Musical Cities—A String Player’s Guide to Philadelphia

By Cliff Hall | From the March/April 2025 issue of Strings

Thomas Jefferson was not easily impressed when it came to the arts. Yet, when he arrived in Philadelphia in 1776, accompanied by his pochette—a small, travel-friendly violin favored by dancing masters—he found himself pleasantly surprised by the city’s cultural life. Although he famously lamented that classical music in America was “in a state of deplorable barbarism” compared to the thriving cultural hubs of Europe, Jefferson discovered a city with a blossoming appetite for art, ideas, and innovation. This vibrant scene owed much to Alexander Reinagle (1756–1809), an English composer and musician who helped lay its foundations through his City Concerts. Held in a Chestnut Street hotel and City Tavern, these performances offered a diverse program of vocal and instrumental music, setting the stage for Philadelphia to become a lasting center of artistic innovation and musical exploration. Today, the city continues to blend its rich history with a forward-thinking energy that inspires musicians and audiences alike.

Start your journey with a visit to the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. Home to the renowned Philadelphia Orchestra, the Kimmel’s just-renamed Marian Anderson Hall boasts world-class acoustics and regularly hosts luminaries of the classical music world. This season, don’t miss violinist Randall Goosby’s performance in March—a must-see for string aficionados. Often hailed as one of the world’s top ensembles, the Philadelphia Orchestra brings an unmatched richness and depth to the city’s musical life.

For some real musical intimacy, catch a recital at the historic Field Concert Hall at Curtis Institute of Music. You’ll feel the fortes in your femurs as you listen to students from this prestigious conservatory that has nurtured many great string players, from Ray Chen to Hilary Hahn. Admission is free and the concerts provide a glimpse into the artistry of tomorrow’s stars.

Unconventional venues are another hallmark of Philadelphia’s music culture. The Philadelphia Chamber Music Society regularly performs in the historic American Philosophical Society in Old City, while the Fairmount String Quartet finds a timeless, captivating setting at the Church of St. Martin-in-the-Fields in Chestnut Hill, where Gothic Revival architecture, stained-glass windows, and warm ambiance enhance the live music experience.

For a unique outdoor setting, the Mann Center for the Performing Arts is a summer staple. This open-air venue offers breathtaking views of the city skyline and serves as one of the summer homes of the Philadelphia Orchestra.

Philadelphia’s musical offerings extend beyond the classical realm. On Sunday afternoons, the Plough & the Stars in Old City becomes a lively hub for Irish music sessions. Fiddlers and other traditional instrumentalists gather, creating a dy- namic and interactive experience that connects the city’s historical roots with its vibrant present. For those looking for some flying fingers in the bluegrass and folk traditions, check out the Old Time Jam at the Ethiopian restaurant Gojjo in West Philadelphia on the second and fourth Wednesdays at 7:30 pm. 

Philadelphia is also home to Piffaro, an ensemble that masterfully brings the music of the late Medieval and Renaissance periods to life. With an impressive collection of historical instruments—lute, shawms, dulcians, sackbuts, recorders, krumhorns, bagpipes, and more—Piffaro delivers performances that range from the lively rustic tunes of the peasantry to the sophisticated sounds of courtly wind ensembles.

For those looking to perform classical music, the Lower Merion Symphony offers opportunities for skilled amateur and professional musicians alike. Based in the nearby Main Line suburb of Merion—which Theodore Roosevelt once praised in his pamphlet “Model Merion”—this volunteer community orchestra provides a welcoming space to play beloved canonic works under the baton of Mark Gigliotti, longtime co-principal bassoonist of the Philadelphia Orchestra. The symphony’s concerts are free to the public, fostering a spirit of inclusivity and making live music accessible to all. 

Another option is the Orchestra Society of Philadelphia, a weekly community orchestra, which offers a welcoming environment for amateur and professional musicians to perform orchestral masterpieces every Friday night at 7:30 pm in Presser Hall at Temple University’s Esther Boyer College of Music and Dance. Rehearsing and performing with this group provides a rewarding way to stay active in music while connecting with fellow players who share a passion for the art. Though brass and wind spots are usually filled, string players are always welcome. 

Philadelphia’s love for music education is evident in its schools and summer programs. The city hosts numerous workshops, including string-focused master classes at the Settlement Music School, which has supported music education for over a century. The Adult Orchestra, a lively ensemble of amateur musicians spanning all ages, meets biweekly on Tuesday mornings at the Willow Grove branch under the inspired leadership of the beloved and widely respected conductor Martin Knoblauch. Specializing in symphonic works from the classical period, the orchestra presents performances in December and June. Settlement also offers an Adult Chamber Players Music weekend in July, during which participants enjoy six hours of expert coaching, workshops, and a Sunday performance.

For students and emerging musicians, Play On, Philly! provides music education that emphasizes accessibility and community engagement. The organization fosters a love of music in underserved areas, ensuring the next generation of string players has the tools to succeed.

Philadelphia boasts a rich tradition of luthiers and stringed instrument specialists. Although the legendary William Moennig & Son shop has closed, its legacy continues as stores like Vintage Instruments continue the tradition. Housed in an Aesthetic-style mansion adorned with exquisite woodwork, stained glass, and period tiles, this storied shop is a treasure trove of rare violins, violas, cellos, and bows, providing personalized guidance to players in search of the perfect instrument. The shop’s emphasis on craftsmanship and historical preservation ensures that every visit feels like a journey into the art of violin making.

For sales and repairs, David Michie Violins in Rittenhouse Square provides impeccable service with a personal touch. Michie’s expertise in restoring vintage instruments and addressing the specific needs of professional players has earned him a stellar reputation. Mount Airy Violins & Bows is another indispensable resource, offering rentals, repairs, and a range of instruments suited for both students and professionals.

Christopher Germain, an award-winning violin, viola, and cello maker based in Philadelphia has built a distinguished career in both instrument making and restoration. A former director of the VSA/Oberlin Violinmaker’s Workshop, Germain combines traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation to create instruments worthy of the title “Modern Classics.” His shop in Rittenhouse Square serves as a hub for his work, contributing to Philadelphia’s rich musical community.

For string players, Philadelphia is more than a destination—it’s a muse. The city’s deep roots in musical tradition, combined with its dynamic and inclusive cultural scene, make it a haven for players and enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re attending a concert at the Kimmel Center, perusing rare instruments at Frederick W. Oster Fine Violins, or simply soaking in the atmosphere of a bustling café, you’ll find that Philadelphia resonates with the energy of creativity and connection.

Food & Drink in Philadelphia

Music and dining go hand in hand in Philadelphia. Opera lovers can savor classic Italian dishes while being serenaded by trained opera singers at the Victor Café in South Philly. The café’s name honors its origins as John DiStefano’s 1918 gramophone shop, where neighbors gathered to enjoy an espresso and spumoni while listening to RCA Victor records of operatic arias, symphonies, and popular music, forging a deep connection to the label’s legacy.

For a preconcert meal, Parc on Rittenhouse Square offers a Parisian bistro atmosphere, where the bustling neighborhood provides the perfect backdrop for an evening out. If English food is more your thing, The Dandelion is the perfect place for Welsh rarebit and a lamb shepherd’s pie by a roaring wood-burning fireplace.

Craving something quintessentially Philly? Grab a cheesesteak from Jim’s Steaks on South Street or a hoagie from Sarcone’s Deli. Both spots embody the city’s love for hearty, flavorful food—a perfect counterpart to its vibrant music scene.

Post-concert, Monk’s Café offers a cozy, elevated spot for craft beers and Belgian-inspired fare, perfect for winding down near the Kimmel Center, while Enswell, a Rittenhouse Square gem, is celebrated for its inventive cocktails and small plates served in a space radiating 1920s Parisian charm—a perfect finale to the evening.

—CH