Philadelphia Orchestra moves opening night to U of Penn. venue

The Philadelphia Orchestra has switched its opening night venue from the Kimmel Center to Irvine Auditorium at the University of Pennsylvania.

According to a statement, the Philadelphia Orchestra moved its opening night location because of uncertainty over contract talks between the Kimmel Center and the stagehands union.

Opening night is scheduled for Thursday, October 13.

“Due to ongoing labor negotiations between the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts and IATSE, Local 8, the 112th Orchestra season opener will be performed in Irvine Auditorium under the direction of Chief Conductor Charles Dutoit and will feature soprano Dawn Upshaw,” according to a press release issued Friday by the orchestra.

The Gala Dinner that follows the concert will be held at the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology.

“We wholeheartedly support the efforts of the Kimmel Center to reach an agreement with its respective labor unions in a manner that is responsible for all of the arts organizations to thrive within Philadelphia,” said Ari Solotoff, Executive Vice President of The Philadelphia Orchestra.

“However, the Opening Night Concert and Gala is an important night for our Orchestra and more importantly, for our patrons.”