BSR Classical Interludes, June 2026

PhilaLandmarks Early Music: Airs de Cour - James Reese and Brandon Acker
Thursday, June 4, 7pm
Powel House, 244 South 3rd Street

In this intimate (and likely-to-be-sold-out) concert, tenor James Reese and Brandon Acker (lute) recreate the “songs of the court” from early 1600s France. They were the pop music of the French royal court, emotionally rich works that still connect with these composers, singers, and poets as they were meant to be experienced—in an intimate setting. The concert celebrates the conclusion of the duo’s recording of this refined repertoire to be released in the fall.

Orchestra 2001: A More Perfect Union - Musical Reflections on Amendments to the U.S. Constitution
June 5, 7,8,11, and 15
Various times and locales

In this celebratory year, the ensemble—dedicated to “presenting new music to new audiences in new ways”—is mounting their largest-ever series. The orchestra will musically explore constitutional legislation in both serious and light-hearted offerings featuring new commissions and existing works from 30 American composers, including some based in Philadelphia. Each week a different concert—focused on a different constitutional amendment—takes place in a different venue. And the music will also highlight some little-known US history.

Morton Contemporary presents Alchemy, The Sound of Color
June 6-July 31
Morton Contemporary Gallery, 115 South 13th Street

This collaborative multimedia exhibition features large-scale works by artist Donna Isham and her husband, Emmy- and Grammy-winning composer Mark Isham. Seeking to find how painting can enter into a dialogue with music, the Los Angeles duo is making their Philadelphia debut. Three large-scale immersive installations that will unite painting, music, and projection-mapped light and animation will be shown, along with others of Isham’s paintings. And both these West Coast artists will be in attendance at the June 6 opening.

The Crossing: Month of Moderns - Building a Contemporary Canon
June 6 and 27, 5pm
Broad Street Love, 315 South Broad Street

June 7 & 28, 5pm
Presbyterian Church of Chestnut Hill, 8855 Germantown Avenue

Every year, Philadelphia’s lauded chorus presents their Month of Moderns concerts. In this American anniversary year, MoM is presented as part of Art Philly’s What Now: 2026 Festival. Concerts on June 6 and 7 are titled “The People Address the Nation’s Issues” and will feature works by David Lang, Shara Nova, Caroline Shaw, Gabriel Jackson, and others. Concerts on June 27 and 28, titled “The People Speak from the Birthplace of America”, will feature the world premiere of Nathalie Joachim’s Virtue with stellar cellist Thomas Mesa, along with works by Jennifer Higdon, Kile Smith, Benjamin C.S. Boyle, and others. Before each of the concerts, there is a 4pm talk.

Serafin Summer Music Festival: Around the World with the Serafins
June 9 through 26, various times
Grace United Methodist Church, 900 Washington Street, Wilmington

Spanning musical genres and time periods, this performance-packed festival gets more expansive every year. This summer, week 1 (June 9-12) will focus on music from America, Germany, and Austria. Week 2 (June 16-19) brings works from Russia, Ukraine, and Scandinavia; and the final week (June 23-26) features the music of Italy. Most of the dozen festival concerts are held at the venue above, though several are in other locales, and three of the offerings are free. Serafin musicians also span the globe, making this series truly “chamber music of many lands”.