Introduction to the Education Department: Creating a Lifelong Love Affair with Chamber Music

The Education Department supports PCMS’s core mission — "to serve the Greater Philadelphia region and the field of music by presenting a rich and compelling variety of chamber music and recital programs performed by exceptional international and Philadelphia-based artists" —  through a number of different initiatives.

While it may seem oxymoronic for us to engage in efforts to “enhance” a PCMS concert, we do aim to augment our audiences’ experience at a concert.  Through pre-concert lectures presented by distinguished and engaging scholars, clear and elucidating Program Notes written by pre-eminent authorities,  and Master Classes open to the public and presented by some of the world’s greatest artists, we offer our audience a personal window into artists, repertoire and performance practice not found through print media or the Web.

Images from the Ying Quartet's children's concert

An equally important goal is to build the next generation of classical music lovers.  Our Children's Concerts give our youngest audiences the opportunity to engage with master performers who delight in seeing how excited kids can get when they’re exposed to great music.

In addition, we work closely with regional colleges and universities and performing arts institutions to make our concerts as accessible as possible to students — both those already familiar with classical music, and those for whom it may be new.  For just $30 per year, our Unlimited Student Pass lets students attend as many concerts as they can put into their busy calendars.  For students who wish to attend just a few concerts, we offer Student Vouchers — 3 tickets for $24 ($8 a ticket) redeemable for whatever performances interest them.  As part of our mandate, we also work directly with faculty and administrators, often offering complimentary tickets to their students.

We know the power and value of classical music — and want to share it with students of all ages in ways that create a life-long love affair with chamber music.