ERIE PHILHARMONIC RETURNS TO THE STAGE AFTER NEARLY TWO YEARS WITH COME HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS
November 29, 2021 – For the Erie Philharmonic, the music has finally returned. After the closing notes sounded on March 7, 2020, at the Warner Theatre, the future of the orchestra was unknown. With the onset of the COVID-19 lockdown over those next few weeks, arts organizations across the country closed up shop, in some cases for good.
Not your Erie Philharmonic.
17 television broadcasts and 16 free summer concerts later, the orchestra is back, thanks to the heroic generosity and dedication of countless individuals across the region. The orchestra not only survived; they thrived, adapted and pivoted, and are ready for a comeback concert for the ages.
This comeback launches on December 4 with two performances of the beloved Come Home for the Holidays concert (3pm & 8pm). Showing resilience yet again, the orchestra was forced to pivot last minute by switching venues to the Erie Insurance Arena. A move, described by Executive Director Steve Weiser, not as disruptive as it may seem. “Lost in the chaos of 2020 was the concept that our pre-COVID 2020-21 season was planned entirely with the Erie Insurance Arena in mind. Between ornate curtaining and lighting to an upgraded sound system, 99% of the work was already done in terms of concert planning. Once we knew for sure the concert needed to be moved to the arena, our team worked around the clock to facilitate the change and to start preparing for this memorable concert.”
Memorable certainly seems correct. The Philharmonic has assembled a cast of hundreds for these two exciting, identical holiday performances (in previous years, the afternoon performance was shortened). Alongside the return of Maestro Daniel Meyer, Concertmaster Ken Johnston, the Erie Philharmonic, the Philharmonic Chorus and Junior Philharmonic Chorus, this concert will also feature the grand debut of the orchestra’s newly formed Youth Chorale, under the direction of Sharon Downey.
Patrons will be required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or negative test upon arrival (PCR within 72 hours, antigen within 24 hours). All patrons must wear their mask when inside a concert venue.
Highlighting the program is another memorable star – renowned Broadway singer Ashley Brown (pictured above). Ms. Brown originated the title role in Mary Poppins on Broadway for which she received Outer Critics, Drama League and Drama Desk nominations for Best Actress. Ms. Brown also starred as Mary Poppins in the national tour of Mary Poppins where she was awarded a 2010 Garland award for “Best Performance in a Musical.” Ms. Brown’s other Broadway credits include Belle in The Beauty and The Beast and she has starred in the national tour of Disney's On The Record.
With selections from O Holy Night and White Christmas to Chanukah Lights and the crowd-favorite sing-along, the Philharmonic is indeed coming home for the holidays. Maybe not the home the orchestra was expecting, at least not yet anyway, but the home that Erie needs right now.
A home (read: hockey arena) full of singing, laughter, joy and, finally, music.