Join us as we embark on a season of empowering the next generation of artists to create in a digital space. Astral Nova features seven digital events over the course of the 2020/2021 season, highlighting performances, discussions, artistic collaborations, and plenty of surprises.
While our Center City Concerts and Astral Circle series are on hold due to the current pandemic, we can’t wait to rejoin our audiences in-person once it’s safe to do so.
Astral Nova
Astral Nova
January 30, 2021
7pm
Timothy Chooi
Violin
2019 Queen Elisabeth Competition-winner Timmy Chooi shares three contrasting projects characteristic of this multicultural musical omnivore: music from Vivaldi's timeless The Four Seasons, new arrangements of Uyghur folk music, and a sneak-preview of composer Carle Wirshba's Astral Micro Commission in the form of a virtuosic fantasia on Anime and cartoon themes!
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Astral Nova
February 13, 2021
7pm
Rachel Lee Hall
harp
When intrepid harpist Rachel Lee Hall isn't soloing on the stage, she's hard at work creating new connections as an educator. In this event, Rachel shares the story of her recent publication of the Purpose in Practice journal, and weaves conversation and her own recent musical arrangements into a compelling reminder that much of our artists' greatest work happens off the stage.
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Astral Nova
March 13, 2021
7pm
Ronaldo Rolim
piano
After Brazilian pianist Ronaldo Rolim toured across four continents prior to the pandemic, he decided to bring his focus to three variation sets in "the most tragic of keys", D minor: Mendelssohn's Variations Sérieuses, Rachmaninoff's Corelli Variations and Bach-Busoni's Chaconne.
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Astral Nova
April 10, 2021
7pm
Thomas Mesa
cello
Recent STRINGS Magazine cover artist Thomas Mesa explores an unconventional duo designed with social distancing in mind - a collaboration with organist Greg Zelek. Lyrical and dance-based compositions by Debussy, Lecuona, and as well as an Astral Micro Commission from composer Carlos Simon.
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Astral Nova
May 8, 2021
7pm
Brittany Lasch
trombone
Trailblazing trombonist Brittany Lasch has been creating a new body of work for her instrument in the 21st century. Join us for a program of all new works written especially for Brittany and hear from some of the composers as they join in on a discussion of how collaboration drives creativity.
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Center City Concerts

Center City Concerts feature Astral’s brilliant artists in recital and chamber music performances. Be the first to hear classical music’s rising stars.
All in-person concert events have been suspended due to the ongoing pandemic. Please check back for updates!
Astral Circle

A distinct classical music experience in Philadelphia, the Astral Circle is a series of elegant salon performances in beautiful homes and venues in and around the city. Enjoy drinks and hors d’oeuvres before the concerts, then share a delectable dinner with fellow music lovers, and be among the first to meet the newest members of the Astral roster. Enjoy one or enjoy them all-each Circle is a one-of-a-kind experience.
All in-person concert events have been suspended due to the ongoing pandemic. Please check back for updates!