March 2, 2015

A series of upcoming concerts will close out the winter season, beginning with a free-to-the-public performance by the Fusion Band and Rock Ensemble on Tuesday, March 10 at 7:00pm in the Mandell Theater (33^rd and Chestnut Streets). The two upbeat groups will cover the gamut from classic rock to the music of Mardi Gras, including a full set of Led Zeppelin songs from the Rock Ensemble, led by Joe Napoli. In a salute to Carnival, the Fusion Band will parade through the Mandell with a lively samba including full percussion and authentic instruments. They’ll also perform selections by Carlos Santana, Stevie Wonder and Earth, Wind and Fire. The Fusion Band is directed by Lynn Riley and melds funk with reggae, salsa, samba and Afro-Cuban styles. Read on for details on other upcoming concerts, including performances by the Mediterranean Ensemble, University Orchestra, the All-College Choir & Chamber Singers, and the University Chorus & Chamber Orchestra.

On Wednesday, March 11, come be transported to warmer shores at the Mediterranean Ensemble’s winter concert, “The Great American Songbook, Mediterranean Style.” The free-to-the-public event will begin at 7:30pm in the Mandell Theater, featuring special guest soloists including Philadelphia’s legendary songstress Peggy King, and All Star Jazz Trio members Andy Kahn, Bruce Klauber and Alex Alaya. The performance will focus on interpretations of American standards and jazz. Directed by Bruce Kaminsky, the ensemble performs music from the Middle East, Northern Africa and Southern Europe, and has performed with international guest artists from Lebanon, Egypt, Turkey and Israel.

Under the direction of Rosalind Erwin, the University Orchestra will take the Main Auditorium stage (3141 Chestnut St.) on Friday, March 13 at 7:30pm for a free-to-the-public concert featuring works from a diverse variety of composers. Selections include “Symphony No. 101 (The Clock),” by“the father of western symphonic form” and teacher to Mozart and Beethoven, Franz Joseph Hayden; Heitor Villa-Lobos’ “Aria” from “Bachianas Brasilieras No. 5 for Cello Orchestra and Soprano,” which fuses Brazilian music with the compositional styles of the Baroque period; “Jupiter,” from British composer Gustav Holst’s best-known orchestral suite “The Planets;” and selections from Igor Stravinsky’s “The Firebird Suite.”

Under the direction of Performing Arts Department Head Dr. Steven Powell, on Sunday, March 15 in the Main Auditorium, the 60-voice University Chorus and the Chamber Orchestra will present a 3:00pm matinee performance of Rossini’s final masterpiece, “Petite Messe Solennelle,” in its rarely-heard orchestral version. Tickets are $3 for students and seniors and $8 General Admission. For more information please call 215-895-ARTS.

The All-College Choir, directed by Scott Bacon, and the Chamber Music instrumental ensemble, directed by Dr. Powell, will wrap up the concert series with a 7:00pm performance on March 15 in the Main Auditorium. The free-to-the-public event will pair beautiful choral singing with Renaissance music.