The Philadelphia Orchestra Yannick Nézet-Séguin Music Director

If you’re reading this in Verizon Hall, you’re eagerly looking forward to the glorious sound, the passion, and the excellent musicianship for which The Philadelphia Orchestra is justly famous.

In front of a capacity audience for its Free PopUP Concert in Verizon Hall on Thursday, April 7, Philadelphia Orchestra President and CEO Allison Vulgamore stood alongside Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin and announced HEAR, a series of collaborative learning initiatives that represents the most comprehensive and dynamic community engagement in the Orchestra’s recent history.

Under the baton of guest conductor Damon Gupton, The Philadelphia Orchestra and the All-City High School Orchestra sat side-by-side for a special collaborative learning experience this past Saturday, March 19. The rehearsal, part of the Orchestra's deepened partnership with the School District of Philadelphia and the All-City Orchestra, sat developing musicians alongside their professional counterparts for one-on-one coaching. Together, the students and Philadelphians performed Copland's "Hoe Down," the first movement from Dvořák's Symphony No.