2023 Summer Hiatus
Our 50th anniversary season has come to a close. Thank you to our incredible artists and dedicated patrons and supporters. It’s been a truly spectacular year celebrating our legacy while looking to the next 50 years and beyond.
Read more...New Student Performing Arts Center Takes Shape
Recently, the Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania reviewed and advanced the design plans for a new
Student Performing Arts Center. The trapezoidal-shaped building will be located within a prominent triangular site at 33rd and Chestnut Streets.
The new center, along with the planned Stuart Weitzman Theatre, are the biggest investments in performing arts at Penn since the Annenberg Center opened its doors over 50 years ago. Read more...
Recent Highlights: Apr – Jun 2023
Spring came in like a lion for Penn Live Arts, blowing us all away with the incredible virtuosity of six-time Grammy® Award-winner Arturo O’Farrill and his Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra, dubbed “one of the best jazz orchestras in existence,” by
The New Yorker. It was a treat to learn about this Latin jazz visionary beforehand in the
5 Questions with Arturo O’Farrill feature on our blog.
In June, we were equally enthralled by jazz pianist Craig Taborn, who made his Philadelphia headline debut in a solo performance. Noted jazz writer Shaun Brady delved into Taborn’s process and interpretations in a post-performance Q&A session. While
The New York Times says Taborn is “one of the best jazz pianists alive,” we were particularly delighted when one Facebook fan raved “An extraordinary performance! Thanks for bringing this phenomenal artist to Philly.”
Read more...Make the Nevers Possible: Our Path to Sensory Inclusion
At the beginning of 2023, we partnered with
KultureCity to make the Annenberg Center the first performing arts venue in Philadelphia to be
sensory inclusive certified! With this certification, we join the ranks of Lincoln Financial Field, the Liacouras Center, Citizen’s Bank Park and hundreds of locations across the country. Through KultureCity, the nation’s leading non-profit in sensory accessibility, our team has committed to providing a more inclusive experience for all, with newfound training in assisting patrons with sensory processing needs.
After a chance encounter with KultureCity at an industry conference, we knew a partnership was in our future. Inclusion and belonging have been longtime priorities for Penn Live Arts (PLA). Obtaining this certification was a step closer to ensuring we are doing everything we can to provide an outstanding experience for all.
Read more...
