This concert will feature the drama and passion of Russian music, beginning with Glazunov’s glowing Intermezzo Romantico, a musical tribute to the language and spirit of Tchaikovsky. We then introduce young Bulgarian-American violinist, Bella Hristova, who will inhabit the dark corners of Shostakovich’s First Violin Concerto with virtuosity and her intense musical personality. The evening’s centerpiece is Prokofiev’s beautiful and searing ballet score from Romeo and Juliet. Brilliantly evoking the conflict between the Montagues and Capulets while also capturing the intimacy of young love between Romeo and Juliet, this is a score rife with special details and sonic surprises.
George Gershwin was one-of-a-kind. Equally at home on the concert stage as well as on Tin-Pan Alley, Gershwin exemplified what it meant to be an American composer – a true fusion of indigenous styles like jazz and popular song with symphonic forms like the concerto and tone poem. We celebrate his talent and genius in one big night.
Acclaimed pianist Inna Faliks plays Rhapsody in Blue and accompanies vocalists Jasmine Muhammed and Phillip Gay while the Philharmonic performs beloved scores from Porgy and Bess, and American in Paris, and Broadway hits in this not-to-be-missed night of Gershwin favorites.
Springtime in Paris! We will look at the special relationship that some of our most important composers had with the City of Lights. Mozart wrote to his father that he expected the Parisians to erupt in applause during the performance of his Symphony No. 31. Frederick Chopin remains to this day one of the most important French musical voices from the 19th Century, and his rhapsodic 2nd Piano Concerto is the perfect vehicle for rising pianist Tanya Bannister, who has already recorded an acclaimed version of that very concerto. Maurice Ravel is perhaps best known for his effervescent, brilliantly detailed music, but in this Pavane, he shows us his deft touch for a simple, haunting melody played by a single French horn. Enfant terrible Igor Stravinsky set the Parisian ballet world on its ear more than once, and we are pleased to round-out our evening with this stylish, wonderfully intriguing ballet music from Pulcinella, a 1920 nod to a bygone era of Neapolitan commeddia dell’arte.
In our Pops finale, we delve into all the fun of St. Patrick’s Day weekend and invite one of the top interpreters of Celtic music to the Warner Stage. Cathie Ryan, former front woman of ‘Cherish the Ladies.’ She brings her special blend of traditional Irish music with her own band, mixed with the lush symphonic arrangements of Jeff Tyzik in a special night of song, dance, and Erin go bragh!
We bring our season to a glorious close with three B’s (apologies to Mr. Bach!) In his Tragic Overture, Brahms presents weighty ideas in which seriousness and passion intermingle to create a musical statement of romantic fervor. Predating Brahms, Hector Berlioz’s La Mort de Cleopatre goes even further in wild extremities of harmony and dramatic expression. With a flair for the stage, Berlioz crafts a monodrama for soprano solo and orchestra that gives voice to Cleopatra’s anguish and eventual demise. Beethoven’s Mass in C is a deeply-felt statement of musical joy. Though not a churchgoer himself, Beethoven managed to find sufficient inspiration in the text of the Latin Mass to give voice to his all-embracing, triumph-of-mankind philosophy. The Erie Philharmonic Chorus will join with voices from Mercyhurst University and soloists from the Pittsburgh Opera to create this sensational, joyous season finale that only a master like Beethoven could attempt to achieve.
September 13th, 2015
Race Beethoven on a scenic course through downtown Erie for the chance to win ticket vouchers and more.
Back for the 15-16 season, our ever popular Wine Raffles offers one lucky person the chance to start an instant wine cellar!
November 14th, 2015 through November 15th, 2015
Take a self-guided tour of homes decorated for the holidays in historic downtown Erie.
December 15th, 2015
The Erie Philharmonic Chorus joins forces with members of the Erie Philharmonic for this treasured, yearly tradition.
May 21st, 2016
The Erie Philharmonic and the Erie Playhouse come together for on unforgettable evening of music!
Bella Hristova, Violin
Bella Hristova, Violin
With seven packages available, we definitely have the perfect plan for you! From three concert packages to ten concert plans you'll never miss a note, and always be guaranteed a seat!
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Be a subscriber and guarantee your seat. You’ll get the best available seats, and the same seats, for every concert. Each season, you’re given the first option to renew or upgrade your current seats.
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Going south for the winter? Out of town? If you can’t make it to a concert, don’t worry! You can exchange your tickets for any other concert during the current season.
THE BEST REASON OF ALL
World class musicians, an extraordinary concert hall and “one of the finest regional orchestras in America” right here in Erie, PA.
Season subscriptions and single tickets may be purchased in person, online, or by phone at 814/455-1375.
PLEASE NOTE: The City’s 3% Amusement Tax fee is included in the order and a $5 handling charge will be added to the total purchase.
If you have received a ticket voucher, please read the voucher carefully and complete it before redeeming it. It is recommended that vouchers are redeemable before showtime at the Philharmonic office (Monday thru Friday, 9AM – 5PM), for best seating options. Seating will be assigned when the vouchers are redeemed. Vouchers may be redeemed at the door (Warner Theatre) before showtime.
However, there are a limited number of complimentary tickets available for each concert, therefore it is recommended that you redeem your voucher at least TWO weeks in advance of the concert.
Your tickets will be held at Will Call if ordered by phone or online. Vouchers are not redeemable for cash and expire on the stated date or at the end of the concert season.
Groups of 15 or more will receive a 20% discount off single ticket prices. No other discounts or special offers apply to group sales. Call 814/455-1375 for more information or to reserve seats.
Students with valid ID can receive a $10 admission to any symphonic concert or pops concert during the season based on availability. Student tickets may be purchased in advance or at the door. Section B, C, or D seating (at the discretion of the box office).
Tickets may also be purchased by phone at 814/455-1375 or in person at the Philharmonic offices located at 23 West 10th Street, Suite 3, Erie, PA 16501.