Menzel, Philbin, Franklin et al. to Perform with Philadelphia Orchestra's this Summer

As part of its three-week, nine-concert schedule at The Mann, The Philadelphia Orchestra will share the stage with a star studded line-up of special guest artists - from the king of daytime TV, Regis Philbin and his wife Joy narrating "Peter and the Wolf" to the Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin in an unforgettable night of her greatest hits and opera arias. Special guest and former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice will accompany "The Queen" at the piano and perform with the orchestra.

The star power continues with Idina Menzel, Tony® winning witch from Broadway's WICKED and now star of TV's highest rated show GLEE, who will join the orchestra with hits from WICKED and her CD "I Stand." Not to be outdone by mere mortals, the Planet Earth has its own starring role with The Philadelphia Orchestra as part of a blockbuster evening featuring moving imagery from the BBC's "Planet Earth" television series along with the Philadelphia premier of the TV show's original score by George Fenton, who will also conduct.

An additional highlight of The Philadelphia Orchestra season will be an evening with trumpeter Chris Botti. Since Botti's release of his acclaimed CD "When I Fall in Love," he has become America's largest selling jazz instrumental artist. He will be recreating, with The Philadelphia Orchestra, parts of his smash hit PBS program "Chris Botti in Boston," which was performed originally with The Boston Pops. This marks a double debut for Botti - his first performance with The Philadelphia Orchestra and first appearance at The Mann.

"This season is all about celebrating The Philadelphia Orchestra and the audiences who love them as well as introducing the Fabulous Philadelphians to a broader audience than ever before at The Mann," said Catherine Cahill, president and CEO of The Mann Center for the Performing Arts. "To showcase 75 years of live music in the park, we have assembled a dynamic season schedule. There are classic masterworks and the finest soloists - both rising stars from the esteemed Curtis Institute of Music as well as respected masters. We've also incorporated new, exciting collaborations between the Orchestra and dynamic artists from the worlds of popular music, Broadway and jazz," Cahill said. She added that much of the season will be under the direction of Mann Center Artistic Director and Philadelphia Orchestra Associate Conductor Rossen Milanov.

"The Philadelphia Orchestra looks forward to making great music this summer at The Mann Center for the Performing Arts under the inspired leadership of Rossen Milanov," said Philadelphia Orchestra President and CEO Allison Vulgamore. "With the 2010 season, the Orchestra continues to entertain and inspire music lovers with a wide range of classical and popular programs. We welcome audiences of all ages to join us in creating new musical memories."

For a full schedule of events and ticket information, visit online at www.manncenter.org.

 

Photo Credit: Genevieve Rafter-Keddy

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