Doors: 6:00PM, Showtime: 8:00PM
All Ages

This Mann main stage concert will feature the world-class Philadelphia Orchestra performing a mixed program of space-themed and space-inspired music. The concert will be highlighted with the world premiere of Nolan Williams, Jr.’s Hold Fast to Dreams, a commissioned work honoring the legacy of Col. Guion Bluford, composed for orchestra, choir, soloists and spoken word. Derrick Pitts, Chief Astronomer and Planetarium Director for The Franklin Institute, will narrate. The Mann Center Festival Choir will be comprised of participants from The Clayton White Singers, Intermezzo, The Mendelssohn Club of Philadelphia, Sounds of Joy, and The St. Thomas Chancel Choir of the historic African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas.

The Clayton White Singers (Clayton White, director)
Intermezzo (Carrie Lessene, director)
The Mendelssohn Club of Philadelphia (Paul Rardin, director)
Sounds of Joy (Sheila Booker, director)
The Chancel Choir of the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas (Jay Fluellen, director, choir master)

PROGRAM (subject to update)
Cristian Măcelaru, conductor
The Philadelphia Orchestra
The Mann Festival Choir
Leah Hawkins, soprano
Elena Perroni, soprano
Marco Cammarota, tenor
Frank Mitchell, bass-baritone
Derrick Pitts, narrator

– RICHARD STRAUSS: “Dawn,” from Also sprach Zarathustra
– FRANZ JOSEPH HAYDN: “The Heavens Are Telling,” from The Creation
– NOLAN WILLIAMS, JR.: Hold Fast to Dreams (with choir) – WORLD PREMIERE

INTERMISSION

– JOHN WILLIAMS: “Adventures on Earth,” from E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
– ANTONíN DVOŘÁK: “Song to the Moon,” from Rusalka
– GIACOMO PUCCINI: “È lucevan le stelle,” from Tosca
– LEONARD BERNSTEIN: “Balcony Scene,” from West Side Story
– GUSTAV HOLST: “Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity,” from The Planets (with video)

*Artist and repertoire are subject to change

Tickets are on sale now via MannCenter.org, Ticketmaster.com, 800-745-3000, or the Mann Box Office.

If you are 21 years of age or older and plan to consume alcohol at the concert, please be prepared to present proper I.D. Picnics are permitted for this performance as a part of the Mann’s Summer Picnic Series.