NEPA Philharmonic Celebrates Support From Scranton Area Community Foundation The Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic is proud to celebrate its longstanding relationship with and deep appreciation for the Scranton Area Community Foundation, whose continued support has played a vital role in expanding the Philharmonic’s educational, cultural, and community-focused initiatives throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania. Through the Scranton Area Community Foundation, the NEPA Philharmonic received multiple generous grants in 2025 that help to advance access to music and the arts for all ages across the community. In early 2025, the Philharmonic was awarded a $4,000 Community Needs grant through the Fall 2024 grant cycle to support its mentoring program for talented high school students, providing young musicians with professional guidance from NEPA Philharmonic Musicians. In Spring 2025, the Community Needs program also provided a $10,000 grant in support of the launch of RxArts NEPA, an innovative new initiative in development that will prescribe arts experiences to older adults across the region at risk of social isolation and loneliness. RxArts NEPA received additional support of $4,450 through a Women in Philanthropy grant from the Foundation, further strengthening the program’s future community impact. The Scranton Area Community Foundation has also facilitated important grants for the NEPA Philharmonic’s programs from additional community partners, including the Robert H. Spitz Foundation and the Community Foundation of Monroe County. The Robert H. Spitz Foundation awarded the Philharmonic a $12,000 grant through its Spring 2025 grant cycle to promote Jewish music and culture across the region. This grant provides underwriting support for Dreams & Klezmer, an upcoming chamber music performance, Sunday, February 22nd at 3pm at WVIA’s Sordoni Theatre in Pittston, that will explore rich Jewish musical and cultural traditions with clarinet and string quartet. The Spitz Foundation grant also provides support toward free Angel Tickets for Philharmonic concerts for individuals in need, distributed through local Jewish community organizations, as well as a free public lecture on “Klezmer & Kabbalah” that happened in early February. An additional grant of $4,800 administered through the Scranton Area Community Foundation from the Community Foundation of Monroe County’s Myra Kyle Fund for the Arts will enable the Philharmonic to expand its music education programs to libraries and schools across Monroe County later this spring. These programs include Once Upon an Orchestra, pairing live music with story-time for children ages 2–6, as well as Music in Our Schools, introducing K-12 students to musical instruments and professional musicians. These Philharmonic programs aim to foster early musical engagement, imagination, and a lifelong connection to the arts. The Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic looks forward to continuing this meaningful partnership with the Scranton Area Community Foundation and expanding its mission to serve the region through music, education and inclusive cultural experiences. For tickets or more information on concerts and community programs, visit NEPAPHIL.org, or call the NEPA Philharmonic Box Office at (570) 270-4444.
NEPA Philharmonic’s Contest Opens Doors for Local Artists The Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic brought the local music scene to life with its Battle of the Bands event, drawing more than 400 attendees for an evening that celebrated the region’s outstanding original artists. Hosted in partnership with Mohegan PA, and presented by ROCK107, the event featured electrifying performances by Rogue Chimp; Chasing Ashlee; Tori V & the Karma; So Much Hope, Buried.; Jay Orrell Band; The Sorters; One Revived; and Gracie Jane Sinclair & The Band. Each set delivered a distinctive sound and style, representative of the diversity and talent within the local music scene. Additional support from Guitar Center lent itself to state-of-the-art equipment utilized by each of the bands, who were able to perform their eight-minute sets and switch with each other in just a few minutes. Popko, of the Popko Project on ROCK107, was the emcee for the event, conducting interviews between sets as the bands each noted how thrilled they were to be a part of such a unique local event, giving them an opportunity that is one of the first of its kind to be presented by a professional symphony orchestra. The panel of judges included NEPA Philharmonic Music Director Mélisse Brunet, NEPA Philharmonic Executive Director Chason Goldschmitz, NEPA Philharmonic Concertmaster Ruotao Mao, Mohegan PA’s Director of Events Jennifer Ducharme, ROCK107’s on air host Kait, PA State Representative Eddie Day Pashinski, and Marywood University’s Director of Choral Activities Rick Hoffenberg. Gracie Jane Sinclair & The Band earned the $1,000 Audience Choice Award and went on to claim the Grand Prize of $5,000. So Much Hope, Buried. received the Second Prize Award of $1,000. As part of the Grand Prize, Gracie Jane Sinclair & The Band will perform with the full Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic orchestra on a future date in their 2026-2027 season, which is to be announced. The NEPA Philharmonic’s Battle of the Bands reflects the organization’s drive to engage with local talent and vitalize the community with music performances that are unique and accessible to all audiences. For more information about upcoming events and programs, visit NEPAPHIL.org, or call the Philharmonic Box Office at (570) 270-4444.
NEPA Philharmonic Highlights “Dreams & Klezmer” The Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic present an upcoming program that highlights the rich history and expression of Klezmer music and Jewish culture. Attend an intimate chamber music program, “Dreams & Klezmer.” The program is Sunday, February 22nd at 3:00pm at the WVIA Sordoni Theatre in Pittston. The “Dreams & Klezmer” chamber concert weaves together the expressive fire of klezmer music with mystical and dreamlike modern works. The music explores themes of memory, spirituality, and cultural tradition through a soundscape of Jewish mysticism, folk tradition, and dance. This evocative program for clarinet and string quartet features Osvaldo Golijov’s mesmerizing and powerful “Dreams and Prayers of Isaac the Blind,” music by Dmitri Shostakovich. The concert also has traditional klezmer melodies arranged by NEPA Philharmonic violinist and Chamber Series coordinator Sasha Margolis. The concert features an ensemble including Margolis on violin, NEPA Philharmonic Principal Clarinetist Pascal Archer, Principal Cellist Lucas Button, violinist Robyn Quinnett, and guest violist Mialtin Zhezha. The NEPA Philharmonic 25-26 Season is presented by PNC; Philharmonic season media sponsors include WVIA, Lamar Advertising, Halibut Blue, Happenings Magazine, and Darren Elias Photography. The Philharmonic Chamber Series is presented by the Stoppini Family Foundation, and the Dreams & Klezmer program is presented by the Robert H. Spitz Foundation. A generous grant from the Robert H. Spitz Foundation’s Spring 2025 Grant Cycle, provided through the Scranton Area Community Foundation, underwrites for the event, as well as a distribution of free Angel Tickets for upcoming Philharmonic concerts to local Jewish non-profit organizations serving community members in need. Tickets for concert are $29 in advance or $35 at the door, with limited seating available. For tickets or more information, visit NEPAPHIL.org, or call the Philharmonic Box Office at (570) 270-4444.
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.
