NEPA Philharmonic Announces 2025-26 Season The Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic, with Music Director Mélisse Brunet, is excited to announce its 2025-26 Season, Presented by PNC. The season contains an expansive array of unique musical experiences ranging from candlelit concerts to a Battle of the Bands to films live in concert, including Jurassic Park™. Season subscriptions and individual tickets are available at NEPAphil.org or by calling 570-270-4444. New ticket prices start at $29 for adults and $16 for students for most concerts. The NEPA Philharmonic’s long-time supporter of the orchestra, PNC, will also debut as the Philharmonic’s first ever Season Presenting Sponsor for 2025-26. Additional series sponsorships include the Thalenfeld Family Movie Series, the Dr. Seth W. and Carolyn Fisher Pops Series, the Thalenfeld Family Symphony Series, and the Stoppini Foundation Chamber Series. “Extending our relationship with the Philharmonic to become the first season-long presenting sponsor reflects our shared belief in the power of the arts and culture to bring our community together,” said Pete Danchak, PNC regional president for Northeast PA. “The arts are a key economic driver across our region and the Philharmonic’s upcoming season offers programs that further reinforce what we’ve long known – Northeast PA is the perfect place to live, work and play.” Following appearances by the Philharmonic at the Scrantastic Spectacular and Wilkes-Barre’s Old Fashioned Fourth of July, the NEPA Philharmonic expands its Stoppini Chamber Series this summer with two outdoor concerts presented by Harmony in the Woods in Hawley. After a recent concert of Americana Brass in the Woods with the NEPA Philharmonic Brass Quintet on July 5, the NEPA Philharmonic String Quartet joins Regina Sayles on Sunday, August 17, 5:30PM for Regina Sayles & Summer Strings, a program of pop favorites and original works benefiting WVIA. In September, the Philharmonic offers its first ever Sensory Friendly chamber concert with a wind quartet at the Pittston Library on Saturday, September 13, 10AM and 1PM, free for the public. On Saturday, September 27, 7PM, the orchestra opens the Dr. Seth W. and Carolyn Fisher Pops Series with Defying Gravity: Bewitching Broadway at the F.M. Kirby Center. Scott Coulter’s Spot-On Entertainment returns with the Philharmonic for a program of spooky, show-stopping hits from musicals such as Wicked, Sweeney Todd, and more. The Philharmonic brings two “Savor the Sounds” chamber music experiences this fall, featuring a relaxed atmosphere of premium table seating, small bites, and a bar with signature drinks. Autumn Tango at Montage features an afternoon of fall foliage and Piazzolla on Sunday, October 5, 3PM at Montage Mountain Resorts in Scranton. Then on Thursday, November 6, 7PM, Lace Village in Scranton glows with a candlelit string quartet performing reimagined pop hits. The shimmering Lace Village event is also part of the Philharmonic’s new hallmark (Candle)LIT Festival, concerts from October to December fully illuminated by hundreds of electric candles. The Thalenfeld Symphony Series presents two performances of (Candle)LIT Mozart’s Requiem, at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Wilkes-Barre on Thursday, October 23, 7PM and at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Scranton on Friday, October 24, 7PM, featuring the Marywood University Concert Choir; organist Mark Laubach; and rising-star vocalists Jessica Leigh, Inayah Raheem, Dylon Crain and Metropolitan Opera Lindemann Artist Sunghoon Han. The (Candle)LIT Festival continues with the fanfare-filled Courthouse: (Candle)LIT Brass Quintet in the Luzerne County Courthouse Rotunda on Friday, November 21, 7PM, and the joyous (Candle)LIT Holidays on Saturday, December 6, 7PM at the Scranton Cultural Center, featuring the full orchestra with the Ballet Theatre of Scranton and the Abington Heights High School Concert Choir. The holidays don’t stop there, with a double bill of animated films The Snowman™ and The Snowman and the Snowdog™ live in concert with the Philharmonic on Saturday, December 20, 7PM at the F.M. Kirby Center, presented by the Thalenfeld Movie Series. A new event this season is Battle of the Bands presented by ROCK107, at Mohegan Pennsylvania Casino on Saturday, January 31, 2026, 7PM. Local bands will compete for a grand prize of $5,000 and the opportunity to perform with the full NEPA Philharmonic orchestra in the 2026-2027 season. Bands of any genre are encouraged to apply at nepaphil.org/events/battle-of-the-bands, and the deadline to apply is October 11; finalist bands will be announced on November 7 and will perform on January 31. The Stoppini Chamber Series continues in 2026 with Cello Starry Night on Friday, January 16, 7PM at St. Luke’s in Scranton, Dreams & Klezmer with clarinet and string quartet on Sunday, February 22, 3PM at WVIA’s Sordoni Theatre in Pittston, and flute-marimba Duo Zuber with Debussy & Frenemies on Thursday, March 26, 7PM at the Luzerne County Courthouse Rotunda. Meanwhile, the orchestral season marks St. Patrick’s Day week with Celtic & Bluegrass Sky on Thursday, March 12, 7PM at Kingston’s Kirby Center for the Creative Arts. Then, relive the magic of Jurassic Park™ on the big screen accompanied by a thrilling, live performance of the NEPA Philharmonic, coming to the F.M. Kirby Center in Wilkes-Barre, PA on Saturday, April 11, 7PM. Audiences can experience Jurassic Park™ as never before: projected in HD with a full symphony orchestra performing John Williams’ iconic score live to picture. Finally, enter the cosmic world of Planets, Moons, & Star Wars on Friday, May 1, 7PM at the Scranton Cultural Center, featuring the Choral Society of NEPA and the Marywood University Concert Choir along with stunning artistic multimedia projections. Visit NEPAphil.org or call 570-270-4444 for more information.
NEPA Philharmonic Summer Events NEPA Philharmonic Presents: Americana Brass – A Patriotic Musical Celebration Saturday, July 5, 2025 | 6:00 PM EST | $50 GA Harmony in the Woods, Hawley, PA Get ready for an exhilarating evening of brass, rhythm, and American spirit! The Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic Brass Quintet takes center stage at Harmony in the Woods for a thrilling Americana program that will have the whole family tapping their toes and humming along. This vibrant performance will feature a dynamic mix of New Orleans jazz, lively ragtime, and classic film scores, alongside timeless works from Gershwin, Ellington, Bernstein, Irving Berlin, and more. As part of the NEPA Philharmonic’s Stoppini Chamber Series, this concert is an opportunity to experience extraordinary musicianship up close, delivered by an ensemble known for its brilliance, precision, and infectious energy. NEPA Philharmonic Presents: Regina Sayles & Strings Sunday, August 17, 2025 | 6:00 PM EST | $75 GA Harmony in the Woods, Hawley, PA Singer, songwriter, and guitarist Regina Sayles joins the string quartet of your Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic for an evening of folk, rock, and pop favorites and selections from Sayles’ own original work. With lush string arrangements and compelling vocals, this dynamic collaboration reimagines new and familiar songs in unexpected ways, weaving a rich blend of melody, rhythm, and texture and highlighting the versatility of both Sayles and the Philharmonic strings. Presented as part of the NEPA Philharmonic’s Stoppini Chamber Series and PNC Pops Series in collaboration with Dr. Seth W. & Carolyn Fisher. The ticket price includes the concert as well as a reception with wine and light hors d’oeuvres prior to the event. The concert will last approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes with a brief intermission. We encourage you to bring a picnic dinner.
NEPA Philharmonic to Play at 12th Annual Yoga on the Roof On Friday, July 4th, at 9am, Hilary Steinberg with Jaya Yoga in Clarks Summit, and the Marketplace at Steamtown will present the 12th annual Yoga on the Roof, which includes one hour of yoga accompanied by live music played by musicians of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic. The yoga practice will be followed by breakfast treats compliments of Maximum Zen. This event is a favorite way to launch Independence Day celebrations, and benefits the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic’s educational and outreach programs. A five-minute meditation led by Lisa Rigau will open the event. Leading the yoga practice will be Jaya Yoga’s owner, Hilary Steinberg and instructor Lily Mackarey. Featured musicians will be Leah Valenches, Peter Brubaker, and Gabriel Schaff. Yoga on the Roof is a unique event in Northeastern Pennsylvania, taking place on the morning of the holiday, overlooking historic downtown Scranton. Participants are invited to pre-register at www.nepaphil.org/tickets until Wednesday, July 2nd, although, walk-ins are also welcome. The recommended arrival time for all attendees is by 8:45am on Thursday, July 4th, rain or shine. A donation of $20 is requested. The Philharmonic projects that benefit from Yoga on the Roof are Music in our Schools, Music in our Senior Centers, Young People’s Concerts, Once Upon an Orchestra (a library initiative for tots), and a juried mentoring program for talented high school music students. Pre-registration is also available by calling the Philharmonic office at (570) 270-4444. For additional information about Yoga on the Roof, please contact hilary@jayayogastudio.com. The Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic is a fully professional symphonic orchestra performing regularly in Lackawanna and Luzerne counties, with upcoming expansions into Wayne County. Music Director is Maestra Mélisse Brunet. For additional information about the Philharmonic, sponsorship opportunities, and concerts, please call (570) 270-4444.
NEPA Philharmonic to Perform Tina Turner Tribute THE NORTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA PHILHARMONIC, UNDER THE BATON OF MAESTRA MÉLISSE BRUNET, AND SCOTT COULTER’S SPOT-ON ENTERTAINMENT, WILL ROCK WITH “SIMPLY THE BEST”, A TRIBUTE TO TINA TURNER, SATURDAY, JUNE 7, 2025, AT MOHEGAN SUN PENNSYLVANIA, KEYSTONE GRAND BALLROOM The NEPA Philharmonic orchestra, under the baton of Maestra Mélisse Brunet, will share the stage with Grammy Award winning vocalists from “Spot-On Entertainment’s” in a tribute to Tina Turner, “The Queen of Rock and Roll. The concert will take place on Saturday, June 7, at 7:30 PM in the Keystone Grand Ballroom, Mohegan Sun Pennsylvania. Among the fan favorites on the set list will be “What’s Love Got to do with It”, “Proud Mary”, “River Deep”, “Mountain High”, “Private Dancer”, and “Better Be Good to Me. Dancing in the aisles is not only permitted but encouraged. Legendary icon Tina Turner won more than 160 awards and garnered more than 180 nominations, including recognitions from the American Music Awards, Billboard, Grammy, and the Grammy Hall of Fame. Her work has inspired artists worldwide, and has even been developed into a Broadway show, Tina. Tickets start at $42 for adults and student tickets are $16. Reserved seats may be purchased at www.nepaphil.org or Philharmonic Box Office, 570.270.4444. Tickets are subject to availability on concert night and reserved seats are encouraged. Mohegan Pennsylvania, which is located at 1280 Highway 315, opens its doors at 6 PM for will call ticket pickup and day of concert sales. Cash bars will open at 6:30 PM, doors to the theater open at 7PM, with the performance beginning at 7:30 PM. The Philharmonic Pops series is sponsored by the PNC Foundation in collaboration with Dr. Seth W. And Carolyn Fisher. Additional sponsors include Robert M. Sides Music Centers, Pat Atkin family, Munley Law, and Mohegan Pennsylvania. Mohegan Pennsylvania continues to be a valuable supporter and friend of the NEPA Philharmonic and provides the perfect venue for the special, fun evening. Multiple restaurants are available for dining before or after the show, including Rustic Kitchen, Ruth’s Chris, Pearl Sushi Bar, and the Hive Taphouse. Free parking is available. For additional information and media interviews, please call the Philharmonic office at 570.270.4444.
NEPA Philharmonic to Celebrate 100th Anniversary of Rhapsody in Blue with All Gershwin Concert The Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic, under the baton of Maestra Mélisse Brunet, will present an ALL GERSHWIN Concert on Friday, April 12, at 7:30 PM at the Scranton Cultural Center, 420 North Washington Avenue. The program will feature three Gershwin masterpieces: Rhapsody in Blue, An American in Paris, and selections from Porgy and Bess. Soloist for Rhapsody will be international pianist, Ron Stabinsky, who was born and raised in NEPA. Ron studied classical repertoire with concert pianists Ilya Itin and Thomas Hrynkiw. Introducing the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic from the stage will be President of the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, Robert Durkin. This will be an incredible evening of music by the innovative genius, George Gershwin. Pianist Lara Downes said, that when we hear Rhapsody in Blue, we are somehow connecting with Gershwin, his enthusiasm, his open heart, and his wanting to show us the best of what our country can be-whether we know it or not. Vocalists Michael Preacely and Marquita Richardson will be soloists for songs from Porgy and Bess. Baritone, Michael Preacely, and soprano Marquita Richardson, have worked with numerous major and regional opera houses and orchestras in the United States and have consistently garnered critical acclaim. George Gershwin, 1898-1937, was an American composer and pianist whose eclectic compositions spanned popular jazz and classical genres. Among his other compositions were Swanee, Concerto in F, Overture to Strike up the Band, I’ve Got Rhythm, the scores to Shall We Dance, Girl Crazy, and many more. Unfortunately, his career was cut short at the age of 38 when he died from a brain tumor. Tickets may be purchased at nepaphil.org, through the Philharmonic box office, 570.270.4444, at the Scranton Cultural Center Box office, or at the door on concert night. Reserved seats begin at $38. Student tickets are $16 Sponsoring this ALL GERSHWIN evening are PNC Foundation, Dr. Seth and Caroline Fisher, Munley Law, Louis and Barbara Nivert, Toyota of Scranton, and The Atkins Family. Our media sponsors are WNEP TV, WVIA, Happenings Magazine, Halibut Blue, Lamar Advertising, and Discover NEPA Our Philharmonic concerts would not be possible without sponsorship by our friends in the corporate community and individuals who are committed to keeping the music playing. The Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic is a fully professional symphony orchestra, performing in Lackawanna and Luzerne counties. In addition to main stage concerts, the Philharmonic performs chamber concerts, “Music in Or Schools”, “Once Upon an Orchestra for tots in public libraries, and programs in local senior centers. At the center of the Philharmonic’s music programs is a juried mentoring program that offers talented high school students the opportunity to study with Philharmonic musicians throughout the year and perform side by side with their mentors in the annual Young People’s Concerts. For additional information about tickets, programs, sponsorships, or special events, please call 570.270.4444
