We are thrilled to announce the continuation of the extraordinary partnership of Yannick Nézet-Séguin and The Philadelphia Orchestra with the extension of his contract through 2030, and the expansion of his title to music and artistic director!
Currently in his 11th season, Yannick holds an original and unique place in the American musical landscape. He has proven to be both an evolutionary and a revolutionary, developing the mighty “Philadelphia Sound” in new ways in collaboration with the great musicians of the Orchestra and building the Orchestra through the hiring of 23 world-class musicians since the start of his tenure. Together, Nézet-Séguin and the Orchestra have commissioned an astonishing 37 works from an ever-growing group of international composers. The span of this contract extension will bring Nézet-Séguin’s tenure into proximity of the Orchestra’s most influential and historic artistic leaders, Leopold Stokowski and Eugene Ormandy.
To commemorate this momentous news, beginning Monday, February 6, and running through Friday, February 10, we along with Philadelphia celebrate with multiple events under the banner of “Philly Loves Yannick Week.”
But our celebration would mean nothing without our beloved audiences! Join in with the festivities:
- Stop by to enjoy a specialty cocktail celebrating Yannick—the Conductor—available at restaurants around the city! Participating restaurants include:
- Volvér at the Kimmel Center
- Garces Trading Company at the Kimmel Center
- Blume—1500 Locust St.
- Del Frisco’s Grille—225 S. Broad St.
- Caribou Café—1126 Walnut St.
- Mixto—1141 Pine St.
- Cockatoo—208 S. 13th St.
- Fado Irish Pub—1500 Locust St.
- Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurant—1150 Market St.
- Rex at the Royal—1524 South St.
- Veda—1920 Chestnut St.
- Ristorante Pesto—1915 S. Broad St.
- Become a subscriber to the Orchestra’s 2023–24 season! The first 1,000 subscribers will receive a limited-edition bobblehead of the man himself.
- Enter to win a pair of tickets to see Yannick conduct!
- Check out the special digital release of Yannick gifs, available for use on social media.
- Visit Commonwealth Plaza in the Kimmel Center to leave a note for Yannick on a special “Philly Loves Yannick Week” banner on display just inside the Broad Street entrance.
Yannick will take over the city on Friday, February 10, for a series of appearances to personally thank and enjoy one of the cities he calls home (he splits his time between Philly, New York City, and Montreal, the latter where he lives with his husband and two cats). The day begins with a run up the “Rocky steps” at the Philadelphia Museum of Art with musicians of the Orchestra (did you know Yannick loves to run the river trails here in Philly?). He will later engage in a music-making event with students at the High School for Creative and Performing Arts. Then he takes time to visit Penn Medicine, where he will thank healthcare workers for their support during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Get a chance to meet him yourself when Nézet-Séguin comes to Commonwealth Plaza at the Kimmel Center at 3:45 PM to engage with fans and hand out special Yannick-themed donuts from the new Garces Trading Company @ Kimmel café. Plus, Mayor Kenney will present him with a “Philly Loves Yannick Week” proclamation in the Plaza. To conclude the day, Yannick will travel to the other end of Broad Street for “Philadelphia Orchestra Night” at the Sixers game as the team takes on the New York Knicks. Musicians of the Orchestra will perform the National Anthem along with students from the School District of Philadelphia’s All-City Orchestra. Students from the Orchestra’s partner school, KIPP West Philadelphia Preparatory School, will perform in the Wells Fargo Center Concourse during halftime.
Yannick has connected with audiences at home, across the country, and in the great musical capitals of the world, inspiring musicians and music lovers of all ages, and introducing music to the next generations. We are so happy and proud to have him in Philadelphia. We love you, Yannick!
Photos: Jeff Fusco and Todd Rosenberg