BY NASH ADAMSON

In print | October 5, 2006

Here at Swarthmore, we want culture and we don’t want to pay extra for it. Fair enough. But if you’re willing to shell out the cash for a movie ticket, you might also consider seeing the world-renowned Philadelphia Orchestra play at the Kimmel Center (260 South Broad Street). If you show up 1.5 hours prior to concert start time with I.D. in hand, general admission tickets are only $8.

Particularly of note for the classical neophyte are this season’s Access Concerts. These concerts feature some of today’s top names - pianist Andre Watts on Oct. 12 and conductor Marin Alsop on Jan. 4 - and highlights from the tradition’s greatest hits — Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons on Feb. 13 and Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastique on April 26. In addition to an hour of music, the Access Series presents discussions between the musicians, conductors and soloists.

If you want the culture and you can’t spare the cash, the Orchestra’s open rehearsals are free and open to the public. Reservations and information about open rehearsal and master classes are available at http://www.philorch.org/education. If we could get a critical mass down to vocalist Dawn Upshaw’s master class on Oct. 18, Swarthmore a cappella might never sound the same. Whew.

While keeping your eye on the Orchestra’s upcoming offerings, see if you can’t get yourself into Philly this weekend for some art and jazz at the Painted Bride Art Center (230 Vine Street). After kicking off the weekend with a First Friday art exhibition and performance from British choreographer Siobhan Davies, the Painted Bride will present the Dave Holland Quintet. Since hitting the big time with Miles Davis’ electric band in the late ‘60s, Holland has been one of the foremost bassists in jazz. Equally renowned for his skills as a bassist, composer and bandleader, the many manifestations of Holland’s core group are among the most consistent around. For more information about this show and other upcoming events at the Painted Bride, log onto http://www.paintedbride.org.

Peter Brötzmann is one of the most explosive saxophonists I’ve had the opportunity to go hear. Pushing the limits of free improvisation for four decades now, Brötzmann will present a duo performance with drummer Hans Bennink at the University of Pennsylvania’s Rose Recital Hall (3440 Walnut Street). With moments streaming fluidly from shattering screams and wails to overblown rhythm and blues, Brötzmann is not to be missed. More information is available at http://www.arsnovaworkshop.com.

Extend the weekend to include a free performance from the George Lewis Duo at UPenn’s Houston Hall (3417 Spruce Street). Lewis came up as a trombonist with the Chicago-based Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians (AACM) in the ‘70s. His recent works have featured experimentations with electronics and extended compositions for creative orchestras. He’ll be caught alongside Chicago-based saxophonist Mantana Roberts.

Leave your excuses in the dorm, do your reading on the train and get up, get out and do something. College goes by too quickly to stay on campus.

WHERE TO GO

Kimmel Center
260 South Broad Street
http://www.kimmelcenter.org
http://www.philorch.org/education

Painted Bride Art Center
230 Vine Street
http://www.paintedbride.org

UPennÕs Rose Recital Hall
3440 Walnut Street
http://arsnovaworkshop.com

Nash is a senior. You can reach him at tadamso1@swarthmore.edu.

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