Spring Break
Students make up sold- out crowd at Orchestra
Sean Smith
Issue date: 10/3/08 Section: Arts & Entertainment
If you generally ask a Philadelphia college student what they plan to do on a night out, the probable answer would be to attend a party, bar, movie or maybe a concert at local venues like the TLA or the Starlight Ballroom. A Philadelphia Orchestra performance probably does not seem like the number one way to spend the evening out-and the orchestra is tired of that stereotype.
With college attendance for the orchestral events at a low, the Philadelphia Orchestra has launched a new initiative to raise these numbers-eZseatU. With the purchase of the $25 membership program, students can attend over 100 performances a season as well as receive benefits like discounts at restaurants and invitations to post-concert events.
The orchestra kicked off this new initiative Sept. 25 with a sold-out college night event to start getting the university community excited. The orchestra was met with an overwhelming response of students-an attendance of over 2,000 individuals.
The evening started off with a performance by the West Chester University pep band playing favorites ranging from "Iron Man" to "Smoke on the Water" to the Olympic theme right on the sidewalk of the Kimmel Center. Curious spectators were met by great music and the faces of the many Philadelphia colleges' mascots, such as the West Chester University Rammy and the St. Joe's Hawk. This definitely set the vibe of the night, letting everyone know that it was going to be a relaxed and fun atmosphere.
The official performance began with Tchaikovsky's "The Tempest," led by world-famous conductor Rossen Milanov. The Chicago Tribune hailed Milanov as "one who bears watching by anyone who cares about the future of music" and it is undeniable that this is true by viewing his presentation. He conveyed the emotion of the music through his body beautifully while simultaneously adding a more visual presence to the music. It seems perfectly fit that he was the conductor for this particular event.
The concert was continued by Franz Haydn's "Sinfonia Concertante" and ended brilliantly with a concerto by Witold Lutos?awski (a particular piece that the orchestra had not played before). Overall, the music was stunning. One does not have to be a classical music fan to appreciate the splendor of the music and the shear talent of the performers.
The special event was followed by a catered after party where students where able enjoy food, drink, and mingling with not only other college kids, but the members of the Philadelphia Orchestra, who were all more than eager to talk and share about the concert. Also at the party was Philadelphia's own Dave Quicks Band, who provided the musical entertainment for the festivity. Here, students were able to sign up for eZseatU or even become one of the Philadelphia Orchestra's college representatives.
With college attendance for the orchestral events at a low, the Philadelphia Orchestra has launched a new initiative to raise these numbers-eZseatU. With the purchase of the $25 membership program, students can attend over 100 performances a season as well as receive benefits like discounts at restaurants and invitations to post-concert events.
The orchestra kicked off this new initiative Sept. 25 with a sold-out college night event to start getting the university community excited. The orchestra was met with an overwhelming response of students-an attendance of over 2,000 individuals.
The evening started off with a performance by the West Chester University pep band playing favorites ranging from "Iron Man" to "Smoke on the Water" to the Olympic theme right on the sidewalk of the Kimmel Center. Curious spectators were met by great music and the faces of the many Philadelphia colleges' mascots, such as the West Chester University Rammy and the St. Joe's Hawk. This definitely set the vibe of the night, letting everyone know that it was going to be a relaxed and fun atmosphere.
The official performance began with Tchaikovsky's "The Tempest," led by world-famous conductor Rossen Milanov. The Chicago Tribune hailed Milanov as "one who bears watching by anyone who cares about the future of music" and it is undeniable that this is true by viewing his presentation. He conveyed the emotion of the music through his body beautifully while simultaneously adding a more visual presence to the music. It seems perfectly fit that he was the conductor for this particular event.
The concert was continued by Franz Haydn's "Sinfonia Concertante" and ended brilliantly with a concerto by Witold Lutos?awski (a particular piece that the orchestra had not played before). Overall, the music was stunning. One does not have to be a classical music fan to appreciate the splendor of the music and the shear talent of the performers.
The special event was followed by a catered after party where students where able enjoy food, drink, and mingling with not only other college kids, but the members of the Philadelphia Orchestra, who were all more than eager to talk and share about the concert. Also at the party was Philadelphia's own Dave Quicks Band, who provided the musical entertainment for the festivity. Here, students were able to sign up for eZseatU or even become one of the Philadelphia Orchestra's college representatives.
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