The Best Musical Performances Happening at Longwood Gardens This Fall

Music venues often conjure images of grimy basements (think: rock concerts), or worse, stuffy and impersonal auditoriums (think: the orchestra). But how often do you get to take in live music from seats in a tree-lined open-air theatre, or while sipping an artisan brew amongst friends at a beer garden? At Longwood Gardens, the venues are as eclectic and exciting as the musical performances they host. To be sure you make it to every musical event this fall, we’ve rounded up our top picks.

October 25, 1:00pm: John Richardson // Improviser, conductor and counter-tenor John Richardson has garnered quite the fan base amongst organ enthusiasts. On Sunday, October 25th, Richardson will be offering garden-goers a midday treat with a free, live performance in the exquisite ballroom. Free with Gardens admission.

Every Thursday through October 31, 7:00pm: Live Music at the Beer Garden // Stop by the beer garden before or after your Nightscape visit for some after-hours live music. Every Thursday, guests can listen to a variety of entertainment including bluegrass, gypsy jazz, soul music and acoustic experimental pop depending on the evening (see the schedule here). During the performances, sit back and enjoy one of their exclusive Victory Brewing Company pints. Free with Nightscape admission.

November 20, 8:00pm:  La Vent du Nord // Gather friends for a night of traditional folk songs and original compositions by award-winning vocalists and multi-instrumentalists La Vent du Nord. The group will be strumming in airy Exhibition Hall where there’s plenty of lush greenery, hanging flowers and the hall’s original, sunken marble floor (see it here). Reserved seating $35.

November 21, 8:00pm:  Peter Richard Conte // Both Principal Organist at Longwood Gardens as well as the organist at the Wanamaker Grand Court Organ at Center City’s Macy’s, Conte has established himself as Philadelphia’s premier organist. On November 21st, he’ll perform an improvised score along with Charlie Chaplin’s silent film The Kid. Conte will also be on hand for a complimentary coffee reception following the performance. Reserved seating $35

Pro tip: you can build your own concert series and save 10 percent on your ticket purchases. Simply visit Ticket Philadelphia, select the three separate shows you’d like to attend and purchase the tickets through a single transaction (only applicable for performances sold through Ticket Philadelphia).

For more information about Longwood Gardens’ musical performances or planning your visit to Nightscape: A Light and Sound Experience, click here.