Audra MacDonald, Idina Menzel, et al. Featured in Kimmel Center's 2011-12 Season

Kimmel Center President and CEO Anne Ewers and Vice President of Theatrical Presentations and Programming Matthew Wolf announced today the Kimmel Center's 10th Anniversary 2011/12 Season, which celebrates Philadelphia legends music, theater and dance luminaries - who call Philadelphia home. The 2011/12 season includes a diversity of world, pop, jazz, dance and classical offerings featured within the Kimmel Center's four distinct series, and a variety of artistic collaborations and co-promotions, now available through subscription packages.

The Kimmel Center's 10th anniversary yearlong celebration includes 10 performances that honor Philadelphia hometown artists, the city's brightest stars, and also puts the spotlight on the resident companies that make their home on the Kimmel Center's campus (Kimmel Center, Academy of Music, Merriam Theater). Reminiscent of the Kimmel Center's inaugural year, Opening Weekend festivities kick off with a performance by Tony Award winner Audra McDonald (Oct. 1), an encore to her performance 10 years ago. The 10th anniversary season long celebration continues with the Jazz Up Close series celebrating Philly legends the Heath Brothers (Oct. 15), Benny Golson (Dec. 3), Lee Morgan (Feb. 25) and McCoy Tyner (Apr 14) with performances by artists who re-imagine their works. And, legendary Philly radio personality Jerry Blavat takes a walk down memory lane with his annual rock-and-roll, doo- wop star-studded evening of live music (May 8).

The Kimmel Center will also be highlighting its resident companies throughout the 10th anniversary season long celebration including: The Philadelphia Orchestra, led by Yannick Nézet-Séguin, performing with pianist Yuja Wang The Philadelphia Legacy (Dec. 8-11), a reprise of two Philadelphia premieres: Jennifer Higdon's Concerto for Orchestra, which first premiered in Verizon Hall in its opening season, and Rachmaninoff's Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini; a Philadelphia Chamber Music Society recital by bass-baritone player and Curtis Institute graduate Eric Owens (Feb. 28); the Philadelphia premiere of Elegy for Young Lovers, a co-presentation by the Opera Company of Philadelphia, Curtis Institute, and the Kimmel Center (Mar. 14-16); Philadanco presents The Philadelphia Connection including a world premiere by hip-hop choreographer Rennie Harris Puremovement (Apr. 20-22); and Pennsylvania Ballet performs the company premiere of N.Y. Export: Opus Jazz, Barber Violin Concerto by Philly native Samuel Barber, and World Premier by Matthew Neenan (May 31-June 3).

Additional 10th anniversary season highlights include the Broadway show FELA!, produced by Philly native Will Smith and associate producer ?uestlove, at the Academy of Music (Mar. 20-25); and the world premiere of Dark Sisters, a new co-commission with the Gotham Chamber Opera and Music-Theatre Group (June 8).

In total, the Kimmel Center's 10th anniversary 2011/12 season includes over 41 performances that run from September 29, 2011 through June 23, 2011. As always, the season concludes with the annual Summer Solstice Celebration.

"We are delighted to announce the Kimmel Center's 10th Anniversary Season. With all that has occurred since the Kimmel Center opened its doors in 2001, there is much to celebrate," said Kimmel Center President and CEO Anne Ewers. "On the heels of the recent success of the 2011 Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts, the Kimmel Center serves as the city's arts and culture hub with eight resident companies and a vast array of jazz, world, pop, classical and Broadway offerings. Kimmel Center's 10th anniversary celebrates the artistic energy that resides within our own city inspiring artistic collaborations amongst a variety of cultural institutions. What's more, we are reaching out to our local communities with more education programs and more Free at the Kimmel offerings, inviting everyone to experience the arts on all levels."

Kimmel Center Vice President of Theatrical Presentations and Programming Matthew Wolf adds, "Programming for the 10th Anniversary Season emphasizes the local artistic treasures that comprise the Philly arts and culture scene. We are particularly proud of the Jazz Up Close series this season showcasing Philly Legends, but there are also a variety of local artist connections within our organ recital series, Broadway series, and dance programming. We are also excited about extending Free at the Kimmel programming during the 10th anniversary weekend celebration with 10 additional free community concerts taking place in the plaza during that time period."

Additional programs and performances for the Kimmel Center and Broadway seasons will be announced in the coming months.

Subscription series and flexible "Create Your Own" packages of three or more events are currently available with the opportunity to save 15 percent off single ticket prices to the Kimmel Center's four series (Great Orchestras, Jazz Up Close, Organ Recitals and Keyboard Conversations) with additional choices from a mosaic of popular entertainment options. The flexible payment plan features a three installment option.