The Kennett Symphony, Chester County’s only professional symphony orchestra, and Music Director Michael Hall announce its 83rd season. With six diverse concert offerings, the season promises to be exhilarating. 

“Together with the passionate and committed musicians of the Kennett Symphony, I am excited about presenting our upcoming season. We will be performing some of the great masterpieces of the past, uncovering lesser-known gems, and collaborating with exciting, young guest soloists. Supporting your local orchestra attracts diversity, empathy for our neighbors, and intellectual curiosity. Your unwavering belief in the power of music is what drives us to create transformative experiences,” said Hall. This is Hall’s 10th season as Kennett Symphony’s Music Director. 

The season will appeal to classical music enthusiasts, nature lovers, children and families, xenophiles, and movie fans too. Hear works from Mozart, Mendelssohn, Sibelius, Beethoven, Florence B. Price, Dvorak, Dan Brown, the Harry Potter movies, and more. This season offers unique and memorable experiences for everyone to enjoy. 

2023-2024 Season: 

The season kicks off on Oct. 15 with Masterworks 1 – Stories of Love and Nature in the Exhibition Hall at Longwood Gardens. Enjoy an exploration of themes of love and nature in the beautiful surroundings of Longwood Gardens. Taking inspiration from Hindu poetry, Canadian composer Glenn Buhr wrote a lighter-than-air piece entitled Akasha; Sanskrit for Sky. The concert features Risa Hokamura performing Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Violin Concerto No.4. Mendelssohn was inspired by the rugged islands off Scotland’s coast to write the Hebrides, whereas Sibelius captured in music the tragic love story of Pelleas and Melisande.  

The season continues with the Symphony’s beloved Reimagined Concert Experience on Nov. 5 at Mendenhall Inn. Seated in the round, with options for food and drink, this casual setting encourages an open and friendly atmosphere. Hosted by Music Director, Michael Hall, enjoy the perfect marriage of music and visuals as multimedia projections bring the music to life with informative, captivating imagery.

Masterworks 2 – Cultural Resonance will be presented on March 17 in Adler Theatre at West Chester University. Living in the early 20th century, the music of African American composer Florence B. Price is an important rediscovery in classical music today. The piece will be performed by guest artist Maxim Lando. This is paired with another distinctive American voice Charles Ives and his enigmatic ‘Unanswered Question.” Followed by Dvorak’s 8th Symphony, a composer, who also was committed to the music of his native country. 

Travel through the trees and across the seas with Maestro Mouse and his musical friends at the annual Family Concert on April 14 at Rustin High School. Meet a big blue whale and speedy cheetahs, tiny beetles, and graceful swans, each has a special secret to share. Written by Dan Brown, author of The Davinci Code, this is an ideal concert for the entire family and a fun, engaging way to learn about the instruments of the orchestra and the animal kingdom. 

Mother’s Day wouldn’t be complete without Chamber Music at Winterthur. Attendees may add on tickets to Winthur’s Museum, Garden, Library, and Exhibitions – including 90,000 objects in the 175-room mansion Henry Francis du Pont called home, 1,000 acres of rolling hills, streams, meadows, and forests, as well as a research center dedicated to America’s artistic, cultural, social, and intellectual history from colonial times into the twentieth century. 

The season culminates with Masterworks 3: Symphony Under the Stars – Halls of Magic, on June 23, 2024, in the Open Air Theatre at Longwood Gardens. The popular music from the eight Harry Potter movies is paired with the imaginatively colorful pictures at an Exhibition. Both classical and film music are represented in this program, making it a concert that will appeal to a wide range of audiences. 

Guests are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance to ensure the best seat selection. Season subscriptions with discounted tickets and individual performance seats are now available. Please visit the website or call 610-444-6363 to reserve your seats for the 2023-2024 season.