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.
Scranton Area Community Foundation, Women in Philanthropy Awards $35,000 to Local Nonprofits Women in Philanthropy (WIP), the initiative of the Scranton Area Community Foundation that focuses on empowering and transforming the lives of women and girls in the Lackawanna County region, proudly announces the recipients of its 2025 grants cycle. After a competitive grant process, $35,000 in grant funding was awarded to seven local nonprofit organizations. The awards were announced during the Women in Philanthropy Spring Grants Meeting held at the Hilton Scranton on Thursday evening, May 8, 2025. The recipients included Penn State Scranton (Financial Literacy Lunch & Learn Series for High School Students), Scranton School District (Girls in STEM), Scranton Primary Health Care Center (Confident Smiles Program), Providence Pregnancy Center (Casa de Maria Renovations), Black Scranton (Black Maternal Health Awareness), CASA of Lackawanna County, and The Philharmonic Society of Northeastern Pennsylvania (RxArts NEPA), all to support innovative projects and programs that work to transform the lives of women or girls across the Northeastern Pennsylvania region. The grant award recipients and amounts were selected during the Spring Grants Meeting by Women in Philanthropy supporters, who had the opportunity to vote after hearing presentations from each nonprofit organization. Women in Philanthropy (WIP) is a collective of more than 125 dedicated supporters committed to transforming the lives of women and girls in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Since its launch in 2014, this initiative of the Scranton Area Community Foundation has raised over $2 million and partnered with nearly 30 community organizations to create a measurable, lasting impact across the region. Women in Philanthropy proudly advances economic mobility in the area by addressing barriers to success, fostering leadership, and helping women build financial stability and independence. To learn more or become a supporter, visit www.supportnepawomen.org. Penn State Scranton accepts a Women in Philanthropy grant to support its Financial Literacy Lunch & Learn Series for high school students. Pictured from left: Amy Betts, Community Impact Manager, Scranton Area Community Foundation; Desiree Voitek, Senior Director of Campus Development, Penn State Scranton; Nonna Sorokina, Assistant Professor, Penn State Scranton; and Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO, Scranton Area Community Foundation. Scranton School District students accept a Women in Philanthropy grant supporting the Girls in STEM program. Pictured from left: Ellen Burkey, Board Chair, Scranton Area Community Foundation; Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO, Scranton Area Community Foundation; students Hazel Pacheco, Aryanee Sanchez, and Mirka Richeme; and Katona Miller, STEM Program Supervisor, Scranton School District. Scranton Primary Health Care Center receives a Women in Philanthropy grant to support the Confident Smiles Program, providing restorative dental care to women in need. Pictured from left: Ellen Burkey, Board Chair, Scranton Area Community Foundation; Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO, Scranton Area Community Foundation; Joseph Hollander, CEO, Scranton Primary Health Care Center; and Amy Betts, Community Impact Manager, Scranton Area Community Foundation. Providence Pregnancy Center accepts a Women in Philanthropy grant to support renovations to Casa de Maria, a safe and supportive housing space for women. Pictured from left: Ellen Burkey, Board Chair, Scranton Area Community Foundation; Anne O’Brien, Heather Murphy, Cecelia Carr, and Jessica Freyne, Providence Pregnancy Center; and Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO, Scranton Area Community Foundation. Black Scranton receives a Women in Philanthropy grant to support Black Maternal Health Awareness programming. Pictured from left: Ellen Burkey, Board Chair, Scranton Area Community Foundation; Glynis Johns, Founder and CEO, Black Scranton; and Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO, Scranton Area Community Foundation. CASA of Lackawanna County receives a Women in Philanthropy grant to support advocacy efforts for children in the foster care system. Pictured from left: Brittany Pagnotti, Director of Donor Relations and Communications, Scranton Area Community Foundation; Donna Kurzweil, CASA volunteer; Joan Peterson, Executive Director, CASA of Lackawanna County; and Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO, Scranton Area Community Foundation. The Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic receives a Women in Philanthropy grant to support the RxArts NEPA program, promoting healing through music and the arts. Pictured from left: Christine Zike, Board of Directors and VP of Development, Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic; Chason Goldschmitz, Executive Director, Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic; and Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO, Scranton Area Community Foundation.
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 Presents Carmina Burana at FM Kirby Center The instantly recognizable Carmina Burana – a mainstay of movies, television, and commercials – arrives at the FM Kirby Center! Wilkes-Barre-Scranton…The Thalenfeld Masterworks Series of The Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic presents Carl Orff’s “Carmina Burana” on Friday, April 25, 2025, at 7:30 PM at the FM Kirby Center, Wilkes-Barre. Philharmonic musicians and Music Director Mélisse Brunet will be joined by renowned vocal soloists Roderick George, Öznur Tülüoğlu, and Christopher Burchett, alongside the Marywood University Concert Choir led by Rick Hoffenberg. Also on the program will be Antonín Dvořák’s joyous and rousing “Carnival Overture”, and music pioneer Dolores White’s poignant “Give Birth to the Dream”. “O Fortuna”, the iconic opening movement of “Carmina Burana”, features accessible, highly melodic, repeated melodies and strong rhythms, making it a captivating experience for audiences. The lyrics, which complement the powerful music, deal with themes of life’s extremes like fortune, fate, and love. Concert tickets are priced from $42-$78 for adults, and college student tickets are $16. Students K-12 admitted at no charge by calling the box office. A pre-concert talk, with Maestra Melisse Brunet, will take place at 6:30 PM and all attendees are invited. Tickets may be purchased online at www.nepaphil.org, by calling 570.270.4444, or at the door on concert night. This concert is sponsored by the Thalenfeld Family Foundation, Christine and Harry Zike, Carol Nelson Dembert and F. Warren Breig, Jr, and Weber Gallagher Law Offices. The Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic is a fully professional symphony orchestra performing mainstage and chamber concerts, and free Independence Day concerts in Luzerne and Lackawanna Counties. The Philharmonic’s educational programs include Young People’s Concerts, a juried mentoring program for talented high school students, and “Music in our Schools”, an in-school interactive program featuring brass, wind, string, or percussion ensembles. Our community engagement includes “Once Upon an Orchestra” in local libraries for children to age 5, and miniature concerts in senior living centers.
NEPA Philharmonic Brings the Joy of Music to Schools The musicians of the NEPA Philharmonic, alongside students from their Mentoring Program, have been keeping busy this winter, spreading the joy of music across the community! From inspiring local students in schools to sharing powerful musical moments with senior center residents, NEPA Phil has truly made a difference this season. Music in Our Schools This January, the NEPA Philharmonic’s Woodwind Quintet visited South Scranton Intermediate and Scranton High School, introducing students to the unique sounds of the wind instruments and offering a glimpse into the world of professional music. In February, former NEPA Philharmonic Principal Cellist Alberto Parrini brought his expertise to Abington Heights High School, working with student musicians—many of whom are also part of the Philharmonic’s Mentoring Program—on key techniques including bowing, rhythm, scales, and tone. Later in the month, renowned pianist Marcantonio Barone joined Parrini for an inspiring performance at Wyoming Valley West Middle School, where they engaged with young string musicians. These opportunities allow students to connect directly with professionals, gaining invaluable insight and experience that enhances the incredible work of local music programs. The enthusiasm and dedication from the students were evident, and their interactions with these accomplished musicians will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact. A special thank you goes out to the dedicated teachers—Greg Hulse, Diane Amari, Allison Covell, and Suzanne Hall—whose support made these visits possible. We encourage the community to express their gratitude to local music educators for their ongoing efforts in shaping the next generation of musicians. Mentoring Program and Outreach The NEPA Philharmonic Mentoring Program recently visited Green Ridge Care Center as part of the Music in Our Senior Centers initiative. Students shared their musical talents with senior residents, creating meaningful connections across generations through the universal language of music. The heartfelt performance was a testament to the power of music to bring people together. Rehearsals for the Mentoring Program’s upcoming chamber ensembles are also in full swing. Young musicians—including violinists Isaiah, Roman, Soren, and Alec, violists Judah and Lucas, and cellists Giada and Aiden—are hard at work in coaching sessions with Philharmonic musicians Gabriel and Leah, preparing for their highly anticipated Mentoring Program Chamber Concert on May 18th.
NEPA Philharmonics’ Holiday Concerts: A Festive Tradition Returns! The Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic’s annual holiday concerts will feature the PNC Pops orchestra, under the baton of Maestra Mélisse Brunet, with soloist Nick Driscoll on clarinet. Performances will take place on Saturday, December 7, at 7 PM, at the FM Kirby Center, Wilkes-Barre, and an afternoon matinee on Sunday, December 8, at 3 PM, at the Scranton Cultural Center. Maestra Mélisse Brunet, the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic, and Santa and Mrs. Claus invite you to celebrate the holiday season with the orchestra and special guests on December 7 and 8. Guest artists featured for Holiday 2024 are the Choral Society of Northeastern Pennsylvania, singers from the Wilkes University Choir (Dr. Joshua Harper, Artistic Director), Marywood University Concert Choir (Dr. Rick Hoffenberg, Music Director/Conductor), Ballet Theatre of Scranton (Joanne Arduino, Artistic Director), String Students of the Valenches Music Company, Special Guest Conductor Nancy Sanderson, and Santa and Mrs. Claus. This year’s concerts will include a broad variety of holiday favorites including “Jingle Bell Rock”, “Christmas Day”, “Klezmer 101”, “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers” danced by Ballet Theatre of Scranton, “White Christmas” “Angels from the Realm of Glory”, “Sleigh Ride”, and more. The concert will end with a Holiday Sing-Along” including “Deck the Halls” and ‘Jolly Old St. Nicholas”, finishing with a “Jingle Bells Concert Finale”. Sponsoring Holiday 2024 are PNC Foundation, Dr. Seth & Carolyn Fisher, Allied Services, Benco Dental, Geisinger, Gentex, Karam Orthodontics, Pagnotti Enterprises, Inc., Realty Network, Riggs Asset Management, and Toyota of Scranton. Media sponsors are WNEP 16, WVIA, Discover NEPA, Halibut Blue, Happenings, and Lamar. Tickets may be purchased online at NEPAphil.org, by calling the Philharmonic office at 570.270.4444, at the FM Kirby or Scranton Cultural Center Box Offices, now or at the door immediately prior to the concerts. Reserved seats range from $42-$78 and student tickets, K-12, are $16. Holiday 2024 is dedicated to Nancy Sanderson, Executive Director, who will be retiring on December 31, 2024, following a decade of dedicated service to the orchestra. Newly appointed Executive Director, Chason Goldschmitz, will formally assume his role on January 1, 2025.
Marywood Univeristy and NEPA Philharmonic Collaborate on Concert Marywood University’s music, theatre, and dance (MTD) department is part of a unique performance collaboration between its music faculty and the Northeast PA Philharmonic. A concert, titled “Quartet for the End of Time by Olivier Messiaen,” will take place on Saturday, September 28, at 7 p.m. in the Marian Chapel at the Swartz Center for Spiritual Life on Marywood University’s campus. Featured musicians include Sophie Till–violin; Christiane Vaida–cello; Ron Stabinsky–piano, and Pascal Archer–clarinet. To secure tickets prior to the performance, go to: https://marywood.universitytickets.com/w/event.aspx?id=1580&p=1. Tickets are $15 for the general public or free with a Marywood ID. To learn about other Marywood University MTD events, go to marywood.edu/mtd and scroll to the bottom of the page to view upcoming performances.
Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic Announces 53rd Season Under the baton of Maestra Brunet, the NEPA Philharmonic 2024-25 season will feature audience favorites, new works. Performances will be at multiple venues in Luzerne and Lackawanna Counties. The Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic will launch its 53rd season, “Building Bridges,” on Friday, September 27, 2024, at the F.M. Kirby Center, at 7:30 PM with the iconic music of QUEEN performed in collaboration with Jeans & Classics, and the Marywood University Chamber Singers under the direction of Dr. Rick Hoffenberg. The Philharmonic’s dynamic season will include mainstage and chamber concerts. Featured are many audience favorites including a tribute to Tina Turner, Bizet’s Carmen Suites with Ballet Theatre of Scranton, Sibelius’s fifth Symphony, Copland’s Clarinet Concerto featuring Pascal Archer, Tchaikovsky’s Serenade for Strings, and Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana with a symphonic chorus. We continue the tradition of Holiday Pops concerts featuring seasonal music in collaboration with Ballet Theatre of Scranton, Choral Society of NEPA, Marywood Concert Choir and Wyoming Valley Concert Choir. The entire Pops Series is sponsored by PNC Foundation and Dr. Seth and Carolyn Fisher, the Masterworks Series is sponsored by the Thalenfeld Family Foundation, and the Chamber Concert Series is sponsored by the Stoppini Foundation. The Philharmonic’s theme “Building Bridges” reinforces the orchestra’s community wide partnerships, which include the Sordoni Art Gallery, the Black Scranton Art Project, the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association, regional senior centers, regional schools, and public libraries. Its outreach programs, designed for toddlers through seniors enrich the lives of countless people of NEPA. “Subscribers are loyal and appreciative friends of the Phil,” notes Nancy Sanderson, Executive Director. Early bird pricing allows subscribers a savings between 15% and 30% and ends on September 18th. Subscriptions and single tickets may be purchased online at www.nepaphil.org or by calling the Philharmonic box office at 570-270-4444. Students K-12 are invited to attend Masterworks concerts at no charge. For additional information, please contact the NEPA Philharmonic at (570) 270-4444.
NEPA Philharmonic to Perform at Jaya’s Annual on the Roof On Thursday, July 4th, at 9 AM, Hilary Steinberg of Jaya Yoga in Clarks Summit, and the Marketplace at Steamtown will sponsor the eleventh annual Yoga on the Roof, which includes one hour of yoga accompanied by live music played by Philharmonic musicians. The yoga practice will be followed by treats compliments of Maximum Zen. This event is a favorite way to launch to Independence Day celebrations and benefits the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic’s educational and outreach programs. A five-minute mediation 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 are Leah Valenches, Juliet Valenches, and Peter Brubaker. 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 nepaphil.org until Tuesday, July 2nd. Walk ins are welcome. All are asked to arrive by 8:45 AM on Thursday, July 4th, rain or shine. A donation of $20 is requested. The Philharmonic projects that directly benefit from Yoga on the Roof are Music in our Schools, Meet the Maestra, Young People’s Concerts, a juried mentoring program for talented high school music students, musical performances in senior living centers and a new initiative for tots in regional libraries. Pre-registration is also available by calling the Philharmonic 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 symphony orchestra performing in Lackawanna and Luzerne counties. Music Director and Conductor is Mélisse Brunet. For additional information about the Philharmonic, sponsorship opportunities, and concerts, please call (570) 270-4444.
