The Philadelphia Orchestra Launches 'Listen with Your Heart' Program

The Philadelphia Orchestra, one of the leading orchestras in the world and renowned for its acclaimed performances, historic international tours, and best-selling recordings, today launched its "Listen with Your Heart" initiative aimed at raising public awareness as well as funding for this celebrated ensemble. Focused immediately on engaging the tri-state area, "Listen with Your Heart" is a multifaceted effort that will include public performances, local advertising, online engagement, fundraising, and outreach through regional merchants, restaurants, and hotels to raise awareness and visibility of The Philadelphia Orchestra.

This initiative is launched one month after The Philadelphia Orchestra Association filed for reorganization in U.S. Bankruptcy Court on April 16, 2011. Facing critical financial challenges and a lack of operational funds, The Philadelphia Orchestra has begun working diligently through the reorganization process to lay the foundation for long-term financial health and stability. This important work takes place with the completion of a robust 2010-11 season.

"In our time of need, what greater sentiment could we convey than ‘Listen with Your Heart,'" said Allison Vulgamore, president and chief executive officer of The Philadelphia Orchestra Association. "It is what the music of The Philadelphia Orchestra has inspired of its listeners for 111 years. While we face complex issues, ‘Listen with Your Heart' is launched with more than hope-it is launched with confidence. And this confidence stems from nearly-sold out concerts through the remainder of the season and strengthened subscriptions sales for 2011-12. This is the first time in four years that we can report that tickets sales for The Philadelphia Orchestra have not declined but rather, remained steady. Beyond this, we are also heartened by recent grants from the Knight Foundation and PNC Bank, and a million dollar gift to endow the Bass Trombone Chair. As our patrons and supporters listen-to our music and our message-with their hearts, we are confident that the rest of the greater Philadelphia region will as well."

Launched at a press event with Philadelphia Mayor Michael A. Nutter, "Listen with Your Heart" will last for the duration of the reorganization process. In advance of the official launch of this initiative, The Philadelphia Orchestra has received corporate support from Bank of America, Duane Morris, and the Residences® at the Ritz-Carlton. Several business and cultural leaders from Philadelphia's Avenue of the Arts have also expressed public support for the Orchestra.

"The Philadelphia Orchestra is a cultural icon in the city and a greatly admired institution throughout the world," said Mayor Nutter. "I proudly support the ‘Listen with Your Heart' initiative and encourage Philadelphia's residents, regional neighbors, and visitors to come out and show your support for world-class arts in our city."

Remaining a creative and excellent artistic institution is of critical importance to The Philadelphia Orchestra Association, says Vulgamore. "We are deeply committed to maintaining Philadelphia as a destination orchestra for the world's premier musicians, and ‘Listen with Your Heart' is an important step in our effort to regain financial stability. We are well-poised to sustain artistic excellence under Charles Dutoit's current leadership and Yannick Nézet-Séguin's future leadership in 2012. We need Philadelphians' support to ensure that this city, our musicians, and this organization continue to serve future generations."

To learn more about the "Listen with Your Heart" initiative and how to support The Philadelphia Orchestra through tickets sales, subscriptions, or a donation, please visit www.philorchtoday.org. For more information regarding The Philadelphia Orchestra, its current concert season, and its history, please visit www.philorch.org.

About The Philadelphia Orchestra

The Philadelphia Orchestra is among the world's leading orchestras. Renowned for its artistic excellence since its founding in 1900, the Orchestra has excited audiences with thousands of concerts in Philadelphia and around the world. With only seven music directors throughout more than a century of unswerving orchestral distinction, the artistic heritage of The Philadelphia Orchestra is attributed to extraordinary musicianship under the leadership and innovation of Fritz Scheel (1900-07), Carl Pohlig (1907-12), Leopold Stokowski (1912-41), Eugene Ormandy (1936-80), Riccardo Muti (1980-92), Wolfgang Sawallisch (1993-2003), and Christoph Eschenbach (2003-08).

After 30 years of a celebrated association with The Philadelphia Orchestra, Charles Dutoit currently continues the tradition as chief conductor and Yannick Nézet-Séguin has assumed the title of music director designate until he takes up the baton as The Philadelphia Orchestra's next music director in 2012.

The Philadelphia Orchestra annually touches the lives of countless music lovers worldwide, through concerts, presentations, and recordings. Each year the Orchestra presents a subscription season at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, education and community partnership programs, and annual appearances at Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center; it also regularly tours throughout the world. Its summer schedule includes performances at the Mann Center for the Performing Arts, free Neighborhood Concerts throughout Greater Philadelphia, and residencies at the Bravo! Vail Valley Music Festival and the Saratoga Performing Arts Center. For more information on The Philadelphia Orchestra, please visit www.philorch.org .

 

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