Dear Philo Singer: (or Welcome New Philo Singer)

Thank you for an awesome 45th Anniversary year! I was so very proud of your performances and singing about beauty and ballgames. You hit it out of the park!

This message is about what’s next.

Our main themes: 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of America’s independence – and Philomusica will mark the occasion in two unique concerts for residents of our historically important city. 

While we support and applaud the arts organizations that will bring out their American flags and bunting, we will offer something different. No current politics or partisanship. No fifes or drums.

With the help and support of our Music Committee, I have designed two concerts that stay true to our classical roots, complement each other, and will be promoted together:

• On Saturday, January 31*, we will present COMING TO AMERICA. We will showcase the music of some composers who emigrated to the U.S. (Rachmaninoff??), as well as first-generation immigrants and others with unique stories. We will also pay tribute to the indigenous people who were here from the beginning.
• On Saturday, May 16*, we will present WE, THE PEOPLE: A VISION UNFOLDING. Through the music and poetry of the people, we will tell the stories and illustrate the hopeful dreams and beliefs of Americans. It features historically marginalized composers and poets.

We will continue the “America at 250” focus into the 2026-2027 season with two additional concert themes: America by the Numbers and America at Work.

Several additional notes:

• I trust that everyone is returning for the next season. If you plan to resign, please let me know.
• Rehearsals start on Monday, September 8, at 7:30. Come early enough to pick up your music packets. The Board will provide snacks. Start warming up your voices now to get back in shape, especially your breathing exercises!
• Now is the time to ask your singing friends to join us. Auditions will be held Monday and Tuesday nights in September, 6:30-7:30, starting on September 8. Invite those who are interested to visit our website or email me directly for a time or more information. Our rehearsals will be open in September for those friends that want to sit in.
• If you are a soprano or alto who might like to sing with The Philadelphia Women’s Music Project, please contact me directly for audition information.

I’m excited for this season and hope you are, too. 

SEE YOU SOON!

Gayle Wieand

  Artistic and Executive Director

Philomusica Chorale.org

and The Philadelphia Women's Music Project

215-439-0870 text and phone
"Life is short and we have never too much time for gladdening the hearts of those who are traveling the journey with us. Oh, be swift to love, make haste to be kind!"  Henri-Frederic Amiel

 

*Note: concert dates are probable, but tentative until we have our contract from the church.