The Academy of Music first opened its doors in 1857 and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1962. For more than 160 years the Academy has welcomed world class performances and world premieres such as Wagner’s The Flying Dutchman and Mahler’s Eighth Symphony. After its inception in 1900, The Philadelphia Orchestra established its home residency at the Academy and under the baton of Leopold Stokowski the “Philadelphia Sound” was born.

An enduring Philadelphia tradition, the Academy of Music’s Annual Anniversary Concert and Ball is not to be missed. This magical night features The Philadelphia Orchestra under the baton of the inimitable Yannick Nézet-Séguin on the stage of the orchestra’s original home followed by glittering party complete with an elegant dinner and dancing to top-name bands throughout the Bellevue Hotel. Funds raised benefit the ongoing preservation of the Academy of Music.