Masterworks Series

There is a moment…the lights have gone down and your heart swells with the first few notes of the music. That moment where your breath stops for just a second as the full sound of the orchestra washes over you, allowing you to appreciate the full glory of the work as the composer intended it. No CD, no iPod, not even the finest home stereo can capture the experience of a live orchestra performing the work of music’s masters.

The NEPA Philharmonic Masterworks series is the cornerstone of our programming. It uses the largest numbers of musicians, requires the most rehearsal and draws on the incredible richness of the last four centuries of music.

Laura Gilbert, flutist

Discovering Laura Gilbert

This program opens with Leonard Bernstein’s witty and playful Candide Overture. Bernstein passionately believed that music makes a powerful impact on the human spirit—and we’re sure you’ll agree with him after listening to this wonderful piece of music! Next on the program is the Flute Concerto by recent Pulitzer Prize Winner, Kevin Puts, featuring our own Principal Flutist, Laura Gilbert. The concerto’s rhythmic vitality and memorable melodies culminate in a highly energetic dialogue between the soloist and musicians. Closing the performance is Rimsky-Korsakov’s stirring Scheherazade, which showcases the power of the orchestra, and weaves Middle Eastern musical influences with gorgeous and colorful melodies.

SATURDAY, JUNE 3, 2023 | 8:00PM

F.M. Kirby Center, Public Square, Wilkes Barre

Since you’re reading this description, we’ll assume for the moment that you’re already familiar with the formal side of orchestral music, the tuxedo and gown sorts of performances of the masters’ works that have been going on in music halls for centuries. But there’s another side to classical music, the jeans and t-shirt type of orchestral music you’ll find in the theme to The Simpsons, in a commercial for Detroit’s hottest new convertible, in the Jazz clubs of New Orleans, or in your kids’ favorite animated adventure. The modern versions of classical music that make you wonder; if Vivaldi were around today, would he be sitting at Starbucks, listening to his iPod while emailing a Hollywood director about scoring the next big summer blockbuster? Would Rachmaninoff be collaborating with Cirque du Soleil, or the latest Celine Dion show in Vegas? Would Tchaikovsky compose for The Apprentice: The Musical?

The NEPA Philharmonic celebrates classical orchestral music’s relevance to pop culture on our Pops Series. Each year, our Pops concerts delight audiences with the irresistible, toe-tapping, finger snapping, POP-ular works we know and love. This season, our Pops series takes us on a journey from great movie themes, through the bright lights of Broadway, to jazz clubs of the swing era. Your sponsorship would provide a portion of the artistic and production costs that make this series possible. We invite you to join us in our celebration of these modern classics – no jacket required.

Movie Night with John Williams

PNC Pops Presented with Dr. Seth and Carolyn Fisher

Celebrate the iconic film scores that inspire the imaginations of children and adults alike through the music of legendary composer, John Williams. From Indiana Jones to Harry Potter to Star Wars, these instantly-recognizable Hollywood soundtracks are brought to life onstage with your Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic!
Thank you to our sponsors: PNC Foundation, Dr. Seth & Carolyn Fisher, Vinsko & Associates, P.C.

SATURDAY, APRIL 22, 2023 | 8:00PM

F.M. Kirby Center, Public Square, Wilkes-Barre