The Kennett Symphony, Chester County’s only professional symphony orchestra, and its music director Michael Hall announced its 83rd season that will feature six diverse concert offerings that promises to be exhilarating.

Hall said,  “Together with the passionate and committed musicians of the Kennett Symphony, I am excited about presenting our upcoming season. We will be performing some of the great masterpieces of the past, uncovering lesser-known gems, and collaborating with exciting, young guest soloists. Supporting your local orchestra attracts diversity, empathy for our neighbors, and intellectual curiosity. Your unwavering belief in the power of music is what drives us to create transformative experiences.”

The season, which will be Hall’s 10th as the music director, will appeal to classical music enthusiasts, nature lovers, children and families, xenophiles, and movie fans too. Hear works from Mozart, Mendelssohn, Sibelius, Beethoven, Florence B. Price, Dvorak, Dan Brown, the Harry Potter movies, and more. This season offers unique and memorable experiences for everyone to enjoy.

The season kicks off  on Oct. 15 with Masterworks 1 - Stories of Love and Nature in the Exhibition Hall at Longwood Gardens. 

Enjoy an exploration of themes of love and nature in the beautiful surroundings of Longwood Gardens. Taking inspiration from Hindu poetry, Canadian composer Glenn Buhr wrote a lighter-than-air piece titled “Akasha; Sanskrit for Sky.” The concert features Risa Hokamura performing Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Violin Concerto No.4. Mendelssohn was inspired by the rugged islands off Scotland’s coast to write the Hebrides, whereas Sibelius captured in music the tragic love story of Pelleas and Melisande. 

The season continues with the Symphony’s beloved Reimagined Concert Experience on Nov. 5 at Mendenhall Inn. Immerse yourself in the world of classical music like never before. Seated in the round, with options for food and drink, this casual setting encourages an open and friendly atmosphere. The event is hosted by Hall. Enjoy the perfect marriage of music and visuals as multimedia projections bring the music to life with informative, captivating imagery. 

Masterworks 2 - Cultural Resonance will be presented on March 17, 2024 in Adler Theatre at West Chester University. Living in the early 20th century, the music of African American composer Florence B. Price is an important rediscovery in classical music today. The piece will be performed by guest artist Maxim Lando. This is paired with another distinctive American voice, Charles Ives and his enigmatic ‘Unanswered Question.”  

Travel through the trees and across the seas with Maestro Mouse and his musical friends at the annual Family Concert on April 14 at Rustin High School. Meet a big blue whale and speedy cheetahs, tiny beetles, and graceful swans, each has a special secret to share. Written by Dan Brown, author of “The Da Vinci Code,” this is an ideal concert for the entire family and a fun, engaging way to learn about the instruments of the orchestra and the animal kingdom.

Mother’s Day wouldn’t be complete without Chamber Music at Winterthur by musicians of the Kennett Symphony. Attendees may add on tickets to Winthur’s Museum, Garden, Library and Exhibitions—including 90,000 objects in the 175-room mansion Henry Francis du Pont called home, 1,000 acres of rolling hills, streams, meadows, and forests, as well as a research center dedicated to America’s artistic, cultural, social, and intellectual history from colonial times into the twentieth century.

The 2023-2024 season culminates with Masterworks 3: Symphony Under the Stars - Halls of Magic, on June 23 in the Open Air Theatre at Longwood Gardens. 

The popular music from the eight Harry Potter movies is paired with the imaginatively colorful pictures at an Exhibition.  Both classical and film music are represented on this program, making it a concert that will appeal to a wide range of audiences.

Guests are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance to ensure the best seat selection. Season subscriptions with discounted tickets and individual performance seats now available. Please visit https://kennettsymphony.org or call 610-444-6363 to reserve your seats for the 2023-2024 season.