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Experience holiday magic @KimmelCC (Twitter)/@KimmelCulturalCampus (Facebook/Instagram) with returning favorites and new traditions. The season of giving kicks off with annual @WMGK Turkey Drop and runs through @philorch #NewYearsEve celebration. Info at kimmelculturalcampus.org
Press Contacts:
Lauren A. Woodard Hall
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THE PHILADELPHIA ORCHESTRA AND KIMMEL CULTURAL CAMPUS MAKE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON SPECIAL WITH FULL LINEUP OF MAGICAL AND MEMORABLE EVENTS
From the vibrant sounds of The Philadelphia Orchestra’s holiday programs to the playful return of Blue Man Group; and continued traditions like A Soulful Christmas, The Philadelphia Ballet’s George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker® to film classics like Home Alone in concert
Plus, give back when you visit the Kimmel: Season of giving partnerships include WMGK and the John DeBella Turkey Drop benefiting CityTeam and Taller Puertorriqueño for annual Three King’s Day toy drive
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (October 27, 2022) – The Philadelphia Orchestra and the Kimmel Cultural Campus celebrate the 2022 holiday season with an array of joyful events. Alongside esteemed Resident Companies, the lineup features a variety of events that reflect the broad interests of the diverse region.
“The Kimmel Cultural Campus is proud to be Philadelphia’s home for the holidays, a convening place where guests of all ages can experience the magic of the season through the power of the performing arts,” said Matías Tarnopolsky, president and CEO of The Philadelphia Orchestra and Kimmel Center, Inc. “From time-honored traditions like The Glorious Sound of Christmas® and George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker® to hundreds of voices uniting in song during A Soulful Christmas, the holiday season comes to life on the Avenue of the Arts.”
The seasonal celebration kicks off this year with a magical performance by The Illusionists -Magic of the Holidays (November 17), a mind-blowing showcase of some of the greatest illusionist talents. Harry Connick, Jr. A Holiday Celebration (November 19) takes the stage, performing many Christmas classics alongside original songs.
The annual WMGK John DeBella Turkey Drop will once again take place across the region as the station broadcasts live from the front of the Kimmel Center building on Broad Street (November 22); all are invited to donate frozen turkeys that morning, benefitting CityTeam. Later that week, the Kimmel Cultural Campus returns to the Benjamin Franklin Parkway – once again taking part in the 6ABC Dunkin’ Thanksgiving Day Parade (November 24), with performances from an array of Campus programs; from parade icon Jerry Blavat (his annual show at the Kimmel returns in January 2023), to Broadway performances and shoutouts (from Tina – The Tina Turner Musical, Jagged Little Pill, and Blue Man Group), a performance from the Grammy Award-winning Philadelphia Orchestra, to world-renowned dance company PHILADANCO!, to Bluey’s Big Play.
The Philadelphia Orchestra presents a variety of holiday events, including Home Alone (November 25 – 27); Children’s Holiday Spectacular (December 10), Messiah (December 15 – 16); The Muppet Christmas Carol in Concert (December 17 – 18); The Glorious Sound of Christmas (December 21 – 23); the annual New Year’s Celebration (December 31); and Lunar New Year (January 6). Returning to the stage is the annual A Philly POPS Christmas: Spectacular Sounds of the Season (December 3 – 17), led by Music Director and Principal Conductor David Charles Abell, with Hamilton star Mandy Gonzalez, alongside Philadelphia native, Broadway sensation, and small-screen heartthrob Jordan Donica. Philadelphia Ballet’s George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker® (December 9 – 28) returns.
Christmas classics abound in a rare opportunity to witness Kiki (Justin Vivian Bond) and Herb (Kenny Mellman) in Kiki & Herb: DO YOU HEAR WHAT WE HEAR?, slinging enough cheer to choke down this helluva holiday season. (December 5). Scott Bradley’s Postmodern Jukebox: A Very Postmodern Christmas (December 10) brings a vintage spin on a Christmas celebration to the Campus this year. Tuba Christmas (December 11) returns to the Plaza, where over a hundred tubas and euphoniums play beloved holiday tunes. Seasonal favorite A Soulful Christmas returns (December 13); with honoree Kurt Carr, the evening of Gospel and favorites, regional choirs, and inspirational messages ends with the “Finale of Lights”. Blue Man Group (December 27 – 31) returns this season by popular demand – with their signature drumming, original music, and comedic absurdity along with some fun audience interaction.
Audiences are also encouraged to give back this holiday season. In addition to the WMGK partnership the week of Thanksgiving, the Kimmel’s 2022-23 season-long partnership with Taller Puertorriqueño kicks off with an annual toy drive to benefit Taller’s Three King’s Day Celebration in January 2023. All donations will be distributed to local children, ages infant through 18, alongside live music and a parade, both happening at Taller. Labeled donation boxes will be in the Kimmel Cultural Campus venues, beginning Tuesday, November 1, 2022.
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BELOW IS A FULL, DETAILED LIST OF HOLIDAY-RELATED PROGRAMMING ON THE KIMMEL CULTURAL CAMPUS. For up-to-date listings and information, please visit www.kimmelculturalcampus.org.
THE ILLUSIONISTS – MAGIC OF THE HOLIDAYS
November 17, 2022, 7:30 p.m. • Academy of Music on the Kimmel Cultural Campus
Celebrate the holidays with the entire family at The Illusionists – Magic of the Holidays, a mind-blowing showcase featuring jaw-dropping talents of the most incredible illusionists on earth. The Illusionists has shattered box office records across the globe and dazzles audiences of all ages with a powerful mix of the most outrageous and astonishing acts ever seen on stage. This non-stop show is packed with thrilling and sophisticated magic of unprecedented proportions.
This performance is part of the Kimmel’s Family Discovery Series, generously sponsored by Dietz & Watson.
HARRY CONNICK, JR. A HOLIDAY CELEBRATION
November 19, 2022, 8:00 p.m. • Academy of Music on the Kimmel Cultural Campus
Harry Connick, Jr. invites you to celebrate the holidays with him and his band as 2022 draws to a close. One of the most beloved artists performing holiday music, Harry has been thrilling audiences around the world for decades with his definitive take on Christmas classics, as well as his own originals and fan favorites like “(It Must've Been Ol') Santa Claus” and “When My Heart Finds Christmas.”
Harry Connick, Jr. has exemplified excellence in every aspect of the entertainment world. He has received recognition with multiple Grammy and Emmy Awards as well as Tony nominations for his live and recorded musical performances, his achievements on screens large and small, and his appearances on Broadway as both an actor and a composer. He has sold millions of Holiday Albums which have become the soundtrack to Christmas for fans around the world.
21ST ANNUAL WMGK JOHN DEBELLA TURKEY DROP
November 22, 2022, 6:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. • Kimmel Cultural Campus. Outside Broad Street doors of Kimmel Center building
Hosted in partnership with John DeBella and set up in front of the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts building, all are invited to bring monetary or frozen turkey donations in support of CityTeam, ensuring fellow Philadelphians will receive a Thanksgiving meal this year; FREE hot chocolate and hot coffee will be provided by Garces Events.
6ABC DUNKIN’ THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE
November 24, 2022, Performance times vary • Benjamin Franklin Parkway
This annual Philadelphia tradition on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway will once again feature appearances from Kimmel Cultural Campus’ touring shows and the city’s esteemed Resident Companies. From parade icon Jerry Blavat (performing his annual show at the Kimmel in January), to Broadway performances and shoutouts (from Tina – The Tina Turner Musical, Jagged Little Pill, and Blue Man Group), a performance from the Grammy® Award-winning Philadelphia Orchestra, to world-renowned dance company PHILADANCO!, to Bluey’s Big Play.
HOME ALONE
The Philadelphia Orchestra
November 25 – 27, 2022, Times Vary. • Verizon Hall on the Kimmel Cultural Campus
Laugh your way into the holiday season with the help of eight-year-old Kevin McCallister, played by Macaulay Culkin, and a cast of unforgettable characters in this heartwarming family comedy that answers the question: “What could a kid do to us?” Rediscover the magic of your favorite scenes as the Orchestra plays John Williams’s Oscar-nominated score.
Constantine Kitsopoulos Conductor
The Choirs at the College of New Jersey
John P. Leonard Director
Williams Home Alone (complete with film)
A PHILLY POPS CHRISTMAS: SPECTACULAR SOUNDS OF THE SEASON
The Philly POPS
December 3 – 17, 2022, Times Vary • Verizon Hall on the Kimmel Cultural Campus
Hamilton star Mandy Gonzalez returns for her fourth Christmas with the POPS, joined by Broadway sensation and small-screen heartthrob Jordan Donica!
Music Director and Principal Conductor David Charles Abell presents his usual dazzling, unique, and all-new program with over 300 performers, including The Philly POPS Festival Chorus, The Philadelphia Boys Choir, the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas Gospel Choir, and Santa!
Conductor: David Charles Abell
featuring
Vocalist: Mandy Gonzales
Vocalist: Jordan Donica
The Philly POPS Festival Chorus
The Philadelphia Boys Choir
African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas Gospel Choir
KIKI & HERB: DO YOU HEAR WHAT WE HEAR?
December 5, 2022, 7:30 p.m. • Academy of Music on the Kimmel Cultural Campus
Prepare yourself for sleighing belles, rabid yells, and tidings of joy from New York’s most iconic “nonagenarian” lounge act, Kiki (Justin Vivian Bond) and Herb (Kenny Mellman). A match made in—depending on who you ask—a 1934 Western Pennsylvania children’s asylum, the 90s San Francisco club circuit, or the dawn of time, this relentlessly fabulous duo makes its returns to the stage with a brand-new holiday spectacular. Whether it’s an evening at Carnegie Hall, a sold-out run at Joe’s Pub, or Kiki & Herb: Alive on Broadway, Bond and Mellman’s signature cocktail of boozy banter, pop-culture shmaltz, and claws-out cultural critique has charmed this city for more than two decades.
Don’t miss this rare opportunity to witness legends in action, belting Christmas classics off their long-out-of-print 2000 album Do You Hear What We Hear (Tori Amos’s “Crucify” as part of the “Whose Child is This?” medley, anyone?) and slinging enough cheer to choke down even this helluva holiday season.
GEORGE BLANCHINE’S THE NUTCRACKER®
Philadelphia Ballet
December 9 – 28, 2022, Times Vary • Academy of Music on the Kimmel Cultural Campus
The delightful holiday season classic returns to Philadelphia! Let yourself be captivated by the grand spectacle of George Balanchine’s enduringly beloved ballet, The Nutcracker. Join young Marie on a night of adventure as she is transported from her home to The Land of Sweets, a magical wonderland where flowers waltz, snowflakes twirl, and enchanted toys transform into handsome princes. A treasured classic for the whole family to enjoy, this thrilling production comes to life with resplendent costumes, opulent sets, and captivating choreography—all to the backdrop of Tchaikovsky’s mesmerizing score. Gasp as mice battle, laugh as children careen out of a larger-than-life skirt, and revel in an unforgettable production that ignites the childlike wonder in us all.
Composer: Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky
CHILDREN’S HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR
The Philadelphia Orchestra
December 10, 2022, 11:30 a.m. • Verizon Hall on the Kimmel Cultural Campus
Join us for a joyful holiday celebration filled with sing-alongs, your favorite sounds of the season, and special guests. Listen closely for sleigh bells—you never know who might pay a special visit to Verizon Hall!
Conductor: Aram Demirjian
This performance is part of the Kimmel’s Family Discovery Series, generously sponsored by Dietz & Watson.
SCOTT BRADLEE’S POSTMODERN JUKEBOX: A VERY POSTMODERN CHRISTMAS
December 10, 2022, 8:00 p.m. • Miller Theater (formerly Merriam Theater) on the Kimmel Cultural Campus
Join famed time-twisting musical collective Postmodern Jukebox for a vintage-style Christmas celebration! Known for reworking popular modern music into different vintage genres, especially early 20th century forms such as swing and jazz, PMJ has grown to become a pop culture mainstay in its own right, having played over a thousand shows on six continents worldwide – including acclaimed venues like Radio City Music Hall, Sydney Opera House, and Red Rocks Amphitheatre. One part celebration of vintage music and culture, one part “Saturday Night Live for singers”, a Postmodern Jukebox show is an unforgettable trip back in time that makes Pop Music History.
TUBA CHRISTMAS
December 11, 2022, 12:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. • Plaza inside the Kimmel Center building on the Kimmel Cultural Campus
Classic Christmas songs touch the hearts of millions. A FREE event, Tuba Christmas takes that sentimental feeling to the next level by showcasing 100+ tuba players performing the world’s most beloved holiday tunes.
If you are interested in playing the tuba at Tuba Christmas, please email Jay Krush at [email protected].
A SOULFUL CHRISTMAS
December 13, 2022, 7:30 p.m. • Verizon Hall on the Kimmel Cultural Campus
In its 9th year, A Soulful Christmas brings together some of the area’s finest church and community choirs for a night of soul-stirring music, spoken words and movement. Creator and Director Dr. J. Donald Dumpson returns to direct the inspiring, uplifting gathering of regional choristers and clergy, sharing Christmas hymns, gospel favorites, and inspirational messages of good-will. Participating choirs include Arch Street Presbyterian Church, Deliverance Evangelistic Church, Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church, Gospel Music Preservation Alliance, Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church, Mount Carmel Baptist Church, PA Commonwealth C.O.G.I.C. Mass Choir, Philadelphia Catholic Gospel Mass Choir, Philadelphia Heritage Chorale, the Philadelphia Heritage Youth Ensemble and a broad range of individuals from singing communities throughout the region will be represented.
Citywide Praise Dancers and Universal African Dance and Drum Ensemble will electrify the audience with movement and sounds borne of the African diaspora. Austin Woodlin is the evening’s music director, with Evelyn Simpson Curenton on the Fred J. Cooper Memorial pipe organ.
This year’s A Soulful Christmas honoree is Kurt Carr. Kurt Carr is a native of Hartford, Connecticut and was raised in a loving Christian home, however, unlike most traditional African American families they were not frequent Church Goers. He jokingly says, “We were C.M.E. members: Christmas, Mother’s Day, and Easter.” Carr studied classical voice and piano at the University of Connecticut and has since earned two honorary doctorate degrees. He’s a musical chameleon that can seemingly do any style of music. Carr has performed his music in European cathedrals, store front churches, and some of the most prestigious venues in the world – The White House, The Kennedy Center, Radio City Music Hall, Lincoln Center, The Hollywood Bowl, and Carnegie Hall. His career changing moment came when the Rev. James Cleveland, known as the King of Gospel music, attended the Gospel Music Workshop of America and witnessed Carr’s talent in person. Shortly after, he relocated to Los Angeles, California and became Cleveland’s new Musical Director.
With over 20 years of experience in the Gospel Music World, Carr has delivered some of the most greatly recognized song in recent history. His songs are sung in Christian churches worldwide by every race, color, and creed. In addition to being a prolific songwriter, singer, and musician, Carr is also a sought-after producer and has created major hits for other artists to critical acclaim.
Carr has garnered ten Stellar Awards, one GMA Dove Award, has been inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, and has been nominated for two Grammy® awards. He has also received a Special Honors Award, presented by his fraternity Phi Beta Sigma Inc, as well as the prestigious BMI Trail Blazer Award alongside his heroes Edwin and Tramaine Hawkins. He has received top honor at The 28th Annual Stellar Awards when he was presented with The James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award.
A Soulful Christmas is generously sponsored by PECO.
Creator and Director: Dr. J. Donald Dumpson
Hosts:
Patty Jackson, WDAS 105.3 FM
Fred Blain, Gospel Highway Eleven Online
Soulful Christmas Mass Choir includes:
Arch Street Presbyterian Church
Deliverance Evangelistic Church
Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church
Gospel Music Preservation Alliance
Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church
Mount Carmel Baptist Church
PA Commonwealth C.O.G.I.C. Mass Choir
Philadelphia Catholic Gospel Mass Choir
Philadelphia Heritage Chorale
Philadelphia Heritage Youth Ensemble
Citywide Praise Dancers
Universal African Dance and Drum Ensemble
Organist: Evelyn Simpson Curenton
Piano: Theodore Thomas
Saxophone: Brian LeNair Williams
Music Director: Austin Woodlin
MESSIAH
The Philadelphia Orchestra
December 15 – 16, 2022, 7:00 p.m. • Verizon Hall on the Kimmel Cultural Campus
GRAMMY® -winning conductor Jeannette Sorrell, praised by the New York Times for restoring drama and theatricality to Handel's immortal Messiah with “glowing elegance … and wonderful vitality,” joins the Orchestra for two must-see performances of this masterwork.
Conductor: Jeannette Sorrell
Soprano: Sonya Headlam
Mezzo-soprano: Sasha Cooke
Tenor: Nicholas Phan
Bass-baritone: Douglas Williams
Philadelphia Symphonic Choir
Director: Joe Miller
Handel’s Messiah
THE MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL IN CONCERT
The Philadelphia Orchestra
December 17 – 18, 2022, 7:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. • Verizon Hall on the Kimmel Cultural Campus
Experience Charles Dickens’s classic holiday tale as only the Muppets can tell it. Through the magic of Jim Henson Productions, Kermit and the gang help Ebenezer Scrooge, played by actor Michael Caine, find redemption and his Christmas spirit one fateful Christmas Eve. The Orchestra plays the memorable score in this delightful story filled with laughter and song.
Conductor: Constantine Kitsopoulos
Goodman and Williams The Muppet Christmas Carol (complete with film)
THE GLORIOUS SOUND OF CHRISTMAS®
The Philadelphia Orchestra
December 21 – 23, 2022, 7:00 p.m. • Verizon Hall on the Kimmel Cultural Campus
Just hear those sleigh bells jingling! Share in the joy of the holiday season with Your Philadelphia Orchestra! The Glorious Sound of Christmas® has been a time-honored tradition for families, friends, and classical music lovers since the iconic recording with Eugene Ormandy and the Orchestra was released in 1962.
Conductor: William Eddin
Mendelssohn Chorus of Philadelphia
Director: Dominick DiOrio
BLUE MAN GROUP
December 27 – 31, 2022, Times Vary • Miller Theater (formerly Merriam Theater) on the Kimmel Cultural Campus
More than 35 million people around the world have experienced the smash hit phenomenon that is Blue Man Group and now it’s your turn! Blue Man Group returns to Philadelphia for a limited engagement on their new North American tour. It’s everything you know and love about Blue Man Group – signature drumming, colorful moments of creativity and quirky comedy - the men are still blue but the rest is all new! Featuring pulsing, original music, custom-made instruments, surprise audience interaction and hilarious absurdity, join the Blue Men in a joyful experience that unites audiences of all ages.
Every Blue Man Group performance is a party! While this production is friendly for the whole family, please note it features loud music, bright lighting, strobe lights, haze and other atmospheric effects. Please also be aware that there are moments of audience participation and that certain physical elements of the show, including paint and other non-toxic materials, may reach some members of the audience.
Recommended for ages 5 and older.
The listed age is a recommendation, but please use your own discretion when making a decision for your young theatergoer.
This performance is part of the Kimmel’s Broadway series and the Family Discovery Series. The 2022-23 Family Discovery Series is generously sponsored by Dietz & Watson.
NEW YEAR’S CELEBRATION
The Philadelphia Orchestra
December 31, 2022, 7:00 p.m. • Verizon Hall on the Kimmel Cultural Campus
Join Your Philadelphia Orchestra for a New Year’s Eve celebration full of audience favorites as we welcome the start of 2023.
Conductor: Thomas Wilkins
LUNAR NEW YEAR
Echoes of Ancient Tang Poems—iSING! Suzhou
The Philadelphia Orchestra
January 6, 2022, 7:30 p.m. • Verizon Hall on the Kimmel Cultural Campus
Join the Orchestra and special guests to celebrate Lunar New Year! This family-friendly performance features repertoire from the East and the West in honor of the Year of the Rabbit.
Conductor: Lio Kuokman
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Tickets
Tickets can be purchased by calling 215-893-1999 or online at www.kimmelculturalcampus.org. In-person ticket sales can be conducted daily from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. at the Academy of Music Box Office, located at 240 S. Broad Street. Consider the gift of culture this holiday season, and surprise someone with an unforgettable experience of live arts! See www.kimmelculturalcampus.org for more information.
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ABOUT POKC
On June 17, 2021, The Philadelphia Orchestra and Kimmel Cultural Campus announced a pathbreaking partnership to create a brighter, more inclusive, and innovative cultural future for Philadelphia: The Philadelphia Orchestra and Kimmel Center Inc. (POKC). This new organization will reimagine the power of the arts to bring joy, create community, and effect change—to uplift all Philadelphians. We have united from a position of strength to bring the greatest performances and most impactful education and community programs, in-person and digitally, to the diverse audiences of Philadelphia and beyond.
KIMMEL CULTURAL CAMPUS
Located in the heart of Center City, Philadelphia, our mission is to engage the region's diverse communities with art through performance and education. Our Cultural Campus serves more than 1-million guests per year and includes Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts (Verizon Hall, Perelman Theater, and SEI Innovation Studio), the Academy of Music, and the Miller Theater (formerly the Merriam Theater) – representing more than 160 years of rich history for the performing arts along Philadelphia's Avenue of the Arts. We are home to The Philadelphia Orchestra and seven esteemed Resident Companies: Opera Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Ballet, The Philly POPS, PHILADANCO!, The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, The Philadelphia Chamber Music Society, and Curtis Institute of Music. With nearly 9,000 seats per night, we are the region's most impactful performing arts center, and the second largest in the country. Our Cultural Campus serves as a preeminent and inclusive place to enjoy exceptional experiences that reflect the spirit of our region by cultivating a creative and socially responsible environment where our community shares experiences that are delivered with pride, integrity, and respect. As a 501 c 3 nonprofit organization, we collaborate on, present, and produce a broad range of relevant and meaningful events, we serve as an active gathering space for social and community events, we educate the region's young people through access to quality arts experiences, and we provide support to artists in the creation of new work. Read Kimmel Cultural Campus' vision statement, world view, and mission statement here. Learn more about our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and how it encompasses our mission, co-workers, and programs here.
THE PHILADELPHIA ORCHESTRA
Founded in 1900, The Philadelphia Orchestra is one of the world’s preeminent orchestras. Through performances, programming, and educational and community initiatives, the Orchestra shares the transformative power of music and creates joy, connection, and excitement through music regionally, nationally, and globally. The Orchestra originally performed at the Academy of Music, and in 2001 moved to its home at the Kimmel Cultural Campus’ Verizon Hall. With Yannick Nézet-Séguin, now in his 10th season as the music director, the ensemble performs annually at Carnegie Hall and during residencies at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, the Bravo! Vail Music Festival, and the Mann Center for the Performing Arts. The Orchestra is committed to bringing classical music to communities wherever they may be and discovering new and inventive ways to nurture its relationship with loyal patrons, with programs like HearTOGETHER, weekly broadcasts on WRTI-FM, a national radio series on SiriusXM, and more.
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For a PDF version of this press release, click here.