BSR Classical Interludes Offer Diverse Lineup in February 2026

From a dark song cycle to an operatic meditation, the Philadelphia region has a range of classical music performances to look forward to.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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The Broad Street Review previews an eclectic lineup of classical music concerts happening in the Philadelphia area in late February and early March 2026. The performances include a song cycle inspired by Edward Gorey's macabre illustrations, a multimedia work exploring themes of fear and solitude, an opera-oratorio on the life of philosopher Simone Weil, a concert highlighting 'hidden' female Baroque composers, and a concert featuring the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra with a student soloist.

Why it matters

This diverse slate of classical music offerings showcases the vibrant and varied cultural landscape of the Philadelphia region, catering to a wide range of musical tastes and interests. The inclusion of lesser-known composers, multimedia elements, and young talent highlights the city's commitment to innovation, inclusion, and nurturing the next generation of musicians.

The details

The concerts include: 'Dark Whimsy: Edward Gorey at 100' by Network for New Music, featuring a song cycle about unfortunate ways to die; 'S P A C E + Solitude' by flutist Nathalie Joachim and violinist Yvonne Lam, exploring themes of fear and comfort through music and lighting; 'La Passione de Simone', an opera-oratorio by Kaija Saariaho based on the life of philosopher Simone Weil; 'Le Donne Musicali' by Tempesta di Mare, highlighting Baroque-era female composers; and a Philadelphia Youth Orchestra concert featuring a student soloist in Bartók's Viola Concerto.

  • The 'Dark Whimsy: Edward Gorey at 100' concerts will take place on Friday, February 20 at 7:30pm and Monday, February 23 at 7pm.
  • The 'S P A C E + Solitude' performance by Nathalie Joachim and Yvonne Lam will be on Wednesday, February 25 at 7:30pm.
  • The 'La Passione de Simone' opera-oratorio will be performed on Thursday, February 26 at 7pm and Saturday, February 28 at 2pm.
  • The 'Le Donne Musicali' concerts by Tempesta di Mare will be on Friday, February 27 at 7pm, Saturday, February 28 at 7pm, and Sunday, March 1 at 4pm.
  • The Philadelphia Youth Orchestra concert will be on Sunday, March 1 at 3pm.

The players

Network for New Music

A Philadelphia-based contemporary classical music ensemble that will be performing the premiere of Carla Kihlstedt's song cycle '26 Little Deaths'.

Nathalie Joachim

A Grammy-nominated flutist and Opera Philadelphia's composer in residence, who will be performing the multimedia work 'S P A C E + Solitude' with violinist Yvonne Lam.

Yvonne Lam

A Grammy-winning violinist who will be performing the multimedia work 'S P A C E + Solitude' with flutist Nathalie Joachim.

Kaija Saariaho

The late Finnish composer whose opera-oratorio 'La Passione de Simone' will be performed by the Curtis Opera Theatre and New Music Ensemble.

Philadelphia Youth Orchestra

The regional youth orchestra that will be performing a concert featuring Lansdale native and Curtis student Dillon Scott as the soloist in Bartók's Viola Concerto.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

This diverse lineup of classical music performances in the Philadelphia region showcases the city's commitment to innovation, inclusion, and nurturing the next generation of musicians. From dark and whimsical song cycles to multimedia explorations of the human experience, these concerts offer something for every classical music lover.