When I first heard about the Groupmuse concept, I couldn't believe it: a Groupmuse coordinator connects a local host to local classical musicians, whom the host invites into their home along with guests who are complete strangers. Attendees hear chamber music as it was meant to be heard: in the chamber of someone's home, not in a large, stuffy hall. As crazy as it sounds, you get to meet some lovely new people, and you get to hear wonderful classical music in a totally relaxed and homey environment.
The ones that I have attended have allowed guests to bring their own drinks and food. One of them that I attended even hosted a full Shabbat dinner beforehand. While having a full meal is atypical, having drinks and nibbles makes the event more fun. It is also wonderful that there is far more interaction with the musicians than you will ever get going to hear an event in a large public venue.
One of my favorite Groupmuse experiences was talking to the musicians during the intermission. I like classical music, but I cannot read music and have never played an instrument. When introducing the last piece to be played before the intermission, one of the musicians in the string trio performing that night mentioned that the work they were about to play from the 20th century had lots of techniques that would have not existed in the 17th century, which was when the first piece that they performed was composed. I approached the musician at intermission and, admitting that I knew nothing about music, asked what kinds of techniques he was talking about that were unavailable in the 17th century. Without a moment's hesitation and with complete excitement, the musician warmly and graciously showed me the two scores side-by-side and pointed out some of the technique annotations in the more recent work (for example, abbreviations that informed the violinist to use the bow close to the bridge of the violin to give a different sound). It was cool.
I love attending groupmuse so much that I am going to become a host myself. Hope to you see you soon in my home, listening to chamber music together with a glass of Rioja or Zinfandel in hand!
The Philadelphia Chamber Music Society often (but not always) puts on performances of small music ensembles and soloists at the Perelman Theater at the Kimmel Center. They also perform in other venues around the city. I have been to a few concerts and had a subscription for a few years, but the Philadelphia Orchestra is more suited to my tastes in classical music. That said, PCMS concerts are always amazing, with top performers from all over the world. If you dig chamber music in a formal setting, this is for you. If you dig chamber music in a laid back setting, check out the Groupmuse listing.
The music scene in Philadelphia is dominated by the Philadelphia Orchestra, one of the "Big Five" orchestras in the United States. The Music Director and Conductor of the Philadelphia Orchestra is the young, vibrant, energetic, and creative Yannick Nézet-Séguin, a French Canadian who became Music Director in 2012 and who has breathed new life into the already great institution. The Philadelphia Orchestra performs in Verizon Hall, a stunning space shaped like the inside of a cello. Verizon Hall and the Perelman Theater are both structures housed under the stunning glass dome of the Kimmel Center, all designed by Uruguayan architect Rafael Viñoly, who wanted to evoke the image of "two jewels in a glass case". Crown jewels given the performances by the Philadelphia Orchestra and the Philadelphia Chamber Music Society, I'd say.
Philadelphia Orchestra tickets for the best seats in Verizon Hall can be pricey (over $100 each), but to fill up unsold seats at the last minute, The Orchestra will often do a Community Rush sale of unsold tickets for $10 each. TEN BUCKS! I did it once for a concert that was not in my subscription package and got a great seat near where my usual expensive subscription seats are located. You can't beat it.
From the web Community Rush website page: "The Philadelphia Orchestra makes a limited number of seats available for $10.00 at the Kimmel Center Box Office between 5:30 PM and 6:30 PM the day of most subscription concerts (11:30 AM–12:30 PM for 2:00 PM performances). All tickets are subject to availability. Seating is at the discretion box office and will be throughout the hall. Please note that the number of available tickets varies by performance and there is a limit of one ticket per person for each purchase."
So, if you have a large party, you may not get to sit together. Regardless, I recommend that you go to the Kimmel Center early if you want to get Community Rush tickets. When I did it, I arrived at around 5:15 PM, and there were already a dozen people in front of me in line.
The Philadelphia Orchestra is one of my favorite things about the city of Philadelphia. Hearing them perform classical music live is indescribably beautiful and will move your soul--going to their performances with my Fiancée is how I recharge my batteries.