Sounds of the Brandywine Valley

Inspiring museums, colorful galleries, renowned theaters … it’s clear that the arts are thriving in County Lines country. The music community is no exception. From student musicians to professionals, there are plenty of performers filling our area’s sonic landscape.

As the year winds down, many local ensembles are getting ready for fall and holiday concerts, making this the perfect time to explore our region’s music scene and perhaps find a new favorite. From chamber groups to full orchestras and everything in between, here’s a sample of the talented ensembles that call the Brandywine Valley home, along with their upcoming performance schedules.

Symphony and Pops Orchestras

Our region hosts several excellent orchestras. While symphony and pops orchestras have similar instrumentations — strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion — their repertoire varies. Symphonies tend to stick to classical music, while pops orchestras often explore several genres, including pop music and show tunes.

Chester County Pops Orchestra

Made up of 65 musicians from across the county, the Chester County Pops Orchestra has been performing pops, jazz and light-classic repertoire since 2005. They perform several concerts a year throughout Chester County and beyond — this summer, they played down the shore at the Cape May Convention Center.

The Chesco Pops are currently gearing up for their holiday shows. On December 13, they have a concert at First Presbyterian Church in West Chester featuring the West Chester Children’s Chorus. Check their website for more dates.

For tickets and more performances, visit ChescoPops.org.

Delaware County Symphony

Established in 1971, the Delaware County Symphony is a 70-member community orchestra based at Neumann University’s Meagher Theatre. Throughout the years, DCS has performed at regional venues including the Kimmel Center’s Perelman Theater, Wilmington’s Grand Opera House, the Philadelphia Museum of Art and Media Theatre.

The 2024–25 season, called “Fantasies, Favorites and Forgotten Memories,” continues on December 8 with “Timeless Melodies.” The orchestra performs Tchaikovsky’s “‘Romeo and Juliet’ Fantasy Overture,” Mozart’s “Horn Concerto” and Reinhold Glière’s “Symphony No. 2.”

For tickets and more performances, visit DCSMusic.org.

Delaware Symphony Orchestra

With roots going back to Alfred I. du Pont’s early-19th-century Tankopanicum Orchestra (translated as “the rushing waters of the Brandywine River”), the Delaware Symphony Orchestra has been entertaining audiences for generations. Delaware’s only professional orchestra performs for thousands each year at their Classics and Chamber Series concerts, family-friendly performances and community outreach programs.

Up next in their 119th season is “Ciabatti Conducts Beethoven,” part of their Classics Series. Music Director finalist Filippo Ciabatti conducts Beethoven’s “Symphony No. 5” — always a favorite — plus Shostakovich’s “Concerto for Violincello in E-flat major” and Carlos Simon’s 2021 “Fate Now Conquers.” Hear it at Wilmington’s Grand Opera House on November 15 or Cape Henlopen High School in Lewes on November 17.

Then get into the holiday spirit for the return of “Holidays at the Hotel,” December 10 at the Hotel du Pont’s Gold Ballroom. This family-friendly concert features a performance of Bach’s “Concerto for Two Violins” by DSO concertmaster David Southorn and Delaware’s 13-year-old violin virtuoso Maxwell Brown.

For tickets and more performances, visit DelawareSymphony.org.

Kennett Symphony

Since 1940, the Kennett Symphony has brought quality symphonic music to the Brandywine Valley. Chester County’s only professional orchestra offers innovative, first-class musical experiences in an approachable environment through their concert series and educational programming.

On November 3, the Kennett Symphony invites you to Mendenhall Inn’s Grand Ballroom for a “Reimagined Concert Experience.” Perfect for first-time attendees, this performance of Haydn’s “Symphony No. 45” (known as the “Farewell” Symphony) is in a casual setting with food and drink options. Then mark your calendar for their holiday concert featuring the KS Brass Quintet, December 13 at the Chester County History Center in West Chester.

For tickets and more performances, visit KennettSymphony.org.

Main Line Symphony Orchestra

Based in Wayne, the Main Line Symphony Orchestra is a community ensemble celebrating its 79th season. The orchestra draws dedicated musicians of all ages, performing both classic orchestral pieces and new compositions.
MLSO kicks off their 2024–25 season with “Concert 1: Americana,” November 15 at Valley Forge Middle School.

Selections include Leonard Bernstein’s “Candide Overture,” West Chester native Samuel Barber’s “Concerto for Violin” (featuring soloist Marc Rovetti of the Philadelphia Orchestra) and scores by legendary film composer John Williams (“Jaws,” “E.T.” and many more). An encore performance in Elkins Park is scheduled for November 17.

For tickets and more performances, visit MLSO.org.

Early Music Ensembles

In addition to traditional orchestras, our area is home to top early music ensembles. These groups specialize in European classical music from the Baroque period and earlier, focusing on historically informed performances — recreating the music as it would have sounded in the era it was composed.

Brandywine Baroque

Delaware’s Brandywine Baroque uses period instruments to perform chamber music, including rare and previously unpublished manuscripts that would otherwise go unheard by modern audiences.

This month, Brandywine Baroque performs “All at Once Well Met,” featuring works by William Lawes (1602–1645), who was given the title “Father of Musick” by King Charles II. Hear four of Lawes’ “Consort Sets” for six viols (an early member of the violin family played upright) plus a selection of Thomas Weelkes’ madrigals (popular vocal music of the Renaissance and early Baroque periods) at The Barn at Flintwoods in Wilmington, November 15 and 17, or The Lutheran Church of Our Savior in Rehoboth Beach, November 16.

For tickets and more performances, visit BrandywineBaroque.org.

VoxAmaDeus

Founded in 1987 by Juilliard-trained maestro Dr. Valentin Radu, VoxAmaDeus specializes in historically informed performances of High Renaissance, Baroque and Classical period music for voice and Baroque instruments — authentic ancient instruments and highly accurate reproductions — often in churches and cathedral spaces similar to the original concert halls.

Up next in their 38th season is “Vivaldissimo,” Vox’s popular annual all-Vivaldi program. Selections include two of Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons” — naturally, “Autumn” and “Winter” — in celebration of its 300th anniversary. Enjoy it at Chestnut Hill’s Church of St. Martin-in-the-Fields on November 9 or Wayne’s St. Katharine of Siena Church on November 10.

Look forward to Vox’s traditional holiday performances. The Ama Deus Ensemble performs Handel’s “Messiah” on December 6, 8, 20 and 22, and the Vox Renaissance Consort presents their annual “Renaissance Noël” on December 14 and 15. See their website for venues.

For tickets and more performances, visit VoxAmaDeus.org.

University Ensembles

Our local schools host performances that are open to the public. Bringing together professional, community and student musicians, these concerts are a great way to support arts education in the Brandywine Valley.

Immaculata Symphony

Established in the 1920s, the Immaculata Symphony started as a chamber orchestra comprised entirely of Immaculata University students. Today, it’s a highly respected ensemble featuring both students and community members, regularly presenting major works by musical giants as well as lesser-known composers.

On November 2 at Immaculata’s Alumnae Hall, their fall concert highlights “A Brahms Compilation.” In addition to works by Brahms, hear Rossini’s “Overture ‘La Gazza Ladra’” and Shostakovich’s “Piano Concerto No. 2 in F major.” Then return on December 8 for “A Classical Christmas.”

For tickets and more performances, visit ImmaculataSymphony.org.

West Chester University

The renowned Wells School of Music at West Chester University holds over 200 concerts a year — from intimate faculty and student recitals to large ensemble performances, plus accomplished visiting guest artists — most of which are free to the public. Here are just a few upcoming performances.

This month, the Symphony Orchestra presents “Sensational Saint-Saëns,” celebrating the music of Camille Saint-Saëns, on November 16. Then, the Wind Symphony and Concert Band join forces on November 17 for selections including Gustav Holst’s “Second Suite in F,” Dana Wilson’s “The Conjurer” and Anthony Iannaccone’s “After a Gentle Rain.”

A staple of the holiday season for over a century, WCU’s 103rd annual Holiday Program features the Symphony Orchestra, combined choirs and Criterions jazz ensemble on December 7.

Finally, catch a late-season performance by the Incomparable Golden Rams Marching Band, who graced TV screens at the 2024 Rose Parade. See their halftime show at the November 2 football game against Lock Haven before they hit the road for an exhibition at MetLife Stadium.

For tickets and more performances, visit WCUPA.edu/Music.

The local music scene is one of the many things that make our corner of the country so special. With performance venues throughout the region, there’s likely a concert happening near you. This holiday season, take a moment to enjoy the sounds of the Brandywine Valley — and continue supporting the arts all year long.

Even More Music

Want to hear more? Here are six more musical groups to enjoy.

Chester County Concert Band Fall Concert: “Cinema Paradiso.” November 3, 2:30 p.m. Fugett Middle School, West Chester. CCCBand.org.

Chester County Youth Orchestra Fall Concert. November 16. Great Hall, Immaculata University. CCYO.org.

Liberty Youth Wind Symphony Concert. November 17, 3 p.m. Madeleine Wing Adler Theatre, West Chester University. LibertyWindSymphony.org.

Rose Tree Pops Concert. November 24, 3 p.m. St. Anastasia Church, Newtown Square. RoseTreePops.org.

West Chester Community Concert Band Fall Concert. November 24, 3 p.m. Alumnae Hall, Immaculata University. WCBand.org.

Lancaster Symphony Orchestra Presents Handel’s “Messiah.” December 6, 7:30 p.m.; December 7, 2:30 & 7:30 p.m. First Presbyterian Church, Lancaster. LancasterSymphony.org.