Temple Students Take the Stage at Kimmel Center for Annual Concert

Temple University students performed at one of Philadelphia’s most iconic venues as part of the university’s 23rd annual Symphony Orchestra and Choir Concert at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. 

Music filled Marian Anderson Hall as Temple’s Symphony Orchestra and Choirs came together on Monday night. This year’s concert also celebrated the nation’s 250th anniversary celebration, adding an extra layer of significance to the performance. 

In his speech before the concert, Robert T. Stroker, The Joslyn G. Ewart Dean and Vice Provost for the Arts at Temple University, said that they weren’t only, “celebrating 250 years of American history, but also 250 years of the arts.” 

For many student musicians, the performance was about more than just the music – it was an opportunity to connect with the broader Philadelphia community. 

“To me, this concert is a great opportunity for Temple to kind of have outreach with the greater Philadelphia community,” said Nicholas Welicky, a French horn player in the orchestra. 

Preparing for a performance of this scale requires weeks of rehearsal, often during one of the busiest times of the semester. 

“It’s a very busy time of the semester in general, especially for us music students,” said trombone player Javid Labenski. “So, we just try to fit it in where we can. I’ve got a lot on my plate right now.” 

Despite the demanding schedule, students say the experience of performing at the Kimmel Center makes it all worthwhile. 

“It’s an honor. It’s a blessing, to be honest… I love performing here,” said cellist Anwar Williams. 

The historic venue itself adds to the significance of the performance, giving students the chance to play on a stage that has hosted world-class musicians. 

“It’s an amazing opportunity,” Welicky said. “There’s not a lot of times that young musicians get a chance to play in huge, historically important spaces like this.” 

While the concert honors the history of these composers, it also gives a glimpse into the future of these aspiring student musicians.