Buy Tickets Calendar

American Philosophical Society

Benjamin Franklin Hall,
427 Chestnut Street

Benjamin Franklin Hall is a 375 seat auditorium offering plaza level and balcony seating. All concerts at this venue are general admission seating. Doors open 30 minutes prior to the performance.

There are many historic elements to the building. Designed in the Italianate style, it features a visually striking white marble façade and an impressive collection of paintings. It was once home to the Farmers' and Mechanics' Bank, which was an important Philadelphia institution of long standing as well as being the largest bank in the city during the latter part of the 19th century. For more information on the building's history, please visit the American Philosophical Society's website.

Please note: The Philosophical Society owns two other buildings in the area (on 5th Street), but these are NOT associated with the concert.

Accessibility

There are stairs leading to the front entrance of Benjamin Franklin Hall. If you prefer to use the accessible back entrance, please contact the box office at 215-569-8080 or boxoffice@pcmsconcerts.org prior to the concert. Our staff will provide instructions on how to access the back entrance on the day of the concert.

Please note: The back entrance will be locked for the general public, so please contact us if the accessible entrance is needed.

Transportation

Located a half a block east of Independence Hall, Benjamin Franklin Hall is accessible by SEPTA subway and buses.

Bourse Garage

47 S. 4th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106

$12 Evenings (enter after 5 pm), $12 Sundays up to 4 hours (w/ voucher), $27 Sundays (4 hours or longer). After parking your car on Sundays, as you enter the Philosophical Society, pick up a parking discount at our Box Office table to use at the automated paystations in the garage lobby or as you leave.

Amada

Amada Philadelphia

Amada serves authentic Spanish tapas based on the earthy Mediterranean flavors favored by founder and executive chef Jose Garces. For more information click here.

Hours
Location
217-219 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106

Buddakan

buddakan-stephen-starr-philadelphia-1-600

Stephen Starr’s Buddakan offers modern Asian cuisine infused with creativity and drama. It has been named one of America’s top 50 restaurants by Travel & Leisure and ‘Top Restaurant for Fun’ by Gourmet. For more information click here.

Location
325 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106

Fork

Fork is a contemporary American restaurant serving dinner seven nights a week and Sunday brunch. The menu is inspired by the Mid-Atlantic region and the local growers and producers who help shape its terroir. For more information, click here.

Location
306 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106

Han Dynasty

Han Dynasty Philadelphia

Han Dynasty is an authentic Sichuan Chinese Restaurant located in Philadelphia’s Old City neighborhood. For more information click here.

Location
108 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Melissa White

Melissa White, violin and Pallavi Mahidhara, piano

Date: Tuesday, January 14, 2025 - 7:30 PM

Pärt: Fratres
Brahms: Violin Sonata in D Minor, Op. 108
Beach: Romance, Op. 23
Esmail: Jhula Jhule
Gershwin: Porgy and Bess [Sel] [Arr. by J. Heifitz]
Still: Suite for Violin and Piano

Watch the livestreamed concert via the video player below.

Help Us Keep the Music Playing

PCMS livestreams are offered on a pay what you wish basis. These performances are possible only because of the generous support of friends like you. We thank you for contributing as generously as you can when watching these events. Gifts of any size are deeply appreciated. Please use the form below to give or text PCMS to 44321.

If you encounter any technical issues while donating, please try refreshing the page or donating via PayPal.

Special thanks to Susan Giesecke Bloom and A. Charles Winkelman with support from The Pew Center for Arts and Heritage, Theodore Presser Foundation, Dot and Rick Nelson, Sid Kaplan, and the American Philosophical Society for their support of our livestream series, and for helping us deliver world-class artistry to audiences around the globe.

Kim Stumpf Raim

Hye-Jin Kim, violin; Peter Stumpf, cello; Cynthia Raim, piano

Date: Sunday, January 26, 2025 - 3:00 PM

Ravel: Sonata for Violin and Cello
Ravel: Le Tombeau de Couperin
Ravel: Piano Trio in A Minor

Watch the livestreamed concert via the video player below.

Help Us Keep the Music Playing

PCMS livestreams are offered on a pay what you wish basis. These performances are possible only because of the generous support of friends like you. We thank you for contributing as generously as you can when watching these events. Gifts of any size are deeply appreciated. Please use the form below to give or text PCMS to 44321.

If you encounter any technical issues while donating, please try refreshing the page or donating via PayPal.

Special thanks to Susan Giesecke Bloom and A. Charles Winkelman with support from The Pew Center for Arts and Heritage, Theodore Presser Foundation, Dot and Rick Nelson, Sid Kaplan, and the American Philosophical Society for their support of our livestream series, and for helping us deliver world-class artistry to audiences around the globe.

Fitz Gibbon Piccinini Lenaerts

Lucy Fitz Gibbon, soprano; Marina Piccinini, flute; Anneleen Lenaerts, harp

Date: Tuesday, February 4, 2025 - 7:30 PM

J.S. Bach: Sonata in G Minor, BWV 1020
Smetana: The Moldau (Arr. H. Trnečk)
Roussel: Deux Poèmes de Ronsard, Op. 26
Rota: Sonata for Flute and Harp
C. Schumann: Three Romances, Op. 22
Debussy: Syrinx
J. Marx: Pan Trauert um Syrinx
Ravel: Sonatine

Watch the livestreamed concert via the video player below.

Help Us Keep the Music Playing

PCMS livestreams are offered on a pay what you wish basis. These performances are possible only because of the generous support of friends like you. We thank you for contributing as generously as you can when watching these events. Gifts of any size are deeply appreciated. Please use the form below to give or text PCMS to 44321.

If you encounter any technical issues while donating, please try refreshing the page or donating via PayPal.

Special thanks to Susan Giesecke Bloom and A. Charles Winkelman with support from The Pew Center for Arts and Heritage, Theodore Presser Foundation, Dot and Rick Nelson, Sid Kaplan, and the American Philosophical Society for their support of our livestream series, and for helping us deliver world-class artistry to audiences around the globe.

Musicians from Marlboro II

Musicians from Marlboro II

Date: Wednesday, February 19, 2025 - 7:30 PM

Sang Yoon Kim, clarinet; Maria Ioudenitch & Stephanie Zyzak, violin; Hiroki Kasai & Natalie Loughran, viola; Peter Stumpf, cello; Evren Ozel, piano

R. Schumann: Märchenerzählungen, Op. 132
Kurtág: Hommage à R. Schumann, Op. 15d
R. Schumann: String Quartet in F Major, Op. 41, No. 2
Brahms: Clarinet Quintet in B Minor, Op. 115

Watch the livestreamed concert via the video player below.

Help Us Keep the Music Playing

PCMS livestreams are offered on a pay what you wish basis. These performances are possible only because of the generous support of friends like you. We thank you for contributing as generously as you can when watching these events. Gifts of any size are deeply appreciated. Please use the form below to give or text PCMS to 44321.

If you encounter any technical issues while donating, please try refreshing the page or donating via PayPal.

Special thanks to Susan Giesecke Bloom and A. Charles Winkelman with support from The Pew Center for Arts and Heritage, Theodore Presser Foundation, Dot and Rick Nelson, Sid Kaplan, and the American Philosophical Society for their support of our livestream series, and for helping us deliver world-class artistry to audiences around the globe.

Zyzak_Kashkashian_Rosen_Ozel

Stephanie Zyzak, violin; Kim Kashkashian, viola; Marcy Rosen, cello; Evren Ozel, piano

Date: Friday, February 28, 2025 - 7:30 PM

Haydn: Piano Trio in C Major, Hob. XV:27
Paulus: Seven for the Flowers Near the River
Fauré: Piano Quartet in G Minor, Op. 45

Watch the livestreamed concert via the video player below.

Help Us Keep the Music Playing

PCMS livestreams are offered on a pay what you wish basis. These performances are possible only because of the generous support of friends like you. We thank you for contributing as generously as you can when watching these events. Gifts of any size are deeply appreciated. Please use the form below to give or text PCMS to 44321.

If you encounter any technical issues while donating, please try refreshing the page or donating via PayPal.

Special thanks to Susan Giesecke Bloom and A. Charles Winkelman with support from The Pew Center for Arts and Heritage, Theodore Presser Foundation, Dot and Rick Nelson, Sid Kaplan, and the American Philosophical Society for their support of our livestream series, and for helping us deliver world-class artistry to audiences around the globe.

Emi Ferguson & Ashley Jackson

Emi Ferguson, flute and Ashley Jackson, harp

Date: Wednesday, March 5, 2025 - 7:30 PM

The Enchanted Dawn
Schwob: Traveling North
Le Camus: Laissez durer la nuit (Arr. Ferguson)
Aftab/A. Shankar: Udhero Na (Arr. Ferguson)
Morlock: Twilight, from Vespertine
Shokri: Bamboo flute improvisation (Arr. Ferguson)
Satie: Les fils des étoiles (Arr. Takemitsu)
Zand: In the Middle of the River (Arr. Ferguson)
Ogada: Kothbiro (Arr. Ferguson)
R. Shankar: L’aube enchantée

Watch the livestreamed concert via the video player below.

Help Us Keep the Music Playing

PCMS livestreams are offered on a pay what you wish basis. These performances are possible only because of the generous support of friends like you. We thank you for contributing as generously as you can when watching these events. Gifts of any size are deeply appreciated. Please use the form below to give or text PCMS to 44321.

If you encounter any technical issues while donating, please try refreshing the page or donating via PayPal.

Special thanks to Susan Giesecke Bloom and A. Charles Winkelman with support from The Pew Center for Arts and Heritage, Theodore Presser Foundation, Dot and Rick Nelson, Sid Kaplan, and the American Philosophical Society for their support of our livestream series, and for helping us deliver world-class artistry to audiences around the globe.

Nevermind

Nevermind

Date: Tuesday, March 18, 2025 - 7:30 PM

Anna Besson, flute; Louis Creac’h, violin; Robin Pharo, viola da gamba; Jean Rondeau, harpsichord

Bach: Goldberg Variations, BWV 988

Transcription by Nevermind (Anna Besson, Louis Creac’h, Robin Pharo & Jean Rondeau) of the Goldberg Variations BWV 988; “Clavier Übung bestehend in einer Arie mit verschiedenen Veränderungen vors Clavicimbal mit 2 Manualen” by Johann Sebastian Bach for violin, flute, viola da gamba and basso continuo.

Transcription leads: Robin Pharo & Jean Rondeau
Editor-in-chief: Robin Pharo

Project created on Saturday, 23 September 2023 as part of a creative residency hosted by the Bel-Air Claviers Festival.

Watch the livestreamed concert via the video player below.

Help Us Keep the Music Playing

PCMS livestreams are offered on a pay what you wish basis. These performances are possible only because of the generous support of friends like you. We thank you for contributing as generously as you can when watching these events. Gifts of any size are deeply appreciated. Please use the form below to give or text PCMS to 44321.

If you encounter any technical issues while donating, please try refreshing the page or donating via PayPal.

Special thanks to Susan Giesecke Bloom and A. Charles Winkelman with support from The Pew Center for Arts and Heritage, Theodore Presser Foundation, Dot and Rick Nelson, Sid Kaplan, and the American Philosophical Society for their support of our livestream series, and for helping us deliver world-class artistry to audiences around the globe.

Itamar Zorman

Itamar Zorman, violin and Ieva Jokubaviciute, piano

Date: Sunday, March 23, 2025 - 3:00 PM

Women’s Voices from Eastern Europe
Kaprálová: Legend
Pejačević: Violin Sonata in B-flat Minor, Op. 43, Slavonic
Gubaidulina: Dancer on a Tightrope
Bacewicz: Slavonic Dance and Witraż (Stained-Glass Window)
Auerbach: Violin Sonata No. 3

Watch the livestreamed concert via the video player below.

Help Us Keep the Music Playing

PCMS livestreams are offered on a pay what you wish basis. These performances are possible only because of the generous support of friends like you. We thank you for contributing as generously as you can when watching these events. Gifts of any size are deeply appreciated. Please use the form below to give or text PCMS to 44321.

If you encounter any technical issues while donating, please try refreshing the page or donating via PayPal.

Special thanks to Susan Giesecke Bloom and A. Charles Winkelman with support from The Pew Center for Arts and Heritage, Theodore Presser Foundation, Dot and Rick Nelson, Sid Kaplan, and the American Philosophical Society for their support of our livestream series, and for helping us deliver world-class artistry to audiences around the globe.

Zoltán Fejérvári

Zoltán Fejérvári, piano

Date: Tuesday, March 25, 2025 - 7:30 PM

Dvořák: 8 Humoresques, Op. 101
Janáček: On an Overgrown Path, Book II
R. Schumann: Kinderszenen, Op. 15
Brahms: Sonata in C Major, Op. 1

Watch the livestreamed concert via the video player below.

Help Us Keep the Music Playing

PCMS livestreams are offered on a pay what you wish basis. These performances are possible only because of the generous support of friends like you. We thank you for contributing as generously as you can when watching these events. Gifts of any size are deeply appreciated. Please use the form below to give or text PCMS to 44321.

If you encounter any technical issues while donating, please try refreshing the page or donating via PayPal.

Special thanks to Susan Giesecke Bloom and A. Charles Winkelman with support from The Pew Center for Arts and Heritage, Theodore Presser Foundation, Dot and Rick Nelson, Sid Kaplan, and the American Philosophical Society for their support of our livestream series, and for helping us deliver world-class artistry to audiences around the globe.

MFM

Musicians from Marlboro III

Date: Wednesday, April 30, 2025 - 7:30 PM

Lucy Fitz Gibbon, soprano; Claire Bourg & Leonard Fu, violin; Cara Pogossian, viola; Marie Bitlloch, cello; Sahun Sam Hong, piano

Haydn: String Quartet in D Minor, Op. 76, No. 2, Fifths
Lachenmann: Got Lost
Mozart: String Quartet in D Major, K. 575

Watch the livestreamed concert via the video player below.

Help Us Keep the Music Playing

PCMS livestreams are offered on a pay what you wish basis. These performances are possible only because of the generous support of friends like you. We thank you for contributing as generously as you can when watching these events. Gifts of any size are deeply appreciated. Please use the form below to give or text PCMS to 44321.

If you encounter any technical issues while donating, please try refreshing the page or donating via PayPal.

Special thanks to Susan Giesecke Bloom and A. Charles Winkelman with support from The Pew Center for Arts and Heritage, Theodore Presser Foundation, Dot and Rick Nelson, Sid Kaplan, and the American Philosophical Society for their support of our livestream series, and for helping us deliver world-class artistry to audiences around the globe.

Brentano Quartet

Date: Sunday, May 4, 2025 - 3 PM

Part I:
Haydn: Quartet in B Minor, Op. 33, No. 1
Haydn: Quartet in E-flat Major, Op. 33, No. 2, The Joke
Haydn: Quartet in C Major, Op. 33, No. 3, The Bird

Part II:
Haydn: Quartet in B-flat Major, Op. 33, No. 4
Haydn: Quartet in G Major, Op. 33, No. 5
Haydn: Quartet in D Major, Op. 33, No. 6

Watch the livestreamed concert via the video player below.

Help Us Keep the Music Playing

PCMS livestreams are offered on a pay what you wish basis. These performances are possible only because of the generous support of friends like you. We thank you for contributing as generously as you can when watching these events. Gifts of any size are deeply appreciated. Please use the form below to give or text PCMS to 44321.

If you encounter any technical issues while donating, please try refreshing the page or donating via PayPal.

Special thanks to Drs. Susan Giesecke Winkelman and A. Charles Winkelman with support from The Pew Center for Arts and Heritage, Theodore Presser Foundation, Dot and Rick Nelson, Sid Kaplan, and the American Philosophical Society for their support of our livestream series, and for helping us deliver world-class artistry to audiences around the globe.

Erinys Quartet

Erinys Quartet; Roberto Díaz, viola; Peter Wiley, cello

Date: Sunday, May 11, 2025 - 3 PM

Beethoven: Quartet in B-flat Major, Op. 18, No. 6
Clearfield: if each day falls inside each night* World Premiere/PCMS Commission
Brahms: String Sextet in G Major, Op. 36

*This piece was commissioned as part of the Chamber Music for All (CMFA) project, which seeks to broaden the audience for contemporary chamber music. Co-sponsored by PCMS and Diane and Lawrence Blum, CMFA engages composers to write works that are accessible to large audiences, with as consonant a harmonic language as they feel comfortable writing, and at a technical level that allows them to be played by capable amateur musicians as well as professionals. Diane and Larry hope that listeners who play instruments will want to acquire the scores while the ink is barely dry, and to get together and have fun playing some new music.

Watch the livestreamed concert via the video player below.

Help Us Keep the Music Playing

PCMS livestreams are offered on a pay what you wish basis. These performances are possible only because of the generous support of friends like you. We thank you for contributing as generously as you can when watching these events. Gifts of any size are deeply appreciated. Please use the form below to give or text PCMS to 44321.

If you encounter any technical issues while donating, please try refreshing the page or donating via PayPal.

Special thanks to Susan Giesecke Bloom and A. Charles Winkelman with support from The Pew Center for Arts and Heritage, Theodore Presser Foundation, Dot and Rick Nelson, Sid Kaplan, and the American Philosophical Society for their support of our livestream series, and for helping us deliver world-class artistry to audiences around the globe.