Philadelphia Music Roundup - October 2020

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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. As the weather turns colder, most events are online, but don’t miss out on The Crossing’s sylvan escape the first weekend of October. Ars Nova Workshop’s monographic exhibition on polymath Milford Graves at the ICA is another excellent excuse to get out of the house. It’s also encouraging to see so many works by living composers being performed by The Philadelphia Orchestra. 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 November or December? Let us know at calendar@acfphiladelphia.org.

OCTOBER 2020 events

THE CROSSING

Looking to find both a safe way to present a concert experience and sing together, the choral group The Crossing is presenting “The Forest”, an outdoor performance at Bowman’s Mill Wildflower Preserve in New Hope, PA. By using a system of speakers, the audience will hear members of the choir stationed about 30 feet away as they walk along a designated path. The work is a collaboration between the singers, Kevin Vondrak, and Donald Nally. Be sure to purchase tickets before going and review the protocols and procedures on the website. Performances will take place on Oct. 3-4. More info >>>

Also, from October 24th until November 3rd the Crossing is presenting Pre-Election Film Releases, three new films by Ayanna Woods, Robert Maggio, and Nicholas Cline. More info >>>

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MILFORD GRAVES: A MIND BODY DEAL

Presented by Ars Nova Workshop and the Institute of Contemporary Art, Philadelphia, the exhibition explores the many-layered and multi-faceted works of free jazz pioneer and polymath Milford Graves. It includes a collection of his hand-painted album covers and posters, idiosyncratic drum sets, multimedia sculptures, photographs, and costumes, with elements from his home, scientific studies, recording ephemera, and archival recordings, as well as space for performance and a reading room. The exhibition runs through January 24, 2021. The ICA requires a reserved timed ticket to enter the exhibition. More info >>>

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PHILADELPHIA ORCHESTRA

The Philadelphia Orchestra is performing (virtually) a number of new works by living composers this season. There will be four new compositions performed in October. On Oct. 8th they will give the world premiere of Fate Now Conquers by Carlos Simon. On October 15th, the Orchestra will give another world premiere: Jessica Hunt’s Climb. The following week will see the first Philadelphia Orchestra performance of Vivian Fung’s Prayer. The final performance of October will feature selections of Leyendas, a new work by Composer-in-Residence Gabriela Lena Frank on Oct. 29.

MORE STREAMING CONCERTS

  • Network for New Music kicks off their new Extraordinary Measures series, featuring members of the ensemble performing solo and small chamber works by living composers. The first concert is Oct. 17 and includes a newly commissioned work by Amanda Harberg and a duo work by Karen Walwyn for viola and cello.

  • Lyric Fest adapts to music-making during a time of pandemic with a new format. On Oct 17, Lyric fest will stream an evening of music, art, and documentary film on Edgar Allan Poe and his poetry, set by composer Benjamin C.S. Boyle.

ONLINE TALKS AND WORKSHOPS

OCTOBER 2020 at a glance

CHRONOLOGICAL LISTING

ACF Philadelphia