2024 Holiday Programming

THE PHILADELPHIA ORCHESTRA AND

ENSEMBLE ARTS CELEBRATES

THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR

WITH FULL LINEUP OF

MAGICAL AND MEMORABLE EVENTS

 

Music and Artistic Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin to lead
The Philadelphia Orchestra in Handel’s Messiah
and a new jazz-infused holiday program

 

Fans of all ages invited to the immersive

and inventive return of STOMP

 

Beloved holiday traditions A Soulful Christmas,
Philadelphia Ballet’s George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker^®,
and The Philadelphia Orchestra’s Glorious Sound of Christmas^® continue

Plus, give back with us: mark your calendars for the annual
WMGK Turkey Drop benefiting CityTeam on Tuesday, November 26,
and join us in CBS’ Joy of Sharing Toy Drive through the holiday season,
benefitting Salvation Army and Mothers In Charge  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (November 7, 2024) – The Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts celebrates the 2024 holiday season with an array of joyful events reflecting the broad interests of the diverse region—from orchestral and Broadway to gospel and jazz, participation from esteemed Resident Company Philadelphia Ballet, and much more.

“The holiday season is made bright through the power of the performing arts and by being together for shared experiences, particularly giving back to our community,” said Crystal Brewe, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing and Audience Experience Officer. “This year, we are delighted to partner again in CBS Philadelphia’s Joy of Sharing Toy Drive, benefiting the Salvation Army and Mothers In Charge. Make a neighbor’s holiday table brighter and donate a turkey to CityTeam during the annual WMGK Turkey Drop. And consider The Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts in your end-of-year giving; as a non-profit, your support enables us to share the transformative power of the performing arts with the widest possible audience not just during the holidays, but all year long.”

The seasonal celebration kicks off this year with the annual Joy of Giving toy drive, followed by the WMGK Turkey Drop, as the station broadcasts live from the front of the Kimmel Center on Broad Street (November 26); expanded to run 6 a.m.–12 p.m., all are invited to donate frozen turkeys in-person that day or make monetary donations, benefitting neighbors at CityTeam. Later that week, Ensemble Arts returns to the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, once again taking part in the 6ABC Dunkin’ Thanksgiving Day Parade (November 28), with performances from an array of upcoming Broadway programs like A Beautiful Noise; MJ The Musical; and & Juliet; as well as Ensemble Arts’ annual holiday tradition, A Soulful Christmas. Plus, expect an appearance from the star of Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical, the Grinch himself.     

The Philadelphia Orchestra presents a variety of holiday events, including Children’s Holiday Spectacular (December 7), Yannick’s Holiday Mixtape in Concert (December 12–13); The Glorious Sound of Christmas^® (December 14–15); Disney’s The Muppet Christmas Carol in Concert (December 18–19); Messiah (December 21–22); the annual New Year’s Celebration (December 31); and Lunar New Year (January 10).

Resident Company Philadelphia Ballet proudly presents the return of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker^® (December 6–29), a dazzling holiday classic brought to life by more than 170 professional dancers and students and the Philadelphia Ballet Orchestra.

The holidays begin Thanksgiving week with the return of the family-friendly Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical (November 26–December 1). Kick off December with the return of Jinkx Monsoon and BenDeLaCreme, dubbed “The Queens of Christmas” by Entertainment Weekly, in the internationally acclaimed The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show (December 1). A Soulful Christmas (December 10) returns for its 11th anniversary with 2024 honoree Ricky Dillard; the evening is filled with Gospel favorites, regional choirs, inspirational messages, and ends with the “Finale of Lights.” Samara Joy, a two-time GRAMMY^®-Award winner and one of jazz’s newest sensations, comes to celebrate the holidays with A Joyful Holiday Featuring The McLendon Family (December 23). STOMP (December 26–29) returns this season by popular demand as a part of both the Broadway and Family Discovery Series.

Guests are invited to enjoy the ultimate preshow tailgating experience with an array of holiday themed cocktails this season, including the Gingerbread Old Fashioned, inspired by The Philadelphia Orchestra’s holiday programming, including Yannick’s Holiday Mixtape in Concert (December 12–13); The Glorious Sound of Christmas (December 14–15); Disney’s The Muppet Christmas Carol in Concert (December 18–19); and Messiah (December 21–22); as well as the Holiday Spirit (Spiked Cider), inspired by Ensemble Arts’ holiday offerings.

Below is a full, chronological list of holiday-related programming from The Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts. For up-to-date listings and information, please visit www.ensembleartsphilly.org.   

 

 

CBS PHILADELPHIA JOY OF GIVING HOLIDAY DRIVE

November 25– December 20, 2024 • Kimmel Center, Academy of Music, and Miller Theater

Partner with CBS Philadelphia and The Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts to make the holidays brighter for area children. Benefitting the Salvation Army and Mothers In Charge, visitors are encouraged to bring unwrapped toys to donation boxes in the Kimmel Center, Academy of Music, and Miller Theater.


23RD ANNUAL WMGK TURKEY DROP
November 26, 2024, 6:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. • Outside Kimmel Center building on Broad Street 
 

Join the WMGK air staff as they broadcast live outside the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. They will be collecting frozen turkeys and monetary donations for CityTeam Philadelphia, an organization that provides holiday meals to less fortunate families in the Philadelphia region. Warm up with hot chocolate and coffee provided by Rhubarb Hospitality Collection when you stop by to make your donation.

 

Checks should be made to: CityTeam Philadelphia. No food other than turkeys will be accepted.

  

DR. SEUSS' HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! THE MUSICAL
November 26–December 1, 2024, Times Vary • Miller Theater

 

Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical is the record-setting Broadway holiday sensation which features the hit songs “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome Christmas” from the original animated special.

 

Max the Dog narrates as the mean and scheming Grinch, whose heart is “two sizes too small,” decides to steal Christmas away from the Holiday-loving Whos. Magnificent sets and costumes inspired by Dr. Seuss’ original illustrations help transport audiences to the whimsical world of Whoville and help remind us of the true meaning of the holiday season. 

 

This show is part of The Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts’ 2024–25 Family Discovery Series, sponsored by Dietz and Watson, as well as Ensemble Arts’ 2024–25 Broadway Series.

6ABC DUNKIN’ THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE 
November 28, 2024, Times Vary • Benjamin Franklin Parkway

 

This annual Philadelphia tradition on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway will once again feature appearances from Ensemble Arts’ touring shows, including upcoming Broadway Series presentations of A Beautiful Noise; MJ The Musical; and & Juliet; as well as Ensemble Arts’ annual holiday tradition, A Soulful Christmas. Plus, expect an appearance from the star of Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical, the Grinch himself.

 

THE JINKX & DELA HOLIDAY SHOW

Presented in association with BenDeLaCreme Presents
December 1, 2024, 8:00 p.m. • Academy of Music

 

You better watch out, you better not cry, because “The Queens of Christmas” (Entertainment Weekly) are coming to town with a brand-new edition of the internationally acclaimed The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show!

 

Another holiday season brings another year of fabulous spectacle, whip-smart comedy, brand new songs, and annual favorites. Join the sugary DeLa and spicy Jinkx for an evening The New York Times says is “sure to lift your spirits and make you howl with laughter.”

 

 

GEORGE BALANCHINE’S THE NUTCRACKER

Philadelphia Ballet
December 6–29, 2024, Times Vary • Academy of Music 
(31 performances, including a sensory-friendly performance on December 26 at 12:00 p.m.)

The holiday season comes to the stage with Philadelphia Ballet’s annual production of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker, running December 6–29 at the Academy of Music, where world-class dancers bring this timeless masterpiece to life in a dazzling, must-see production.

Philadelphia Ballet will be hosting a sensory-friendly performance on Thursday, December 26, at 12:00 p.m. This performance is designed to welcome guests who are neurodiverse, have sensory sensitivities, and need additional accessibility accommodations to enjoy the ballet and offers accommodations to make the experience even more welcoming for all including adjusted lighting and sound and the option to move freely during the performance.

Composer: Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky 

 

CLASSIC NUTCRACKER

The Rock School
December 6–8, 2024, Times Vary • Miller Theater

 
Usher in the spirit of the holiday season with Clara’s fairytale brought to life. Children of all ages delight in the charm, beauty, and grandeur of this beloved classic featuring an international cast of award-winning artists from the world-renowned Rock School for Dance.

Classic Nutcracker, with lite narration, features timeless music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky choreographed after Marius Petipa’s original. The Broad Street Review calls it “…thrilling…amazing…(it) stole our hearts.”
 

Composer: Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky


CHILDREN’S HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR

The Philadelphia Orchestra
December 7, 2024, 11:30 a.m. • Marian Anderson Hall

Join us for a joyful holiday celebration filled with sing-alongs, your favorite sounds of the season, and special guests!

Delight in the warmth of the holiday season right here in the Kimmel Center and create cherished memories with the whole family at this heartwarming event that is perfect for all ages. Plus, you might want to listen closely for sleigh bells—you never know who might pay a special visit all the way from the North Pole!

Tristan Rais-Sherman Conductor

Charlotte Blake Alston Narrator
The Rock School for Dance Education
Peter Stark President and Director
Commonwealth Youth Choir
Elizabeth Parker Conductor
Philadelphia Boys Choir
Jeffrey R. Smith Artistic Director
Philadelphia Girls Choir
Nathan Wadley Artistic Director

This show is part of The Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts’ 2024–25 Family Discovery Series, sponsored by Dietz and Watson.


A SOULFUL CHRISTMAS
December 10, 2024, 7:30 p.m. • Marian Anderson Hall

The 11th annual A Soulful Christmas, led by Creator and Director Dr. J. Donald Dumpson, returns this winter with an inspiring and uplifting union of regional choristers, performing holiday spirituals and gospel favorites. The program culminates in a spectacular closing to the evening with a visually mesmerizing “Finale of Lights!.” There is no better way to feel the love, joy, and excitement of Christmas. This year, the concert will include as our special guest, gospel singer and six-time GRAMMY nominee Ricky Dillard.
 

Ricky Dillard “The Choir Master” has been a force in gospel music since his first recording in 1990 and since then has been ensuring that the legacy of gospel choir music continues to have a strong presence in the music industry. As a true pioneer, his influences can be seen across genres and generations. He is a six-time GRAMMY nominee and winner of 11 Stellar Awards, two Dove Awards, an NAACP Image Award, and countless other awards and honors. Ricky Dillard continues to push the mark with chart-breaking music, along with his energetic choir New Generation Chorale, known as “New G.” 

 

Honoree: Ricky Dillard

Creator and Director: Dr. J. Donald Dumpson

Hosts: Patty Jackson (WDAS 105.3 FM) and Craig Hayes (WIMG, 1300 Trenton, NJ)

 
A Soulful Christmas is generously sponsored by PECO.

 

 

YANNICK’S HOLIDAY MIXTAPE IN CONCERT

The Philadelphia Orchestra 
December 12–13, 2024, 7:00 p.m. • Marian Anderson Hall

 

Celebrate the season with Yannick and his musical picks in this sparkling new program. From classic holiday tunes like “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town” and “White Christmas” to French melodies like “Joyeux Noël” and “Petit Papa Noël,” you’ll hear a variety of works that will warm your heart and lift your spirits. And don’t miss the special treat of Samuel Coleridge-Taylor’s Christmas Overture, a holiday masterpiece. Join us for this joyous concert that will delight the whole family and make your holidays merry and bright! 

 

Yannick Nézet-Séguin Conductor

Laurin Talese Vocalist

V. Shayne Frederick Vocalist

Taurey Butler Piano

Morgan Moore Double Bass

Wali Muhammad Drums

Philadelphia Symphonic Choir

Paul Rardin Director

 

 

WRTI SILENT NIGHT SING-IN

December 13, 2024, 5:30 p.m. • Commonwealth Plaza

 
Get in the holiday spirit! Join us at the Kimmel Center when we gather with hundreds of your fellow Philadelphians to sing a special arrangement of "Silent Night," conducted by John Conahan. WRTI's John T.K. Scherch will be your host for this free event.

 

THE GLORIOUS SOUND OF CHRISTMAS

The Philadelphia Orchestra 
December 14–15, 2024, Times Vary • Marian Anderson Hall

 

Just hear those sleigh bells jingling! Share in the joy of the holiday season with The Philadelphia Orchestra. The Glorious Sound of Christmas has been a time-honored tradition for families, friends, and classical music lovers since the iconic recording with Eugene Ormandy and the Orchestra was released in 1962.

 

William Eddins Conductor

Benjamin Taylor Baritone

Charlotte Blake Alston Narrator

Mendelssohn Chorus of Philadelphia

Dominick DiOrio Artistic Director

 

 

DISNEY’S THE MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL IN CONCERT 
The Philadelphia Orchestra 
December 18–19, 2024, 7:00 p.m. • Marian Anderson Hall  

 

The Muppets perform Charles Dickens’s classic holiday tale, with Kermit the Frog playing Bob Cratchit, the put-upon clerk of stingy Ebenezer Scrooge (Michael Caine). Gonzo, as Dickens, narrates the story with the help of Rizzo the Rat. The film also features Miss Piggy as Emily Cratchit, Fozzie Bear as Fozziwig, and Robin the Frog as Tiny Tim. 

 

When the grumpy Scrooge receives Christmas Eve visits from the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future, they show him the error of his self-serving ways. Though the miserable old man seems beyond any hope of redemption and happiness, the kind and humble Bob Cratchit, his family, and the spirits open Scrooge’s eyes—and his heart—to the true meaning of Christmas. 

 

The Philadelphia Orchestra plays the memorable score in this delightful story filled with laughter and song.

 

Constantine Kitsopoulos Conductor

 

This show is part of The Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts’ 2024–25 Family Discovery Series, sponsored by Dietz and Watson.

 

 

MESSIAH

The Philadelphia Orchestra 
December 21–22, 2024, Times Vary • Marian Anderson Hall

 

Handel’s transcendent choral masterwork is a highlight of the holiday season, gathering friends and family in what, for many, is an unmissable annual tradition. Renowned for his interpretations of this classic, Yannick unites Orchestra, soloists, and chorus in a sound that is at once as “intimate as it is grand … notably warm and … remarkably tender,” leaving “listeners ready to sing a glorious ‘Hallelujah!’” (Philadelphia Magazine). 

 

Yannick Nézet-Séguin Conductor

Lucy Crowe Soprano

Emily D’Angelo Mezzo-Soprano

Spencer Britten Tenor

Christian Van Horn Bass-Baritone

Philadelphia Symphonic Choir

Joe Miller Director

 

SAMARA JOY: A JOYFUL HOLIDAY FEATURING THE MCLENDON FAMILY 
December 23, 2024, 7:00 p.m. • Marian Anderson Hall

 

Jazz’s newest star, GRAMMY-Award winner Samara Joy, returns to Philadelphia following her sold out Miller Theater debut in 2023.

 

Joined by members of her talented musical family who have shared the influences of gospel, Motown, and jazz across the generations, Samara delivers a sparkling evening brimming with the most time-honored songs of the season. 

 

At only 24, her voice is wise beyond her years—a reincarnation of Sarah, Ella, and Billie, with a special something all her own. She recently won three well-deserved GRAMMY Awards: Best Jazz Vocal Album for Linger Awhile, Best New Artist of 2023, and Best Jazz Performance. The New York Times praises Samara for “helping jazz take a youthful turn,” while NPR calls her a “classic jazz singer from a new generation.

 

This show is part of Ensemble Arts’ 2024–25 Jazz Series.


STOMP

December 26–29, 2024, Times Vary • Miller Theater

 

STOMP is explosive, inventive, provocative, witty, and utterly unique—an unforgettable experience for audiences of all ages.

 

The international percussion sensation has garnered armfuls of awards and rave reviews and has appeared on numerous national television shows. The eight-member troupe uses everything but conventional percussion instruments—matchboxes, wooden poles, brooms, garbage cans, Zippo lighters, hubcaps – to fill the stage with magnificent rhythms.

 

Year after year, audiences worldwide keep coming back for more of this pulse-pounding electrifying show. As the Boston Globe says, “If you haven’t seen STOMP, GO! If you have seen it, take someone and share the pleasure!” STOMP. See what all the noise is about. Recommended for all ages.
 

This show is part of The Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts’ 2024–25 Family Discovery Series, sponsored by Dietz and Watson. This show is also part of Ensemble Arts’ 2024–25 Broadway Series.

NEW YEAR’S CELEBRATION 

The Philadelphia Orchestra 
December 31, 2024, 7:00 p.m. • Marian Anderson Hall

 

Welcome in the new year on a cloud of music that celebrates the joy of dance! From Viennese waltzes to Bernstein’s super-charged mambo to the tango and the Charleston, the enchanting dancers of Caleb Teicher and Company bring visual magic to this performance of beloved dance music. Our new principal guest conductor Marin Alsop leads this sparkling program, welcoming the astonishing 13-year-old violinist Himari for her Philadelphia Orchestra debut. Ensure your spot at Philadelphia’s most elegant and engaging New Year’s Eve celebration!

 

Making New Year’s Eve plans with a world-class orchestra elevates your celebration to an extraordinary degree—and when that Orchestra is led by a conductor with Marin Alsop’s considerable chops it becomes not just a superb sendoff to your year but one of the highlights on your musical calendar. Get ready for “a high-voltage, heart-on-sleeve performance, thrillingly played” (The Guardian) in this not-to-be-missed celebration!

 

Marin Alsop Conductor

Himari Violin

Caleb Teicher & Company 
     Nicole Barron
     Steve Torres
     Analía Centurión
     Leonardo Sardella
     Caleb Teicher


LUNAR NEW YEAR

The Philadelphia Orchestra 
January 10, 2025, 8:00 p.m. • Marian Anderson Hall

 

Join the Orchestra and special guests to celebrate Lunar New Year! This family-friendly performance features repertoire in honor of the Year of the Snake.

 

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Tickets
Tickets can be purchased by calling 215-893-1999 or online at www.ensembleartsphilly.org. In-person ticket sales can be conducted daily from 10 a.m.–6 p.m. at the Academy of Music Box Office, located at 240 S. Broad Street. See www.ensembleartsphilly.org for more information.

Gift certificates make great gifts! Surprise someone with the unforgettable experience of live arts. Gift Certificates may be used to purchase single tickets and subscriptions for events presented by: The Philadelphia Orchestra, Philadelphia Ballet, Broadway Series, Ensemble Arts, The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, Curtis Institute of Music, Philadelphia Chamber Music Society, and PHILADANCO!. These gift certificates will never expire. See www.ensembleartsphilly.org for more information.

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Yannick Nézet-Séguin holds the Walter and Leonore Annenberg Chair.

Marin Alsop holds the Ralph and Beth Johnston Muller Chair.

Charlotte Blake Alston holds the Osagie and Losenge Imasogie Chair.

The Family Discovery Series is sponsored by Dietz & Watson.

 

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About Ensemble Arts Philly

 

About The Philadelphia Orchestra

 

Our Commitment to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access Strategies (IDEAS)

 

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For Ensemble Arts photography, please visit https://ensembleartsphilly.smugmug.com

 

Click here  for more on The Philadelphia Orchestra’s 2024–25 season.

Click here for a PDF version of this press release.