Jill Scott Set for Academy of Music's 157th Anniversary Concert and Ball, 1/25

The Philadelphia Orchestra today announced details of its upcoming 157th Academy of Music Anniversary Concert and Ball to be held Saturday, January 25, 2013, beginning at 5:30 PM. Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin and The Philadelphia Orchestra welcome special guest artist and Philadelphia hero Jill Scott for this magnificent evening of music, dinner, and dancing in celebration of the Academy of Music, a National Historic Landmark. Three-time Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter, New York Times best-selling poet, and critically acclaimed actress, Jill Scott began her career collaborating with musical icons the Roots, Will Smith, and Common in the late 1990s before releasing her debut record, Who is Jill Scott? Words & Sounds, Vol. 1 in 2000. The record quickly went double platinum and earned her several Grammy nominations including Best New Artist.

"I am eager to work with artists at the highest level of their genres, and Jill Scott is one who is at the absolute top," says Yannick Nézet-Séguin. "Her many talents-as musician, poet, and actor-will give us unique avenues to explore in our collaboration and her deep connections to Philadelphia make her a perfect fit for this celebration of the Academy of Music. What a thrill to combine her magnificent voice with our Orchestra's Philadelphia Sound and what an opportunity to showcase the best Philadelphia talent on one of our starriest nights!"

"It's such an honor to be invited to play with The Philadelphia Orchestra, such a talented company of musicians, as they celebrate the 157th anniversary of their historic home, the Academy of Music," said Jill Scott.

The theme for the 157th Anniversary Concert and Ball, Philadelphia's premier annuAl White-tie gala, is Preserving Our Heritage, highlighting The Philadelphia Orchestra's commitment to continuing the cultural legacy of the magnificent Academy of Music for future generations to enjoy. The celebration begins this year at 5:30 PM with a pre-concert Open House Reception at the Academy of Music, also known as the Grand Old Lady of Locust Street." Guests will mix and mingle enjoying cocktails and sumptuous hors d'oeuvres while exploring the architectural wonders of this beloved landmark building. The evening continues with a concert in the Academy at 7:30 PM with a program featuring The Philadelphia Orchestra, conducted by Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin in his second season leading the ensemble, and special guest artist Jill Scott. The celebration continues after the concert, at the stunning Park Hyatt at the Bellevue. The elegant supper and Ball will fill the many reception rooms of the historic building, from the stylish Fountain Court to the sophisticated Grand Ballroom to the rooftop grandeur of XIX. Six of the region's preeminent dance orchestras and bands, performing music ranging in style from classic American songbook to R&B funk, will keep attendees dancing throughout the evening.

The gala is co-chaired by Eliana Papadakis and Joseph H. Jacovini, Esq. The Concert and Ball are underwritten as of this release by Airgas, Inc.; Brian Communications/Realtime Media; Dilworth Paxson LLP; ESM Productions, Inc.; L.F. Driscoll Co., LLC; Leslie Anne Miller and Richard B. Worley; the Neubauer Family Foundation; Eliana Papadakis; PECO, an Exelon Company; PNC; PREIT, an NYSE listed company; the Joanna McNeil Trust; Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP; and Wells Fargo & Co./Abbot Downing, A Wells Fargo Business. The performance will be executive produced by Scott Mirkin and produced by Shawn Gee.

Concert and Ball Gala tickets are available online at www.philorch.org/157 or by calling the Academy of Music Restoration Fund Office at 215.893.1978.

Concert-only tickets, priced at $200 and located in the Amphitheatre level, go on sale November 1, 2013, and can be purchased by calling 215.893.1999 or by visiting www.ticketphiladelphia.org.