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.

MASTERWORKS 1

En Route to a World Premiere!

Join us for the World Premiere of a work commissioned by WVIA to commemorate the 50th anniversaries of both the NEPA Philharmonic and WVIA. Palma is a brand-new and charming composition that reimagines the magical folktale of a young Italian violinist, for whom the piece is named. The music by composer Dr. Paul Salerni and text by Dana Gioia is narrated by WVIA’s legendary Erika Funke and brought to life by the NEPA Philharmonic musicians and their Music Director, Mélisse Brunet. Assisted by the Abington Heights chorus and orchestra, Palma celebrates the power of music and the beauty of friendship, loyalty, and love. Like any great journey, it captures the delight and discovery of audiences of all ages. The concert will also include Rossini’s thrilling WIlliam Tell Overture, and Mendelssohn’s Italian Symphony, an exhilarating and light-hearted explosion of sounds and color that takes us on a journey through the rolling hills of Italy. Ah Italia!

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2023 | 7:30PM

Scranton Cultural Center, Scranton

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MASTERWORKS 2

Destination Dynamic Duo!

Have you ever attended an orchestra concert at which a violin soloist received a lengthy, over-the-top standing ovation? No? Then you must have missed our Masterworks performance last season featuring violinist Katya Moeller! This season Katya returns for a performance of the Bach Double Violin Concerto with our beloved Concertmaster, violinist Ruotao Mao. Together, the pair is a force to be reckoned with, bringing an electric and contagious energy to the stage as they perform this highly technical and riveting piece of music with the orchestra. Also programmed are Elgar’s touching Serenade for Strings, Britten’s energetic Simple Symphony, Telemann’s playful and witty Don Quixote Suite, and the emotionally charged work Death of the Poet by living composer TJ Cole.

SATURDAY, MARCH 2, 2024 | 7:30PM

Kirby Center for the Creative Arts, Wyoming Seminary Upper School, Kingston

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MASTERWORKS 3

From Russia with Love!

Our final concert of the season opens with Tchaikovsky’s First Piano Concerto. Undoubtedly one of the most well-known and beloved works in the piano repertoire, it captivates listeners with its expansive opening movement and continues to mesmerize all the way through to its edge-of-your-seat finale. Joining us this evening is internationally acclaimed concert pianist Xiayin Wang. According to Musical America, Ms. Wang “can be at one moment sensual and the next, rhythmically driving…with such assuredness, and such delicacy, that one forgets the difficulties inherent in the performance, and is left breathless in musical awe.” Her extensive discography and global concert tours have garnered high praise from leading publications such as the New York Times, the New Yorker and BBC Music Magazine, to name a few. 

Closing the concert is Rachmaninoff’s sublime Second Symphony. With its heartfelt melodies and lush romanticism, this symphonic marvel will surely make spirits soar.  Don’t miss this spellbinding season finale–it’s a perfect night out at the symphony!

SATURDAY, JUNE 1, 2024 | 7:30PM

Kirby Center for Creative Arts, Wyoming Seminary Upper School, Kingston

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.

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PNC Pops Presented with Dr. Seth and Carolyn Fisher

On the Soul Train!

We are thrilled to present a performance in which we offer 50 years of brilliant Pop, Rock, Soul, Funk, R&B, and Motown. Featuring the exceptional voice of Gavin Hope, three high- energy back-up  singers, members of the renowned Jeans ’n Classics Band, and the NEPA Philharmonic, the program includes greatest hits from Smokey Robinson to Outkast, Stevie Wonder to Pharrell Williams, and Isaac Hayes to Seal. Just a few of the popular titles you’ll enjoy are September, Hey Ya, Could it Be I’m Falling in Love, Happy, Shaft, and You’re Gonna Miss My Lovin.  Join us for a “soul-filled” experience that will have you dancing in the aisles!

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2023 | 7:30PM

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

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PNC Pops Presented with Dr. Seth and Carolyn Fisher

To the North Pole!

NEPA PHILHARMONIC HOLIDAY PERFORMANCES

Join your Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic on a journey to the North Pole with the Ballet Theatre of Scranton, the Choral Society of Northeastern PA, and the Bloomsburg University Concert Choir. Families will enjoy orchestral arrangements of all their holiday favorites, accompanied by song and dance, and a special visit from Santa & Mrs. Claus! This Holiday spectacular will conclude with our crowd-favorite sing-along which engages audience members and sends them on their way in the spirit of the holiday season! 

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2023 | 7:00PM

Scranton Cultural Center, Scranton

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2023 | 7:00PM

F.M. Kirby Center, Wilkes Barre

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PNC Pops Presented with Dr. Seth and Carolyn Fisher

From the City of Light to the Big Apple!

Join the Philharmonic for a performance featuring the vibrant music of American composer George Gershwin. Travel with us to the intimate cobblestone sidewalks of the Parisian shopping district, the bustling traffic of New York City, and to the picturesque streets of Charleston. This must see all-Gershwin program features three iconic works: An American in Paris, Rhapsody in Blue, featuring NEPA’s very own pianist Ron Stabinsky, and selections from Porgy and Bess, performed by rising stars on the operatic stage, baritone Michael Preacely and soprano Marquita Richardson. They will be joined by members of the Marywood University Chamber Singers under the direction of their choral conductor, Dr. Rick Hoffenberg.

FRIDAY, APRIL 12, 2024 | 7:30PM

Scranton Cultural Center, Scranton