NEPA Philharmonic Presents “Battle of the Bands” The NEPA Philharmonic is excited to present its inaugural Battle of the Bands, presented by ROCK107, on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 7:00 PM at Mohegan Pennsylvania Casino’s Keystone Grand Ballroom in Wilkes-Barre. This groundbreaking, dynamic, live-judged music competition showcases eight talented local bands across a wide range of styles, from jazz fusion to country and heavy metal to pop rock, with cash prizes and a chance for one band to perform with the Philharmonic. Tickets, $29 general admission, are available at NEPAPHIL.org or by calling the NEPA Philharmonic Box Office at (570) 270-4444. Over 40 talented bands from across Northeastern Pennsylvania applied to compete, with eight finalists selected to take the stage: So Much Hope, Buried.; Gracie Jane Sinclair & The Band; Chasing Ashlee; Tori V & The Karma; The Sorters; Rogue Chimp; One Revived; and the Jay Orrell Band. These bands will compete in the live-judged event for their chance to win the $5,000 Grand Prize and perform with the NEPA Philharmonic in their 2026-2027 season. A $1,000 runner up prize and a $1,000 audience choice prize will also be awarded, giving audience members an opportunity to cheer on and vote for their favorite band. John Popko, host at Rock107 and Fuzz 96.1, will be the emcee for the event. The event will be judged by a panel comprised of the following individuals: Mélisse Brunet — Music Director, NEPA Philharmonic Chason Goldschmitz — Executive Director, NEPA Philharmonic Ruotao Mao — Concertmaster, NEPA Philharmonic Kait — Co-Host of the Prospector Show, Rock107 Jennifer Ducharme — Director of Events, Mohegan PA Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski — Pennsylvania State Representative, 121st District Rick Hoffenberg — Co-Director, Marywood University School of Visual & Performing Arts “NEPA has been blessed with incredible musicians for decades,” says Pennsylvania State Representative Eddie Day Pashinski (121st District), a judge for the event. “I congratulate our NEPA Philharmonic organization for creating this momentous opportunity for our very talented NEPA musicians. The financial prizes for this competition are truly substantial for the winners. But the once in a lifetime performance opportunity with our NEPA Philharmonic orchestra is priceless. I can’t wait to hear all the bands, and then to hear the winning band perform with our incredible NEPA Philharmonic orchestra. Absolutely fantastic!” “Local music is what keeps communities strong,” added Kait, event judge and ROCK107 host. “Local bands are the heartbeat of a town. I’m looking forward to putting my finger on the pulse of it all.” John Popko, emcee and ROCK107 host, says: “I’m honored to serve as emcee for this event and help spotlight the incredible talent that NEPA has to offer. I’ve always believed our local music scene stands toe-to-toe with any in the country. I’m very familiar with the artists competing in this Battle of the Bands, having featured nearly all of them on my local radio show, The Popko Project Radio Experience, which airs Saturday mornings at 10 a.m. on Fuzz 96.1 (a sister station of Rock 107). It’s truly a pleasure to share their music on the air, and I hope everyone in attendance leaves with a renewed appreciation for the musicians in our region. This is going to be fun!” Jennifer Ducharme, Battle of the Bands judge and Mohegan PA Director of Events, says: “Mohegan Pennsylvania is thrilled to be part of this incredible celebration of music and artistry. Supporting the arts is an essential part of our commitment to the community, and we look forward to an unforgettable evening.” The NEPA Philharmonic season is presented by PNC, the POPS series is presented by Dr. Seth & Carolyn Fisher, and Battle of the Bands is presented by ROCK107. Additional in-kind support is provided by Guitar Center through the use of their premium equipment. For more information about the Battle of the Bands or to purchase tickets, visit NEPAPHIL.org, or call the Box Office at (570) 270-4444.
NEPA Philharmonic To Present The Snowman in Concert The NEPA Philharmonic is excited to present The Snowman™ in Concert, presented by Magic93, on Saturday, December 20th at 7PM at the F.M. Kirby Center in Wilkes-Barre: a NEW enchanting holiday event perfect for audiences of all ages! Two beloved and heartwarming animated short films, The Snowman™ and The Snowman & The Snowdog™ will be shown on the big screen while the Philharmonic performs the full accompaniment music LIVE, bringing the magical tale of a young boy and his snowman to life with rich, cinematic sound. Enhancing the festive spirit of the evening, the performance, under the direction of Music Director Mélisse Brunet, will feature guest vocal soloists from Marywood University—soprano Jocelyn Meyer, mezzo-soprano Beatrice Chindemi, and bass Marcel Sinclair—along with a special appearance by dancers from Scranton Civic Ballet and visits from Mr. and Mrs. Claus themselves! In addition to the films, the program will include joyful holiday sing-alongs, inviting families and community members to raise their voices together in seasonal favorites. “We are thrilled to bring this cherished holiday experience to our community,” says Executive Director, Chason Goldschmitz. “The combination of live orchestra, film, dance, singing, and family-friendly holiday fun makes this one of the most magical events of the season!” Additionally, the NEPA Philharmonic is excited to partner for this concert with Silent Sound Systems to provide sensory- and deaf-accessible accommodations to recipients of the Philharmonic’s Angel Ticket program, which harnesses community support into free concert tickets to individuals in need across the community, distributed via local nonprofits. Silent Sound Systems will also have live demonstrations of their BASSpak and headphones for all audience members, in the lobby before the concert and at intermission. The NEPA Philharmonic’s 2025-2026 season is presented by PNC, with the Movie series presented by the Thalenfeld Family Foundation and the Pops series presented by Dr. Seth & Carolyn Fisher. The Snowman™ in Concert is presented by Magic93, with additional support from Highmark Blue Cross, Munley Law, and Silent Sound Systems. Philharmonic Box Office: (570) 270-4444 Click here to find more information.
NEPA Philharmonic Continues (Candle)LIT Holidays Tradition The Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic proudly announces the return of one of its most beloved seasonal traditions: (Candle)LIT Holidays, taking place on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 7:00 PM at the Scranton Cultural Center. This annual celebration invites audiences to embrace the warmth, nostalgia, and joy of the holiday season through an evening of dazzling performances set within a breathtaking, candlelit atmosphere. As a new touch to the annual holiday concert, guests will be welcomed into a hall glowing with the soft flicker of hundreds of electric candles, creating an intimate and immersive setting unlike any other holiday concert in the region. This year’s program features the full NEPA Philharmonic orchestra alongside the Abington Heights High School Choir and Ballet Theatre of Scranton, offering a rich blend of symphonic favorites, choral classics, and festive dance. Adding to the magic, the evening will include special appearances from North Pole visitors—making the event particularly enchanting for children and families. (Candle)LIT Holidays is part of the Philharmonic’s 2025–2026 Season, presented by PNC, whose commitment to the arts helps ensure that high-quality cultural experiences remain accessible throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania. The Philharmonic also extends deep gratitude to its POPS Series sponsor, Dr. Seth and Carolyn Fisher, and concert presenting sponsor, Magic93. Additional support for this concert has been provided by Toyota of Scranton, Adams Outdoor, Gentex, and Knowles Insurance. Their generosity allows the Philharmonic to present concerts that bring together professional musicians, young local performers, and regional arts organizations in vibrant collaboration. Beyond its musical offerings, the evening serves as a celebration of the community itself. For long-time patrons, (Candle)LIT Holidays has become a cherished annual tradition; for new attendees, it offers a perfect introduction to the Philharmonic’s artistry and welcoming spirit. Audience members can expect familiar holiday melodies, stirring orchestral moments, and heartwarming performances that capture the essence of togetherness during this special time of year. Tickets for (Candle)LIT Holidays range from $16 to $78. Early purchase is encouraged, as seats are going fast. Tickets and additional event information are available at nepaphil.org, or by contacting the Philharmonic box office at (570) 270-4444.
NEPA Philharmonic Presents Upcoming Programs Join the Philharmonic Brass quintet in an intimate, candlelit setting of jazz and classical music in the beautiful Rotunda of the Luzerne County Courthouse on Friday, Nov. 21st at 7PM! Seating is limited and tickets are selling fast! Tickets are $29 in advance and $35 at the door, students $16 Click here for more information. The Snowman and the Snowdog A beloved Christmas classic is brought to life in spectacular fashion by the orchestra. This magical event is sure to create cherished memories for the entire family. Saturday, December 20th at 7PM at the F. M. Kirby Center, Wilkes Barre. Click here to find more information.
The NEPA Philharmonic Extends Mélisse Brunet and Presents Mozart’s Requiem The Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic continues its (Candle)LIT Festival with candlelit performances of Mozart’s Requiem in Wilkes-Barre and Scranton on October 23 and 24, as the orchestra celebrates and proudly announces that Music Director Mélisse Brunet has extended her contract through June 2029, cementing her leadership and vision through the 2028-29 season. Maestra Brunet leads the orchestra and the Marywood University Concert Choir on Thursday, October 23 at 7:00pm at St. Stephens Episcopal Church in Wilkes-Barre, and Friday, October 24 at 7:00pm at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Scranton, bringing repeat Philharmonic classical concerts to both cities for the first time in nearly a decade. This is the second concert program of the Philharmonic’s (Candle)LIT Festival, illuminating concerts from October 18 through December 6 with hundreds of electric candles in intimate settings. Preceding the Requiem on these short, no-intermission concerts will be Chorale for Strings by the late Ukrainian composer Hanna Havrylets, who died at the beginning of the current Russo-Ukrainian War. The concerts are presented in memory of the late John F. Magagna, a long-time Philharmonic supporter. The 2025–26 season also celebrates Brunet’s tenth anniversary with the orchestra—a decade during which she has significantly raised the Philharmonic’s artistic profile. “After 10 years working for the organization, from Apprentice Conductor to Music Director, I’m absolutely elated to stay for another 3 years in our community that I love so much,” says Brunet. “It is a true joy to work with our outstanding and stellar musicians, and it is my hope that everyone can come to one of our concerts this season. Our new Executive Director, our staff, and our entire Board of Directors are working relentlessly and with great passion to bring music to everyone, from all horizons of life. Thank you all for your support and love, and I look forward to seeing you at the hall!” “Mélisse Brunet has the rare ability to make world-class artistry feel personal—one moment she’s commanding the orchestra and the next she’s kneeling beside schoolchildren,” says Adam Thalenfeld, NEPA Philharmonic Board President. “This is the exact spirit we want for our orchestra, and for this community. She pushes our musicians to perform at their highest level while reminding us that music is meant to be shared, not guarded. The Board of Directors and I could not be more thrilled to have her at the helm for another three years as we grow our education programs, expand our audiences, and continue to prove that great symphonic music belongs to and should be enjoyed by everyone.” “The Board and Staff of the Philharmonic are thrilled by Maestra Brunet’s continued role as our Music Director,” says Chason Goldschmitz, NEPA Philharmonic Executive Director. “Philharmonic concerts are growing, educational programs are expanding, and new community projects are on the horizon, all driven by her creative, imaginative, and devoted artistic leadership and transformative programming. Working with Mélisse is an absolute joy and privilege, and her artistry and vision is one we are incredibly fortunate to have for our orchestra and for the Northeastern Pennsylvania region.” The Mozart Requiem concerts hold a special significance to the Philharmonic, honoring both the continued leadership of Maestra Brunet and the philanthropic legacy of long-time supporter John F. Magagna, in two unforgettable evenings of light, music, and celebration. As the next concerts under Brunet’s baton, (Candle)LIT Mozart’s Requiem will showcase the Marywood University Concert Choir, prepared by choral director Rick Hoffenberg; organist Mark Laubach; and rising-star guest soloists Jessica Leigh, Inayah Raheem, Dylon Crain, and Metropolitan Opera Lindemann Artist Sunghoon Han. Audiences can expect a deeply moving journey through Mozart’s final masterpiece, blending drama and profound introspection. The 2025-26 Philharmonic season is presented by PNC, and the Requiem concerts are presented as part of the Thalenfeld Symphony Series. (Candle)LIT Mozart’s Requiem is additionally sponsored by Paul & Adrienne Horger and JPMorgan Chase. Tickets are available at nepaphil.org or via the Philharmonic box office at (570) 270-4444.
Northeastern PA Philharmonic Defying Gravity Performance Exclusive Discount Offer Chamber members, use the promotional code: SCRCHAM at checkout. There is no deadline for the promotional code to be used, provided it is before the concert. Tickets can be purchased here: www.nepaphil.org/tickets
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.
