Hello from Philadelphia

[Phillyphan]

Hello,

I've been a classical music fan for almost 50 years, and I'm glad to have stumbled across this website.  I'm not a musician (however, I am married to one), but I love to listen to great music.  Six years ago, I started a music meetup group http://www.meetup.com/Philadelphia-Fans-of-Classical-Music/ here, in Philadelphia.  It has grown and become quite successful in helping classical music fans to meet one another, and to share their enjoyment of the music they love.   Our group also has a didactic mission, to provide members opportunities to learn more about the music.  For example, whenever we schedule a meetup to attend a concert, we try to have another meetup, at least a week before, where a knowledgeable member presents information on the program, and leads a discussion about the works.  My own tastes are fairly eclectic, and lately I've been listening to music by the Swiss composer, Othmar Schoeck (thus my current avatar  )

[Brahmsian]

Welcome to GMG!  That is fantastic that you started a meet up group in your city.

I actually tried that in my city, but nothing ever materialized.  Thus, I am envious. 

Enjoy this site, it has plenty to offer.  We look forward to you being a member of this great site and resource!

I just started listening to classical music about 7 or 8 years ago.

[bhodges]

Hello, Phillyphan - and what a great thing you have created in that group. (And lots of music in Philadelphia, for sure.) Enjoy yourself here, and welcome.

--Bruce

[Brahmsian]

Philly fan, you are blessed to have a great orchestra in your city!  (Well, I am too, but in not so famous a city or orchestra).

One of my favourite recordings of The Philadelphia Orchestra is with Ormandy conducting Shostakovich's *4th and 10th symphonies (although I believe it is sadly out of print).

*And I believe that was the American premiere performance of Shosty's 4th.

[mc ukrneal]

Welcome and enjoy!

[Lisztianwagner]

Welcome to the forum, I hope you'll spend a nice time here.

Ilaria

[Phillyphan]

Thanks to all of you for the warm welcome.

Chambernut - I also enjoy many of the recordings that Ormandy made with Philadelphia, but I haven't heard the Shostakovich 4th & 10th symphonies.  However, it can be purchased at Arkivmusic.com, if you're willing to part with $22!  I see that the 4th (and perhaps also the 10th) can also be heard on Youtube, although I don't know what the sound quality is like.  I recently downloaded Ormandy's recording of the Sibelius 4th and 5th, from pristineclassical.com.  The 4th is wonderful.  I still need to find time to listen to the 5th.

[bhodges]

PS, forgot to mention: I'm hearing the Philadelphia Orchestra at Carnegie Hall next month in the Verdi Requiem - the ensemble's first appearance here with Yannick Nézet-Séguin. Very much looking forward...

--Bruce

[madaboutmahler]

Welcome to GMG! The meetup group sounds absolutely wonderful!

I hope you like Mahler?
Have a great time here!

Daniel

[North Star]

Thanks to all of you for the warm welcome.

Chambernut - I also enjoy many of the recordings that Ormandy made with Philadelphia, but I haven't heard the Shostakovich 4th & 10th symphonies.  However, it can be purchased at Arkivmusic.com, if you're willing to part with $22!  I see that the 4th (and perhaps also the 10th) can also be heard on Youtube, although I don't know what the sound quality is like.  I recently downloaded Ormandy's recording of the Sibelius 4th and 5th, from pristineclassical.com.  The 4th is wonderful.  I still need to find time to listen to the 5th.

Welcome to the forum, Phillyphan!
We'll probably get along well if you like Sibelius's 4th & 5th.

[Hollywood]

Hi there Phillyphan. Greetings from Beethoven and Mozart's Vienna. Welcome to the group. 

[david johnson]

hi!