Principal Trumpets David Bilger (Philadelphia Orchestra) and Thomas Rolfs (Boston Symphony) are joined by their colleagues Jeffery Curnow, Anthony Prisk, Benjamin Wright, and pianist Susan Nowicki in a program featuring solo works and pieces for various combinations of trumpets written since 1945.

Two world-renowned ensembles and a sensational soprano collaborate in the world premiere of a new song cycle by Philadelphia composer David Ludwig, chair of composition at the Curtis Institute. The Anchoress is a monodrama that imagines the life of a medieval mystic, merging the sounds of ancient and modern worlds to explore issues of faith, isolation, and social power.

For over two decades, the Curtis Chamber Orchestra has been appearing with PCMS, spotlighting this esteemed conservatory’s best and brightest talent in large-ensemble repertoire. A program of classical and romantic works offers Mendelssohn’s Midsummer’s Night Dream Overture, Haydn’s singular Drumroll Symphony, and a late, unfinished masterpiece by Schubert.

“The double-bass world could use Xavier Foley. He is not only a standout player but also has the bright spark of a composer” (Philadelphia Inquirer). Foley’s PCMS recital debut offers a wide-ranging program of well-known works alongside his own arrangements and compositions, augmented by the “gorgeously clear but rounded sound” (Philadelphia Inquirer) of fellow Astral artist Sejoon Park.

Ricardo Morales and Natalie Zhu never fail to delight us with their incredible virtuosity and deeply-felt musicianship. The principal clarinetist of the Philadelphia Orchestra displays “utterly natural musical grace, and the lyricism and breath control of a fine opera singer” (New York Times) while Zhu—making her 20th appearance with the Society—is a sensitive pianist with an incredible command of her sound.