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 20th and 21st centuries, engaging new listeners through exhilarating concerts, innovative artistic collaborations, and enriching community partnerships in Philadelphia and beyond.
COMING SOON...
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ENGOMA ENTEERA:
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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 first public concert for this exciting series (early April 2023), conducted by Na’Zir McFadden.
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BIRTH OF THE COOLIn Spring 2023, we will present the local premiere of the iconic Miles Davis/Gil Evans Birth of the Cool fusion of mid-century jazz and classical genres, approximately 75 years after the music’s creation. The history of this ground-breaking musical hybrid was relayed directly by Orchestra 2001 guest composer/conductor and original Birth of the Cool musician, the late Gunther Schuller, who described its evolution during informal sessions with classical and jazz artists in the late 1940s, in Gil Evans’ basement apartment. The results forged new directions for jazz and classical music that influenced decades of artists in concert halls, jazz clubs, and film scores. |
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GEORGE CRUMB:
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Exhibits of Crumb’s scores will be followed by performances of several of his chamber music works at the Slought Foundation, Esperanza Arts, and Cherry Street Pier. Crumb’s brilliant “Metamorphoses, 10 Fantasies for Amplified Piano, Book 2” (2020) will be performed by the performer 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.”
PAST PROGRAMS:
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¡CONEXIONES! CUBATHURSDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2022 | 7:30 PM Mark Loria, conductor Ernesto Abelardo Valdés – Almendra Visit the concert page to learn more. This program is funded by the Paul M. Angell Family Foundation.
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Harlem Renaissance and BeyondTHURSDAY, MAY 26, 2022 | 7:30 PM FRIDAY, MAY 27, 2022 | 7:30 PM Na’Zir McFadden, conductor William Grant Still — Summerland Visit the concert page to learn more. "Harlem Renaissance and Beyond" is part of Orchestra 2001's JOURNEYS series, funded by the Paul M. Angell Family Foundation and the League of American Orchestras' Futures Fund. American Hats Factory Showroom event is funded in part by PNC Arts Alive and William Penn Foundation as part of EMERGING MARKETS. |
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America's Folk Music Transformed: George Crumb's The River of Life (2003)
Orchestra 2001 ensemble rehearsing at Xavier University. |
April 20, 2022 | 12:00 pm (noon) April 22, 2022 | 10:00 am This tour is funded by the National Endowment for the Arts and the League of American Orchestras' Futures Fund. |
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.
"One More River" |
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"Amazing Grace" |
In The Key of L: Music Along SEPTA's Market-Frankford Line
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Orchestra 2001 will feature musical compositions by Philadelphia composers in pop-up concerts at train stops, parking lots, businesses, murals, and parks along the 45-minute SEPTA route that cuts across dozens of diverse communities. Part 1 featured music by Erin Busch, Matt Davis, and Jay Krush. Funded in large part by the Presser Foundation and the Musical Fund Society of Philadelphia. |
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From left to right: Orchestra 2001 performaces at CHOP Karabots campus (West Philadelphia), the "Love Lot" (Kensington), and 30th Street Station (University City).
Reading Terminal Market's "Fresh Entertainment"
Hear "Ride That Train", composed and conducted by Tom Whitman, from his OUR PHILADELPHIA!
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This entirely virtual program pays homage to the resilience of Reading Terminal, and the passion that Philadelphia has for its historic public market. Learn more about OUR PHILADELPHIA by Tom Whitman, and where you can hear it performed next! |
Part of Orchestra 2001's EMERGING MARKETS concert series. Major support provided by The William Penn Foundation.
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THE SONG CATCHERpresented by Lyric FestApril 9, 2022 | 3:00pm | The American Philosophical Society April 10, 2022 | 3:00pm | Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church Orchestra 2001 participated in this compelling production, featuring new, folk-inspired works by Gregory Brown, John Conahan, Michael Djupstrom, Melissa Dunphy, Jennifer Higdon, Allen Krantz, Gilda Lyons, Robert Maggio, Jeffrey Scott, and Benjamin P. Wenzelberg. Orchestra 2001's participation in "The Song Catcher" funded by The Aaron Copland Fund for Music. |
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¡CONEXIONES! ARGENTINA
– Lo que vendrá Saturday, November 6, 2021 | 6:00pm | Teatro Esperanza Orchestra 2001 partnered with celebrated bandoneónist Shinjoo Cho to perform Piazzolla Centennial: Lo que vendrá (What's to come), a celebration of master composer and bandoneónist Astor Piazzolla (1921-1992). Diego Schissi’s commission generously funded by the Steven R. Gerber Trust. |
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CONEXÕES BRAZILCo-presented by Esperanza Arts Center. Concert recording session at World Live Cafe, featuring 20th- and 21st-century music by Brazilian composers. Heitor Villa-Lobos – Sexteto místico PRIOR LIVESTREAM EVENTS: 6/23/2021 Teatro Esperanza | 7/8/2021 Cherry Street Pier | 7/23/2021 Arts Access TV |
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PHILADELPHIA FLOWER SHOWSaturday, June 12, 2021 | 10am – 2pm Get your Flower Show tickets for Family Frolic this Saturday, June 12th! While enjoying the exhibits, market, and food, experience complimentary performances by Orchestra 2001 at all corners of the marketplace. Part of Orchestra 2001's EMERGING MARKETS concert series. Major support provided by The William Penn Foundation. |
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9th STREET MARKETHonoring Our AncestorsSunday, May 23, 2021 | 8pm Part of Orchestra 2001's EMERGING MARKETS concert series. Major support provided by The William Penn Foundation. |
STREAM THIS MUSIC ANYTIME – FREE
Orchestra 2001 is Ensemble-In-Residence at Cherry Street Pier
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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: