts, our free Bruce Morton Wright Chamber Series and numerous summer events, the orchestra on average reaches upwards of 50,000 people from across the region each year through concerts and outreach programs.

The performance home of the Erie Philharmonic is the newly renovated Warner Theatre, a 2,200-seat movie palace, in the heart of downtown Erie.

Follow us online: Download our app today!

ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF

Steve Weiser, Executive Director Lisa Herring, Director of Marketing and Development Chris Newlun, Director of Operations and Personnel Amy Denlinger, Finance Director Jennifer Barron, Patron Services Manager Megan Kelly, Community Programs Manager Elizabeth Valkanas, Development Manager Christina Brice Dolanc, Head Librarian and Personnel Manager Mary Pruchniewski, Bookkeeper

ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE & CONTACT INFO 23 West 10th Street, Suite 3 · Erie, PA 16501 814.455.1375 · eriephil.org · info@eriephil.org

OFFICE HOURS

23 West 10th Street Office Monday-Friday: 9am-5pm Saturdays of concerts: 10am-2pm * Warner Theatre Box Office Open concert days one hour prior to performance * Subject to change on matinee concert days

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About the Phil

In conjunction with Erie Events and the Warner Theatre, the Philharmonic will continue to monitor current mandates for live performances and will strictly meet, and in many cases exceed, all safety protocols recommended by the CDC and State of Pennsylvania.

The safety of our patrons, musicians, staff and volunteers is paramount.

October 12, 2021

Single Tickets on Sale! eriephil.org or 814.455.1375

November, 2021

Bruce Morton Wright Chamber Series (FREE) 7pm, WQLN PBS, Facebook LIVE and WQLN.org

December 4, 2021

Come Home for the Holidays Hanes Erie Pops Series 3pm & 8pm, Warner Theatre

December 9, 2021

Holiday Soirée Annual Erie Philharmonic Chorus fundraiser 6:30pm, Ambassador Conference Center

December 11, 2021

Handel’s Messiah 3pm & 7:30pm, First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant

January 8, 2022

Midori Lincoln Recycling Symphonic Series 8pm, Warner Theatre

January 29, 2022

Music of the Knights Hanes Erie Pops Series 8pm, Warner Theatre

February 26, 2022

The Sorcerer’s Apprentice Lincoln Recycling Symphonic Series 8pm, Warner Theatre

March 19, 2022

Rachmaninoff Lincoln Recycling Symphonic Series 8pm, Warner Theatre

April 9-10, 2022

Mary Poppins Film with Live Orchestra Hanes Erie Pops Series 8pm (Saturday), 3pm (Sunday), Warner Theatre

April 30 & May 1, 2022 Star Wars: A New Hope Film with Live Orchestra

Hanes Erie Pops Series

8pm (Saturday), 3pm (Sunday), Warner Theatre May 14, 2022

Beethoven 7 Lincoln Recycling Symphonic Series 8pm, Warner Theatre

May 24, 2022

Junior Philharmonic 75th Anniversary Concert 7pm (Tuesday), Strong Vincent Middle School

June 12, 2022

Rodgers & Hammerstein in Concert Hanes Erie Pops Series 3pm (Sunday), Warner Theatre

June 26, 2022

Mahler’s Resurrection Lincoln Recycling Symphonic Series 3pm (Sunday), Warner Theatre

Season calendar

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Warner Theatre

Grand Reopening 6

Hanes Erie Pops Series

Come Home for the Holidays Saturday, December 4, 3pm & 8pm Daniel Meyer conductor Ashley Brown vocalist Erie Philharmonic Chorus Erie Junior Philharmonic Chorus

Thomas Brooks director Erie Philharmonic Youth Chorale

Sharon Downey director

We launch our Pops season in December with the thrill of the reopening of our grand home, the Warner Theatre.

While we will, of course, honor the traditions and music you love for the holiday season, we will also have the chance to reunite with our friends Tom Brooks and the Philharmonic Chorus, the Erie Junior Philharmonic Chorus and maybe even a visit from Santa Claus himself!

We are also excited to introduce Broadway star Ashley Brown (Mary Poppins, Beauty and the Beast) to Erie in a major debut.

Her voice is as expressive and lovely as it is powerful, and you simply cannot miss the opportunity to hear Ashley with the Philharmonic back in our home under the bright lights.

Lead Sponsor

Additional Sponsors

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Lincoln Recycling Symphonic Series

Midori Saturday, January 8, 8pm · Warner Theatre Daniel Meyer conductor Midori violin Rouse Rapture Brahms Violin Concerto Stravinsky The Firebird: Suite (1945)

2020 Honoree

We cannot wait to take the stage of our newly renovated Warner Theatre this season to celebrate the joy and thrill of making live music for you.

The orchestra will harness this enthusiasm in a brilliant opening work

by American composer Christopher Rouse. With its kaleidoscopic colors built into a slowly growing emotional surge, Rouse depicts ‘a progression to an ever more blinding ecstasy.’ Kennedy Center Honoree Midori’s enrapturing stage presence and incredible virtuosity has no equal. She will perform Johannes Brahms’ epic Violin Concerto. A near-perfect combination of romantic fervor and classical structure, Brahms’ concerto stands as one of the most brilliant musical documents of the nineteenth century, complete with a Hungarian folk-dance finale. As for famous finales, Stravinsky’s Firebird certainly ranks among the most memorable, with blazing brass in a hymn-like chorus. This Russian fairytale comes to life on the stage in a score that challenges the mettle of any expert symphonic ensemble, and we intend to rise to the challenge on opening night.

Lead Sponsor

The Jim Berlin “Erie Strong” Fund Additional Sponsors

“Perhaps no other artist of our time has had a more profound impact on the development of string musicians and audiences throughout the world. Her supreme musicianship, inspirational commitment to excellence and tireless advocacy for her chosen art form make her a must-see experience for all music lovers.”

Douglas H. Wheeler, Washington Performing Arts President Emeritus

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c i s Mu s t h g i Kn of the

Hanes Erie Pops Series

Saturday, January 29, 8pm · Warner Theatre Daniel Meyer conductor Mike Batchelor guest “Baton” conductor Yes, Sir! The Philharmonic proudly presents a thrilling musical celebration of three of Britain’s legendary musicians.

Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber, Sir Elton John and Sir Paul McCartney are not only Knights — they also happen to be three of the most successful songwriters of all time with careers that span decades.

Brought to you by the same producer who created the Aretha Franklin tribute that was such a hit with our audience two years ago, this will be an amazing way to relive some of the best hits all three of these great performer/composers created. Highlights include Memory, Don’t Cry for Me, Argentina, The Phantom of the Opera, Circle of Life, Can You Feel the Love Tonight, Your Song, Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me, Yesterday, Hey Jude and many more!

Lead Sponsor

Additional Sponsors

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Did you know?

Cameron’s first piano teacher was Dr. Beth Etter, a regular piano and harpsichord player of the Erie Philharmonic.

Lincoln Recycling Symphonic Series

The Sorcerer’s Apprentice Saturday, February 26, 8pm · Warner Theatre Daniel Meyer conductor Cameron Carpenter organ Dukas The Sorcerer’s Apprentice Poulenc Concerto for Organ, Timpani and Strings Franck Symphony in D You may have first heard Dukas’ iconic masterpiece in the Disney film Fantasia, first released in 1940, but The Sorcerer’s Apprentice has been captivating audiences with its musical magic since 1897. With dancing broomsticks, boil and bubble, Goethe’s epic poem springs to life in this Technicolor gem.

We are excited to welcome home northwestern Pennsylvania native Cameron Carpenter, who has thrilled audiences across the globe with his fearless style at the organ. Here he will debut our newly-installed theatre pipe organ with the powerful Organ Concerto of Frenchman Francis Poulenc. We end with a work by famed Belgian organist and composer César Franck, whose surging Symphony in D revels in tones that could have been drawn from a tremendous cathedral organ.

Lead Sponsor

Additional Sponsors

Thank you to Dennis and Margaret Unks for their generous donation of the Wurlitzer Theatre Organ (with 1,500 pipes!) to be debuted at this concert.

Additionally, thank you to Wally Knox, Blossom McBrier, the Joe Luckey estate and the countless other donors who made this unprecedented gift possible.

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Her electricity at the keyboard is palpable.

- The Washington Post

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Lincoln Recycling Symphonic Series

Rachmaninoff Saturday, March 19, 8pm · Warner Theatre Daniel Meyer conductor Olga Kern piano Warren Along the Western Shore Wagner Prelude and Liebestod from Tristan and Isolde Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 3 Los Angeles-based composer Elinor Remick Warren was fascinated with American landscapes, particularly her own Pacific coastline.

Along the Western Shore is a three-movement tone poem in tribute to the sea, cinematic in its execution and rich in color. If there were ever a moment from a Wagner opera that encapsulated the depth of human psychological drama, the Prelude and Liebestod from Tristan and Isolde is it. Bridging the very beginning and the very end of Wagner’s five-hour opera, this famous combination wraps you into the fate of these star-crossed lovers in under 20 minutes!

We finish with one of the most technically demanding concertos performed by one of the world’s most celebrated pianists, Rachmaninoff’s Third performed by Olga Kern. More than a mere finger-buster, Rachmaninoff’s concerto teems with brilliant virtuosity, fascinating melody and Russian soul.

Lead Sponsor

Additional Sponsors

Music Director Daniel Meyer, along with special guests Adam Golka and Dr. Nathan Hess, selecting our brand-new Steinway piano from the factory in NYC. Hear it first on this concert!

Thanks to Pete and Ellie Scibetta for this very generous gift.

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Be a part of our historic 2021-22 season!

Why subscribe? Check out these exclusive benefits!

Savings

Save 10% over the price of single tickets! New subscribers save an additional 10%.

Free Exchanges

Traveling? Can’t make it to the concert? Notify us by the end of business (5pm) on the Friday before your concert, and we can move your tickets into another performance for free (May be subject to ticket price upgrade & availability).

Early Access

Subscribers gain early access to tickets and special events before the general public.

Same Seats

If you subscribe to a series**, you are guaranteed your same seats each year!

Additional Savings

All subscribers receive a $10 coupon good towards the purchase of additional concert tickets. Not valid on special events or fundraisers. ** Does not include Compose Your Own or Flex Four Punchcard

19Three easy ways to subscribe

19 SOLD OUT concerts since December 2016. Guarantee

Single tickets go on sale October 12. Subscribers receiv

• Mail included envelope back to us • Call 814.455.1375 • Visit 23 West 10th Street, Suite 3, Erie, PA 16501

What if I ’m a new subscriber?

To thank our new subscribers, we will give an additional 10% off our subscription prices. Visit us in the office or call 814.455.1375 today to take advantage of this discount!

Why subscribe now?

Pick your seats immediately! Additionally, you can purchase extra single tickets before the general public on October 12.

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Season passes & Single Tickets

custom Options

SERies Options

Subscription options Full Symphonic Pops

Compose Your Own Flex 4 Punchcard

Enjoy guaranteed seats for all 10 concerts in our 2021-22 season.

Whether you like Rachmaninoff, Star Wars, Midori or The Sound of Music, this is the series for you!

Between Grammy-winning guest artists and unforgettable classics, this subscription series includes tickets to all 5 concerts in our Symphonic Series.

With a majority of our pops concerts selling out each year, this is the only way to guarantee your seat! This series includes tickets to our Holiday Pops and film concerts.

Our popular Compose Your Own package lets you mix & match any 5 concerts from our Pops or Symphonic Series.

You can truly create your own ideal season subscription!

Not ready to commit? Our Flex 4 Punchcard might be the way to go. This exclusive pass entitles you to 4 tickets throughout the 2021-22 season to be used however you wish, as early or as late as you decide (subject to availability).

your seat today for the hottest ticket in town and don’t miss a note!

ve exclusive early access on September 27 plus a $10 coupon.

Warner Theatre map and prices Single Tickets*

A

B

C

D

Symphonic

$56

$46

$36

$23

Pops

$60

$49

$39

$25

Balcony

* Prices include all taxes and fees Subscriptions

Orchestra Stage

A

B

C

D

Full

$486

$392

$302

$189

Symphonic

$234

$189

$144

$90

Pops

$252

$203

$158

$99

Compose Your Own

$248

$200

$155

$97

n/a

$162

$126

$79

Flex 4 Pass

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FILM WITH LIVE ORCHESTRA SATURDAY, APRIL 9 · 8PM & SUNDAY, APRIL 10 · 3PM 18

Hanes Erie Pops Series

Saturday, April 9, 8pm & Sunday, April 10, 3pm Warner Theatre Daniel Meyer conductor In April, the most supercalifragilisticsxpialidocious Mary Poppins comes to Erie on a huge screen, high definition projection of the original Disney classic film.

All of the original moments you love, with the Erie Philharmonic performing the score in real-time, live, synchronized with the film. If you’ve experienced our recent film productions like the Wizard of Oz, Casablanca, or E.T., you know what a wonderful way this is to rediscover a classic film or share it with someone you love for the very first time.

Don’t miss one of two performances of Mary Poppins with the Erie Philharmonic, April 9 and 10.

This concert is underwritten in part by a generous gift from Barbara “Bobbi” Pollock. Thank you!

Lead Sponsor

Additional Sponsors

Presentation licensed by Disney Concerts. © All rights reserved.

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pops 4 FILM WITH LIVE ORCHESTRA SATURDAY, APRIL 30 · 8PM & SUNDAY, MAY 1 · 3PM MUSIC BY

JOHN WILLIAMS

© 2021 & TM LUCASFILM LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © DISNEY.

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PRESENTATION LICENSED BY DISNEY CONCERTS IN ASSOCIATION WITH 20TH CENTURY FOX, LUCASFILM LTD. AND WARNER/CHAPPELL MUSIC

Hanes Erie Pops Series Saturday, April 30, 8pm & Sunday, May 1, 3pm Warner Theatre Daniel Meyer conductor We continue in grand cinematic style with the imagination of director George Lucas and the brilliance of composer John Williams. It’s the film that launched a movie dynasty: Star Wars: A New Hope.

You might remember the race to destroy the Death Star with Luke, Leia, Han Solo, Chewbacca, C3PO and R2D2, but you have never experienced the film quite like this.

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The Erie Philharmonic will play the sumptuous and dramatic score to Star Wars live, in synchronization with a viewing of the original film with all its dialogue, action and sound effects.

It’s a musical-cinematic experience for the ages, in a galaxy not so long ago and not so far away.

Lead Sponsor

Additional Sponsors

Timothy Adams

Steven Banks

Harry Lennix

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Lincoln Recycling Symphonic Series

Beethoven 7 World Premiere Celebration Saturday, May 14, 8pm · Warner Theatre Daniel Meyer conductor Steven Banks saxophone Harry Lennix narrator World Premiere!

Timothy Adams Harriet Tubman Ibert Concertino da Camera for Alto Saxophone and Orchestra Glazunov Concerto for Alto Saxophone and String Orchestra Beethoven Symphony No. 7 We are honored to commission a brand-new work by American composer Timothy Adams based on the life of Harriet Tubman.

Former Principal Timpanist of the Pittsburgh Symphony and current Chair of the Percussion Department at the University of Georgia, Adams brings his eclectic and rich musical instincts to a subject so crucial to the understanding of our national identity. Scored for strings, percussion and narrator, this new work is destined to be a powerful statement to lead off our concert featuring renowned actor Harry Lennix.

We then welcome young virtuoso saxophonist Steven Banks to the Warner Theatre stage for the very first time, playing the rhapsodic Glazunov Concerto coupled with a vivacious Concertino by Frenchman Jaques Ibert. The evening will be capped by one of Beethoven’s most beloved symphonies, the Seventh. Dubbed the ‘apotheosis of the dance’ by Richard Wagner, Beethoven’s Seventh contrasts the powerful rhythmic profile of the outer movements with one of the most moving, poignant slow movements Beethoven ever wrote, all motivated by an unrelenting pulse that gives this work its reputation.

Lead Sponsor

Additional Sponsors

The Erie Philharmonic is leading an international consortium of orchestras in commissioning this groundbreaking new work. These orchestras include the Buffalo Philharmonic, Akron Symphony, San Jose Chamber Orchestra, Niagara Symphony, Naples Philharmonic and the Sewannee Music Festival.

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Rodgers and Hammerstein in Concert

pops 5

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Hanes Erie Pops Series

Sunday, June 12, 3pm · Warner Theatre Daniel Meyer conductor Kate Thiem artistic coordinator Erie Philharmonic Chorus Erie Junior Philharmonic Chorus

Thomas Brooks director We are fortunate to have such a vibrant tradition of musical theatre in our community, with some of our own hometown stars drawing critical acclaim on the stages and screens of Broadway, Hollywood and beyond.

In June we will cap our Pops Series with Erie’s stage stars in a tribute to the most celebrated musical theatre duo in Broadway history, Rodgers and Hammerstein.

With music from The Sound of Music, Oklahoma!, The King & I, Cinderella and other favorites, we will present the most memorable Rodgers and Hammerstein moments in a musical revue of greatest hits.

Lead Sponsor

Additional Sponsors

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Lincoln Recycling Symphonic Series

Mahler’s Resurrection Sunday, June 26, 3pm · Warner Theatre Daniel Meyer conductor Felicia Moore soprano Daryl Freedman mezzo soprano Erie Philharmonic Chorus

Thomas Brooks director Tian Rise Mahler Symphony No. 2, ‘Resurrection’ Continuing in our tradition of performing the work of America’s finest composers, we have co-commissioned new music by Chinese-born composer Zhou Tian. Inspired by diary entries of American soldiers during World War I, Tian’s Rise attempts to convey the emotions of servicemen through the intimacy and power of the orchestra.

Mahler’s Second Symphony traverses a brooding lament to a fallen titan, reflects on the beauties and grotesqueries of a life passionately lived and ends with an astonishing sonic epic on the transformation of a spirit. This ‘Resurrection’ Symphony takes its cue from Beethoven’s 9th, with a finale of immense proportion including a full chorus, solo soprano and solo mezzo soprano.

Lead Sponsor

Additional Sponsors

Featuring the combined forces of the Erie Philharmonic and the Philharmonic Chorus with over 200 people on stage - an epic season finale you cannot miss!

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Thank You, Sponsors!

Lead Sponsors Symphonic Series

Pops Series Media Partner

Media Partner

Foundation support

Media supporters

Concert & Event Sponsors

Sponsors as of September 2021.

Please call 814.455.1375, ext. 20 to sponsor a concert/event today!

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Sponsors

The Jim Berlin “Erie Strong” Fund

Elevate your Philharmonic experience!

Your gift to the Annual Fund supports everything we do, from concerts to educational outreach, while unlocking invitations to behind-thescenes events and once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

Gold Baton $5,000+

• Invitation to lunch or dinner with Music Director Daniel Meyer

Silver Baton $2,500-$4,999 • Behind-the-scenes tour of Warner Theatre

Bronze Baton $1,750-$2,499

• VIP Encore Club parking pass • VIP Encore Club card for complimentary pre-concert drinks and desserts • Invitation to exclusive sound-test performance in the new Warner Theatre • Invitation to sit on stage during an open dress rehearsal

Sustainer $500-$1,749

Encore Parking Lot and Lounge Sponsored by

• VIP backstage tour of the Warner Theatre • Invitation to Pizza with the Players

Supporter $100-$499

• Find-your-seat tour of the Warner Theatre • Gift recognition in program books

To learn more, please contact Lisa Herring today: lisa@eriephil.org · 814.455.1375, ext. 17

Elevate your experience

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Founded in 1953 by Erie Philharmonic conductor Fritz Mahler, the Erie Philharmonic Chorus is dedicated to promoting choral singing throughout the Erie area. Through collaborative performances with the Erie Philharmonic and independent concert opportunities of its own, the chorus endeavors to offer audiences choral music of exceptional quality.

In 2019, the Chorus founded its first youth ensemble – the Erie Junior Philharmonic Chorus, created to provide exceptional choral and leadership opportunities for talented high school students from across our region. This year, we’re also adding the Erie Philharmonic Youth Chorale for singers in grades 2-8.

This ensemble, conducted

by Episcopal Cathedral of St. Paul Music Director Sharon Downey, is designed to teach students choral and vocal skills they can use for years to come.

There has never been a better time to secure your spot in these talented ensembles.

Learn more and sign up for an audition at eriephil.org/chorus.

2021-22 Performance Schedule December 4, 2021 · Come Home for the Holidays Warner Theatre, 3pm & 8pm December 11, 2021 · Handel’s Messiah First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant, 3pm and 7:30pm December 12, 2021 · Handel’s Messiah ENCORE Titusville First Presbyterian Church, 3pm

2021 Messiah Sponsors

March 12, 2022 · Music of the Cathedral First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant, 5pm June 12, 2022 · Rodgers & Hammerstein in Concert Warner Theatre, 3pm June 26, 2022 · Mahler’s Resurrection Warner Theatre, 3pm

75th Anniversary Season Sponsor

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. Under the leadership of talented coahces and music from the Erie Philharmonic, the Junior Philharmonic offers weekly rehearsals, 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 with the Erie Philharmonic.

There are many reasons to celebrate this season. Not only is this the official return to in-person instruction and performances after 18 months of virtual events, it is also the 75th anniversary of the Erie Junior Philharmonic. We are excited to offer the following: • Low-stress placement auditions at no charge • Payment plans and scholarships available to all students • World-class performance opportunities, including concerts with the Erie Philharmonic • Individualized instruction from professional coaches There’s never been a better time to get involved!

Learn more at eriephil.org/jr-phil.

2021-22 Performance Schedule November 30, 2021 - Chamber Concert Strong Vincent Middle School, 7pm April 26, 2022 - Chamber Concert Strong Vincent Middle School, 7pm May 14, 2022 - Symphony Orchestra Warner Theatre, 8pm May 24, 2022 - 75th Anniversary Concert Strong Vincent Middle School, 7pm May 25, 2022 - 75th Anniversary Event (location TBD)

Additional Sponsors

Cover photo by Jodie O’Connor · Warner Theatre artwork created by Flagship City Press

Single Tickets on sale October 12!

Season Passes available now.

814.455.1375 · eriephil.org

23 W. 10th St., Suite 3 Erie, PA 16501

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