Highmark Mann celebrating 50th anniversary season with spectacular lineup of concerts

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- The Highmark Mann Center for the Performing Arts has hit a golden milestone.

"This is our 50th anniversary season here," says Catherine Cahill, President and CEO of the Highmark Mann Center for the Performing Arts.

And there's a dynamic lineup of performances to celebrate.

"The artistic excellence that has graced our stages is second to none," says Cahill.

New for this season is an expanded plaza and welcome center that includes the Encore Shop and Hall of Fame.

"The artist who's played here the most has been James Taylor," she says. "Other than the great Philadelphia Orchestra, for whom this was built."

The Philadelphia Orchestra continues its legacy of summer residency.

"On Tuesday, July 21, we'll start with the 'Tchaikovsky Spectacular,'" says Ryan Fleur, President and CEO of the Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts. "This concert is going to feature music from his 'Sleeping Beauty' ballet."

Xian Zhang will be leading the Philadelphia Orchestra from the podium and Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto No. 1 will be played by Eric Lu, first prize and gold medal winner of the 2025 International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition.

"Then, we conclude with great fireworks to the '1812 Overture,'" says Cahill. "It's a real tradition for all of our audiences and for the orchestra as well."

"July 22, we'll be honoring John Coltrane's centennial," says Fleur. "We'll be playing arrangements of his music, and we'll be featuring Ravi Coltrane, his son."

Following that evening of jazz, on July 24, pack a picnic for "Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back" In Concert.

"There's a giant video screen hung above the orchestra," says Cahill. "And the movie is played."

"The score has been removed from the film and we play it. We perform it live," says Fleur. "Some of the most iconic John Williams' themes."

"What a perfect experience for a night out under the stars to experience a great orchestra, in this case, 'The Fabulous Philadelphians,'" says Cahill.

And on August 22, don't miss the "Milestone Mashup," a free community event to celebrate the semiquincentennial.

All the Highmark Mann Center's stages will be animated during that expo, with a focus on 1776, 1876, 1976 and 2026. It will conclude with a gospel jubilee sing-along.

"And dancing on the plaza from 11am to 5pm," says Cahill. "So truly something for everybody."

For more information:

Highmark Mann Center for the Performing Arts Events
The Philadelphia Orchestra Events
July 21 Tickets - "Tchaikovsky Spectacular" with The Philadelphia Orchestra
July 22 Tickets - "Coltrane 100: Legacy featuring Ravi Coltrane" with The Philadelphia Orchestra
July 24 Tickets - "Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back" In Concert with The Philadelphia Orchestra
August 22 - Register for the "Highmark Mann Milestone Mashup" - A FREE Community Expo Celebrating Music, History, Family, and Fun

Highmark Mann Center for the Performing Arts
5201 Parkside Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19131