2026-2027 Family Discovery Series

ENSEMBLE ARTS PHILLY

 ANNOUNCES THE 2026–2027

FAMILY DISCOVERY SERIES

 

LINEUP FEATURES THEATRICAL CLASSICS, FESTIVE HOLIDAY TRADITIONS,
AND ORCHESTRAL EVENTS FOR ALL AGES

 

Broadway percussion phenomenon STOMP


International dance sensation Riverdance


High-energy tap from Chloé Arnold’s Syncopated Ladies Live!


Philadelphia Orchestra Family Concerts including Children’s Halloween Spectacular, Children’s Holiday Spectacular, and Peter and the Wolf


Cinematic favorites Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban™ and Marvel Studios’ Black Panther in Concert

  

Multi-show packages start at $24 per performance

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Philadelphia, PA, May 28, 2026) –– Ensemble Arts announces the return of its popular Family Discovery Series for a new 2026–27 season. The annual series features an expansive lineup of performances designed to spark curiosity and joy for audiences of all ages, with programming covering high-energy percussion and dance to cinematic concert experiences and beloved orchestral traditions. Multi-show packages are on sale now and start at $24 per performance.

“Across our Family Discovery Series, we have curated experiences for young people that are accessible, engaging, and designed to spark curiosity across genres and traditions,” said Ryan Fleur, president and CEO. “We love welcoming our youngest arts lovers into these moments, where a first performance can become the start of a lifelong connection with the arts – helping inspire the next generation of artists and audiences alike.” 

The 2026-27 Family Discovery Series includes:
·         The Philadelphia Orchestra Presents Children’s Halloween Spectacular (October 10, 2026, Marian Anderson Hall inside the Kimmel Center)
·         The Philadelphia Orchestra Presents Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban™ in Concert (October 16–18, 2026, Marian Anderson Hall inside the Kimmel Center)
·         The Philadelphia Orchestra Presents Children’s Holiday Spectacular (December 5, 2026, Marian Anderson Hall inside the Kimmel Center)
·         STOMP (December 29–January 3, Miller Theater)
·         The Philadelphia Orchestra Presents Peter and the Wolf (February 20, 2027, Marian Anderson Hall inside the Kimmel Center)
·         MARVEL STUDIOS’ Black Panther in Concert (February 27, 2027, Miller Theater)
·         Riverdance 30 – The New Generation (March 4–7, 2027, Miller Theater)
·         Chloé Arnold’s Syncopated Ladies Live! (April 16, 2027, Miller Theater)
·         The Philadelphia Orchestra Presents Green Eggs and Ham (May 1, 2027, Marian Anderson Hall inside the Kimmel Center)

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INDIVIDUAL SHOW DETAILS ARE BELOW AND AVAILABLE ONLINE AT WWW.ENSEMBLEARTSPHILLY.ORG


THE PHILADELPHIA ORCHESTRA PRESENTS CHILDREN’S HALLOWEEN SPECTACULAR
Saturday, October 10, 2026 • 11:30 AM
Marian Anderson Hall inside the Kimmel Center

Get your costumes on and gather your little monsters for a morning of music, laughter, and mystical Halloween fun with The Philadelphia Orchestra!

No Halloween is complete without music! Hear all the best seasonal favorites, from playful tunes to delightfully eerie classics, performed live by a full orchestra. With interactive moments, kid-friendly surprises, and plenty of chances to sing, dance, and celebrate, this festive concert is the perfect way to make magical Halloween memories together.


THE PHILADELPHIA ORCHESTRA PRESENTS HARRY POTTER AND THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN™ IN CONCERT
Friday, October 16–Sunday, October 18, 2026 • Times Vary
Marian Anderson Hall inside the Kimmel Center

From the moment Harry uses the Marauder’s Map to when the Patronus Charm bursts from his wand, you’ll be transported back into the world you love. Relive the magic of your favorite wizard in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban™ in Concert. Experience the movie on the big screen in high definition as The Philadelphia Orchestra performs John Williams's unforgettable score live to picture.

All characters and elements © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights © JKR.


THE PHILADELPHIA ORCHESTRA PRESENTS CHILDREN’S HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR
Saturday, December 5, 2026 • 11:30 AM
Marian Anderson Hall inside the Kimmel Center

Join us for a festive holiday celebration featuring sing-alongs, seasonal favorites, and special guest appearances.
 

Bring the whole family and enjoy a concert designed for all ages, filled with familiar music and a few fun surprises along the way. And keep an ear out for sleigh bells—you never know who might stop by from the North Pole.


STOMP
Tuesday, December 29, 2026–Sunday, January 3, 2027 • 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.


THE PHILADELPHIA ORCHESTRA PRESENTS PETER AND THE WOLF
Saturday, February 20, 2027 • 11:30 AM
Marian Anderson Hall inside the Kimmel Center

Experience this classic story with The Philadelphia Orchestra.

 

Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf returns, introducing audiences to the instruments of the orchestra through a simple, engaging tale of a boy’s adventure in the woods. Each character is represented by a different instrument, from Peter’s strings to the grandfather’s bassoon and the wolf’s horns, making it easy to hear how the orchestra works together.

 

With audience favorite narrator Michael Boudewyns, this performance is a great introduction for listeners of all ages.


MARVEL STUDIOS’ BLACK PANTHER IN CONCERT
Saturday, February 27, 2027 • 7:30 PM
Miller Theater

Marvel Studios' Black Panther in Concert features a screening of the groundbreaking film electrified by live performances from world-class Hollywood studio musicians, African rhythm masters and powerhouse vocalists, delivering the award-winning score and soundtrack in a truly unforgettable experience.

In 2018, Marvel Studios' Black Panther quickly became a global sensation and cultural phenomenon, showing a new dimension of what Super Hero films could be. Rolling Stone raved, "the film lights up the screen with a full-throttle blast of action and fun. That's to be expected. But what sneaks up and floors you is the film's racial conscience and profound, astonishing beauty." Now you can relive the excitement while live performers bring you Ludwig Göransson's Oscar® and GRAMMY®-winning score live-to-picture.

After the death of his father, T'Challa now prepares to be crowned the new kind of Wakanda. However, T'Challa finds that his position is now being challenged by the appearance of an old enemy named Killmonger, which puts both Wakanda and the world at risk. Teaming up with Dora Milaje, his little sister Shuri, and his CIA alley Everett K. Ross, T'Challa must harness the powers of the Black Panther to fight his enemy and save Wakanda from destruction.


RIVERDANCE 30 – THE NEW GENERATION
Thursday, March 4–Sunday, March 7, 2027
Miller Theater

Since Riverdance first emerged onto the world stage, its fusion of Irish and international dance and music has captured the hearts of millions worldwide. The Grammy® Award-winning music and the infectious energy of its mesmerizing choreography and breathtaking performances has left audiences in awe and established Riverdance as a global cultural sensation.

To celebrate this incredible 30th year milestone, Riverdance will embark on a special anniversary tour, bringing its magic to audiences around the world. This spectacular production rejuvenates the much-loved original show with new innovative choreography and costumes and state of the art lighting, projection, and motion graphics. And for the first time Riverdance welcomes “The New Generation” of performers, all of whom were not born when show began 30 years ago.

John McColgan, Director of Riverdance, said, “For over 30 years, Riverdance has taken us on a unique and exhilarating journey with the love and support of our audiences. The show has developed from a stage spectacle into a global cultural phenomenon. It has continuously evolved yet we ensure it always remains true to its roots. The 30th Anniversary showcases our ‘New Generation’ of extraordinarily talented performers with their electrifying energy, passion, and skill in their traditions and their music and dance. Fresh, exciting and with all the magic and spectacle of the original, this is Riverdance better than ever before.”

Audiences will enjoy a unique and memorable performance which blends the traditional and the contemporary, showcasing the skill and passion of the world-class of dancers, musicians, and singers in the Riverdance ensemble.

Composed by Bill Whelan. Produced by Moya Doherty. Directed by John McColgan.


CHLOÉ ARNOLD’S SYNCOPATED LADIES LIVE!
Friday, April 16, 2027 • 7:30 p.m.
Miller Theater

Syncopated Ladies Live! is an 80-minute, electrifying, deeply moving, multimedia experience that leaves audiences feeling inspired and empowered. The production showcases a dynamic ensemble of women, each with their own unique stories, coming together with powerhouse vocals and fierce footwork to celebrate resilience, confidence, joy, and tap dance.

Founded by Emmy-nominated choreographer, Chloé Arnold, the Syncopated Ladies have made history by redefining tap dance around the world with over 200 million views online. Mentored by Debbie Allen, they have worked with other global icons such as Beyoncé and Will Smith, with credits spanning major films and television appearances including Good Morning America, CNN’s New Year’s Eve, Mariah Carey’s Merry Christmas to All, Bel-Air, The Kelly Clarkson Show, The Ellen Show, The Late Late Show with James Corden, Jerry Seinfeld’s Unfrosted (Netflix), and Spirited starring Will Ferrell, Ryan Reynolds and Octavia Spencer (Apple TV).


THE PHILADELPHIA ORCHESTRA PRESENTS GREEN EGGS AND HAM
Saturday, May 1, 2027 • 11:30 AM
Marian Anderson Hall inside the Kimmel Center

Do you like Green Eggs and Ham? This orchestral adaptation of Dr. Seuss's beloved children's classic is a feast for the ears! The inimitable Michael Boudewyn as Sam-I-Am serves up a veritable banquet of surprises in Robert Kapilow's culinary cartoon-musical banquet. Plus, dive into the world of Aesop, the famous Greek storyteller, with three of his world-famous fun fables. 

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Tickets   

Multi-show packages are on sale now and start at $24 per performance.
 

Tickets can be purchased online at www.ensembleartsphilly.org, by calling 215-893-1999, or at the Academy of Music Box Office, located at 240 S. Broad Street. Group sales are available for groups of 10 or more and can be purchased by calling 215-790-5883. Exclusions apply. More information at www.ensembleartsphilly.org/family.
 

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TD Bank is a Proud Sponsor of Ensemble Arts Philly.

 

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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 Family Discovery Series show assets, please visit https://ensembleartsphilly.smugmug.com.

 

Click  here for Philadelphia Orchestra Family Discovery Series show assets.

Click here for a PDF version of this press release.