Philadelphia Orchestra launches new season

PHILADELPHIA » A few years ago, the Philadelphia Orchestra (ranked as one of the most highly thought of in the world) was about to celebrate its fall festivities as well as its opening night gala when all heck broke lose.

The musicians were protesting because of salary negotiations, and picketing was going on outside the Kimmel Center. Patrons weren’t sure what would take place inside the building without their beloved music makers. However, after a few days of picketing and some fancy footwork by the board of directors, the crisis was averted and resolved, bringing peace and prosperity to all those involved.

This year’s Opening Night celebration was much more than a “180” from that experience. In fact, it was a “knocked-out-of-the-ballpark hit” for everyone involved. From tuxedoed gents and gowned gals to “tailed” orchestra members (later outfitted in decidedly more casual attire, including Messieur Nezet-Seguin), school students and aficionados were enamored with the start of the “new year” for musical memories.

Audience members got revved up by Rossini’s uber-famous “William Tell Overture” and its automatic audio association with the Lone Ranger tune, along with Tchaikovsky’s “Symphony No. 5,” then ended on the noted Leonard Bernstein operetta “Candide”.

A special shoutout went to two of the evening’s soloists, who included Curtis Institute grad and local gal Kerri Ryan for her abilities with a viola. Also of “note” was cellist Priscilla Lee, who’s now in her third season with Philadelphia’s premier orchestra.

Shanghai native Ying Fu has been making his mark in the City of Brotherly Love, as well. The violinist began his musical education before most kids have gotten into kindergarten. He took to it well. He’s studied in conservatories and universities while rising the ladder to concertmaster and winning several violin competitions around the globe.

The evening’s audience rose to the occasion with lengthy and thunderous applause before departing to the Kimmel Center’s Atrium for wining and dining before departing for home.

The 2018-19 Philadelphia Orchestra season is getting underway. Guest conductors are at the ready with performances of “Romeo and Juliet” and “Messiah.” Tickets are available at philorch.org.

JOAN BANG — FOR DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Dianne Rotwitt, of Radnor, engages with fellow Main Line volunteers Valerie Smith, of West Chester; Ingrid Butcher, of Newtown Square; and Philadelphia Orchestra staff member Doris Parent.

JOAN BANG — FOR DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA The Philadelphia Orchestra’s former president and CEO, Allison Vulgamore, stops to welcome Bryn Mawr residents Osagie Imasogie, his wife, Lozenge, and Janice Wetheral, of Malvern.

BONNIE SQUIRES — FOR DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Joe Manko Sr., recipient of the Philadelphia Orchestra Award, and his sons, Glenn and Joe Jr., attend the cocktail reception of the Sept. 13 opening night of the Philadelphia Orchestra. Joe Manko and his late wife, Lynn, were honored by board Chairman Richard Worley for their decades of support for the Philadelphia Orchestra.

JOAN BANG — FOR DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Connie Ross joins Leslie Anne Miller and her sister, Sarah Coulson, as they all search for their dining spots.

JOAN BANG — FOR DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Joe Kluger, of Gladwyne, stops to speak with Katie Schaeffer, of Haverford, and her husband, Tony.

JOAN BANG — FOR DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA John Salveson and Don Fox attend the performance.