BSR Classical Interludes, more in September 2025

Opera Philadelphia: Il viaggio a Reims
Friday, September 19 and 26, 8pm
Sunday, September 21 and 28, 2pm
Academy of Music, 240 South Broad Street

After recently inaugurating its Wanamaker Pipe Up series, this busy company opens another sellout season—its 50th— with a different musical anniversary. In 1825—exactly two centuries ago—Rossini wrote a satire depicting “class, manners, and the timeless misery of long-distance travel”. The opera has been theatrically transformed by Olivier Award-winning stage director Damiano Michieletto in his American opera house debut. He sets the work in a present-day gallery on the cusp of a major exhibition opening, blurring the intersection of life and art. Music director Corrado Rovaris leads an ensemble cast featuring soprano Brenda Rae. There are still a few tickets, with best availability on Friday, September 26.

Network for New Music: Leo Brouwer Composer Portrait
Friday, September 26, 7pm
Esperanza Arts Center, 4261 North 5th Street

It’s always wonderful to hear the luminous music of Leo Brouwer, the great Afro-Cuban composer and guitar virtuoso. Part of Esperanza’s VOCES series, this welcome celebration of Brouwer’s music features musicians from New Music’s distinguished roster in several works—El Mito de Sísifo for solo guitar and Isla de rojo coral for violin and guitar, with guest artist Matt Kaplan. The program will also include Sones y danzones for piano trio, and a special treat—two newly commissioned Brouwer pieces: The Shaman’s Prophecies and Dancing Horizons.

Ravensong and Night Music: The Bach Dynasty
Friday, September 26, 7pm
St. Clement’s Church, 2013 Appletree Street, Philadelphia

Two highly regarded early music ensembles combine forces to trace a famous musical lineage, from J.S. Bach’s E Major Harpsichord Concerto to his spirited A minor Triple Concerto. Also featuring music by Telemann and C.P.E. Bach’s inventive lyricism for flute, the program celebrates a family and a circle that shaped an era. Ravensong harpsichordist Leon Schelhase joins Philadelphia’s Night Music—Karen Dekker (violin), Steven Zohn (flute), and Heather Miller Lardin (double bass)—for this Baroque feast.

Music at Westminster: Romance of the Violin
Friday, September 26, 7:30pm
Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1502 West 13th Street, Wilmington

This Wilmington presenter opens its Rodney Chapel series with a concert by acclaimed violinist (and Delaware native) Andrew Sords in an evening that also features accomplished collaborative pianist Elizabeth DeMio. Sords has appeared with over 300 orchestras in the course of his solo career, and for this offering he’ll play works by Dvorák, Rachmaninoff, Pablo de Sarasate, Ernest Bloch, and John Williams. Advance tickets are required, and a meet-the-artist reception follows the concert.

Andrea Clearfield: Szalon
Sunday, September 28, and monthly throughout the season
Online and in Philadelphia (various locations)

On September 28, composer Andrea Clearfield opens the 39th season (!) of her legendary in-person and online monthly musical salon, a series running through May 2026. As always, she’ll present a wide variety of musicians—this month’s roster includes Philadelphia-based Ukrainian Ensemble Verba, soprano Jessica Beebe, Tiger Lily Trio, and the Marian Anderson Vocal Ensemble, directed by Jay Fluellen, along with six more accomplished performers. See the link above for details, including how to reserve (to attend in person) or join via streaming.

Featured image: Andrea Clearfield performs this month with her monthly musical salon. (Photo by Thilo Marg Bracken.)

Image description: A portrait photo of Clearfield, outdoors while wearing black formalwear.