Philadelphia Music Roundup - December 2020

musical moments for the curious philadelphia (2).png

Though the traditional concert hall experience is on hold for the time being, Philadelphia’s cultural community is finding ways to keep bringing music to audiences. This list is by no means comprehensive, but should certainly keep a listener with a curious ear busy for the month.

Did we miss something? Events coming up in December? Let us know at calendar@acfphiladelphia.org.

December 2020 events

PHILADELPHIA ORCHESTRA

In December, the Philadelphia Orchestra will present two concerts that feature contemporary works. On December 3rd, the orchestra will perform Starburst composed by Jessie Montgomery. The following week on December 10th, the program includes another contemporary work, Ecstatic Science by Grammy-nominated composer Missy Mazzoli.


jessie montgomery.jpg
GeorgeCrumb-BW-SarahShatz.jpg

PHILADELPHIA CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY

On December 13th, the Philadelphia Chamber Music Society presents pianist Marcantonio Barone who will perform the world premiere of George Crumb’s Metamorphoses, Book II for solo piano. Barone is a foremost performer of Crumb’s music and the two have a close collaborative relationship and both live in Philadelphia. 


MORE STREAMING CONCERTS

  • On December 5, Astral Artist presents flutist Beomjae Kim in their new series Astral Nova. Kim, lauded by the New York Times for his "memorable eloquence", shares some of his favorite treasures of the flute repertoire, rediscovering key works by Varése, Chaminade, and Morlachi, as well as a preview of his Astral Micro Commission from composer Shawn Okpebholo while exploring his own story as a blossoming young artist in this highly personal program

  • On Monday, December 7, 7:30 pm, the Temple University New Music Ensemble will present premieres (*) by John Kairis, Andrew LItts, Robert Pegg. Streaming online at their YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCckRrXlVAe1WHUaQGo1M1IQ

  • On Friday December 11, Relâche presents UnSilent Night by Phil Kline. Due to the pandemic, this year’s edition is more DIY - but all you need is a smart phone - so take a stroll around your neighborhood.

  • The next day Network for New Music presents Extraordinary Measures: Caleb Burhans, Roberto Pace, Thomas Kraines with compositions for solo marimba, solo bass, and guitar and cello duo.

  • (now postponed) The Crossing will present another live performance using their newly developed Echoes amplification system. The Crossing @ Christmas will feature a new work by Matana Roberts and take place December 17-20 at a yet to be announced location (be sure to check their website for updated information).

ONLINE TALKS AND WORKSHOPS

  • The Philadelphia Clef Club continues their educational series Jazz Cultural Voices with a masterclass by Papo Vazquez on December 3rd. NEA Master and Grammy® Award nominee, Angel R. “Papo” Vázquez is a jazz trombonist with his own style, arranger, composer, and he is one of the key figures of Latin music.

ON EXHIBIT

Ars Nova Workshop presents Milford Graves A Mind-Body Deal an ongoing exhibition at the Institute of Contemporary Art, Philadelphia. While the ICA is closed due to the pandemic, there are three online events associated with this exhibition.

The first is on December 3: Milford Graves: A Music-Coloring Deal. This virtual event features musical performances by current and former Penn students and you can color your own Graves-inspired coloring book available for download on the ICA website.

The second and third events are screenings of rare digital footage from Milford Grave’s archives part of their continuing series, Mondays with Milford. Screenings are December 7: Encounters in Japan then on December 21: The Botanist.


DECEMBER 2020 at a glance

CHRONOLOGICAL LISTING

ACF Philadelphia