Philadelphia Orchestra Returns To Ann Arbor For Its 268th UMS Performance

The University Musical Society (UMS) will bring the Philadelphia Orchestra to Hill Auditorium (825 N University Ave, Ann Arbor) for one performance on Thursday, September 27, 2018 at 7:30 pm. The performance marks the orchestra's 268th appearance under UMS auspices and its first return to Ann Arbor in 24 years.

Music director Yannick Nézet-Séguin will lead the orchestra in a stunning program that features a suite from Nico Muhly's sensational opera Marnie, which receives its US premiere this fall at the Metropolitan Opera; Rachmaninoff's Symphonic Dances, which were written for the Philadelphia Orchestra in 1940; and Tchaikovsky's spectacular Violin Concerto, performed by the Georgian violinist Lisa Batiashvili in her UMS debut.

The performance will be broadcast live on Interlochen Public Radio across 20 counties in Northern Michigan. The broadcast will also be carried on WRCJ 90.9 FM in Detroit and WAKR 90.5 FM in Lansing.

The Philadelphia Orchestra first performed at Hill Auditorium in 1913 - just seven months after the hall opened - and eventually served as the orchestra-in-residence for the Ann Arbor May Festival for 49 years (1936-84). Many of classical music's most cherished soloists performed alongside the orchestra throughout these years, including Jascha Heifetz (violin), Gregor Piatigorsky (cello), Rudolf Serkin (piano), William Warfield (bass), Joan Sutherland (soprano), Van Cliburn (piano), Montserrat Caballé (soprano), Glenn Gould (piano), Vladimir Horowitz (piano), and Beverly Sills (soprano). Beloved composers like Sergei Rachmaninoff, Igor Stravinsky, and Aaron Copeland also shared the May Festival stage with the ensemble.

"We love hearing from audience members about the fond memories and deep community connections created throughout the Philadelphia Orchestra's rich history at UMS," said UMS president Matthew VanBesien. "We look forward to reuniting the orchestra with Ann Arbor audiences and adding to that history in September when we open our 140th Annual Choral Union Series with this homecoming."

For tickets and more information about the concert, visit ums.org or call 734.764.2538.

A recipient of the 2014 National Medal of Arts, UMS (also known as the University Musical Society) contributes to a vibrant cultural community by connecting audiences with performing artists from around the world in uncommon and engaging experiences. One of the oldest performing arts presenters in the country, UMS is an independent non-profit organization affiliated with U-M, presenting over 70 music, theater, and dance performances by professional touring artists each season, along with over 100 free educational activities. UMS is committed to bold artistic leadership, engaged learning through the arts, and access and inclusiveness. Since 1990, the organization has co-commissioned and supported the production of nearly 80 new or reimagined works. Matthew VanBesien became the organization's seventh president in July 2017.