NEW Preview selections from the Orchestra’s 2026-2027 performances at the Kimmel Center. Using audio-visual examples, this class will focus on the forms, instrumentation and other stylistic elements of the music. Understanding great music is much easier when you know what to listen for!

NEW Enjoy an in-depth introduction to the history, context, anecdotes, and “Things to Look For.” Then, see a celebrated, exciting, and somewhat rare film in its entirety. The discussion that follows will be directed more to the total experience rather than technical aspects. All new material for previous students.

NEW Jaws didn’t just qualify as a classic film, it changed the way movies were made. The term “blockbuster” was coined because of it. What makes it so special? What of the visionary Spielberg who virtually became the most successful director on the planet from this one film? Let’s take a deep dive (you’ll need a bigger notebook!) into this shark tale!

NEW What better time to rediscover Beethoven than now, the upcoming 200th anniversary of his death. Trace his journeyman years mastering the style of Haydn and Mozart, his revolutionary middle period inspired by Napoleon, and the spiritualism of his last years. For newbies and connoisseurs, Beethoven will reanimate your listening with musical demonstrations, spectacular video performances, and large dollops of humor.

NEW Motion pictures have included gay and lesbian characters from the very beginning. Their depiction has closely followed cultural attitudes toward gay people; censoring groups often required that they could only be portrayed in certain approved ways. As social attitudes changed, so did the portrayals. Through film, explore changing mindsets and how they reflect the lived experience of those people portrayed in the times in which they lived.

NEW Take a nostalgic look at the station's history. It was the time of the Marconi Experiment, the Morning Zoo and the introduction and launching of now beloved musical artists onto the national stage. Enjoy anecdotes and memories from this incredible radio era.

Gain an understanding of the vast diversity and richness of Indian culture through the medium of cinema and move beyond stereotypes to experience what this beautiful and profound genre has to offer. Focus on popular Hindi language films, aka Bollywood, from the last twenty years. Foods depicted in each movie are provided.

NEW Explore several orchestral scores led from a conductor’s perspective. Through listening and discussion, learn how they are understood and translated. Selections will include a mix of well-known traditional and lesser-known contemporary works.