Marin Alsop, conductor
Sopranos and Altos of the Philadelphia Chorale
Jonathan Coopersmith, artistic director

June 18, 2026
TD Pavilion at Highmark Mann

Fifty years ago, music first echoed through the summer air at the Robin Hood Dell West. Highmark Mann and The Philadelphia Orchestra—under the baton of the Orchestra’s celebrated principal guest conductor, Marin Alsop—honor the magic of that Opening Night in 1976 with timeless works by Beethoven, Ravel, and Holst. The evening will begin with Beethoven's Leonore Overture No. 3, a piece that was featured on the Robin Hood Dell West's actual Opening Night in 1976. Next, the Orchestra will be joined by a rousing drumline as we are treated to Ravel's Bolero, known for its unchanging rhythm that is played 169 times throughout the piece as two melodies are passed between the instruments. The evening will conclude with Holst's The Planets, with its seven movements, each representing a different planet in our solar system—Earth was not depicted. One of Holst's most well-known works, this masterpiece, which includes a chorus of sopranos and altos in the last movement, was also an inspiration for John Williams' score for the Star Wars series. This golden celebration, rich with harmony and history, will serve as a loving commemoration of Highmark Mann's 50th Anniversary.

Support for this program is provided by the Philadelphia Funder Collaborative for the Semiquincentennial.

Beethoven 
Leonore Overture No. 3, Op. 72b

Ravel 
Bolero
Drumlines from Mad Beatz, West Powelton Stixers, West Philadelphia High School, Lincoln High School, and Dobins High School

INTERMISSION

Holst
The Planets, Op. 32
I. Mars, the Bringer of War
II. Venus, the Bringer of Peace
III. Mercury, the Winged Messenger
IV. Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity
V. Saturn, the Bringer of Old Age
VI. Uranus, the Magician
VII. Neptune, the Mystic

This program runs approximately 1 hour, 55 minutes.

Artists, repertoire, and set times are subject to change.

The Steinway Piano is the official piano of Highmark Mann Center for the Performing Arts and is provided by Steinway & Sons.

No audio/video tape recording devices or photographs allowed.

For more details on allowable equipment please click here.

Program notes © 2026. All rights reserved. Program notes may not be reprinted without written permission from The Philadelphia Orchestra Association.