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.
Dallas Symphony Principal harpist Emily Levin explores connections between music and visual art, finding new stories in beloved harp masterworks as well as exploring the work of Swedish painter Gustav Klimt which informs her new Astral Micro Commission by composer Jonathan Cziner.
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Flutist Beomjae Kim, lauded by the New York Times for his "memorable eloquence", shares some of his favorite treasures of the flute repertoire, rediscovering key works by Varése, Chaminade, and Morlachi, as well as a preview of his Astral Micro Commission from composer Shawn Okpebholo while exploring his own story as a blossoming young artist in this highly personal program.
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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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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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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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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 breathe wonder and life into a church awaiting reopening.
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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 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!
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!
