Orchestra 2001 is a collective of adventurous, virtuoso performers dedicated to the music of our time. The ensemble strives to be an international leader in connecting diverse audiences with the greatest music of the 20^th and 21^st centuries, engaging new listeners through exhilarating concerts, innovative artistic collaborations, and enriching community partnerships in Philadelphia and beyond.

GEORGE CRUMB: Scores at an Exhibition WEDNESDAY, May 24, 2023 | 7:30 PM Main Gallery at Slought 4017 Walnut Street, Phila. 19104 Pay-What-You-Can Tickets! $0 – $50

FREE STUDENT EVENT: Thursday, May 18, 2023 | 2:45 PM | Teatro Esperanza, 4261 N. 5th Street, Phila. 19140
MAY 2023 – Exhibition at Cherry Street Pier

GEORGE CRUMB: SCORES AT AN EXHIBITION will explore Philadelphia’s well-known contemporary composer (1929-2022) and long-time Orchestra 2001 collaborator, in a visual arts setting. His stunning visual scores are works of art, and presenting them in a gallery context allows for a more complete appreciation of these masterpieces.

Exhibits of Crumb’s scores will be followed by performances of several of his chamber music works at Slought, Esperanza Arts, and Cherry Street Pier.  Crumb’s brilliant “Metamorphoses, 10 Fantasies for Amplified Piano, Book 2” (2020) will be performed by the musician he wrote it for, Orchestra 2001 pianist Marcantonio Barone, presented with images of the works of art that influenced Crumb’s modern take on “Pictures at an Exhibition.”

Supported by the Musical Fund Society of Philadelphia. 

Described as “an African Bartók,” Justinian was trained in both Kiganda (Ugandan) folk music and Western classical music, receiving his doctoral degree in composition at Northwestern University. He will compose several new pieces for Orchestra 2001’s musicians, using extended instrumental techniques, microtones, and polyrhythms that marry contemporary classical music and traditional Kiganda folk music. Stay tuned for more information about our initial public concerts for this exciting series starting early April 2023. 

EMERGING MARKETS
Major support from:

Launched in May 2020, EMERGING MARKETS is an ongoing series of informal musical events presented where Philadelphians shop, work, and play. Aimed at breaking down barriers to attendance, Orchestra 2001 tailors performances for markets and businesses in all corners of Philadelphia.  EMERGING MARKETS was honored with a 2022 Arts + Business Council Award alongside programs by Visit Philadelphia and The Barnes Foundation.

PAST PROGRAMS:

BIRTH OF THE COOL FIRST PERFORMANCE: (SOLD OUT!) WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29, 2023 | 7:30pm Clef Club of Jazz 736 South Broad Street, Philadelphia 19146 ENCORE PERFORMANCE: WEDNESDAY, APRIL 19, 2023 | 7:30pm Mummers Museum 1100 S. 2nd Street, Philadelphia 19147 (Corner of 2nd St. & Washington Ave.) Cash bar & FREE parking behind museum!

A history-making jazz ensemble with humble beginnings in a basement apartment below a laundromat on Manhattan’s West 55^th Street... the 12 tunes resulting from that collaboration of jazz and classical giants are a collector’s classic, and forged decades of new directions in concert halls, jazz clubs, and film scores. This performance will feature Orchestra 2001’s jazz players, including eight leading musicians from The Philly Pops.

America's Folk Music Transformed: George Crumb's The River of Life (2003)

Remembering GEORGE CRUMB

Orchestra 2001 mourns the loss of our dear friend, George Crumb (October 24, 1929 – February 6, 2022). He passed away on Sunday at his home in Media, Pa, at the age of 92. His family was at his side. George was a trailblazing composer who leaves behind an incomparable legacy of stunningly brilliant music. His relentless exploration of “sounds” – the myriad colors achievable by instrumental and vocal performers – allowed him to evoke every imaginable emotion. His music could be heavenly or hilarious, haunting or terrifying, and everything in between. In addition, his hand-notated scores were like works of modern art, worthy of a museum exhibit. George attended our performance of The River of Life at Cherry Street Pier on September 20, 2019, presenting a pre-concert talk. Those of us that had the joy of working closely with George for many years will remember his scholarly insights, his sense of humor, and his endearing humility. 

Obituary from The New York Times.

In The Key of L: Music Along SEPTA's Market-Frankford Line

From left to right: Orchestra 2001 performaces at CHOP Karabots campus (West Philadelphia), the "Love Lot" (Kensington), and 30^th Street Station (University City).

Orchestra 2001 is Ensemble-In-Residence at Cherry Street Pier

The COMPOSER AT WORK window features Philadelphia-area and visiting composers, and musicians of all ages and genres. Participants work on site and present their music to audiences at Cherry Street Pier and elsewhere in Philadelphia. Funded by generous grants from the Barra Foundation and the Musical Fund Society of Philadelphia.

100% individual donations currently go toward employing musicians!

Our concerts would not be possible without the support of Individual Donors!

Orchestra 2001 thanks its recent Foundation, Government, and Organizational Contributors and Partners: