This Philly-Based Music Institute Has Produced Some of Our City’s Biggest Stars–and They’re Hosting a Free Music Series

Next time you’re strolling around downtown, keep an eye out for a grand mansion on the edge of Rittenhouse Square–a facade covered with ornate masonry, elegant archways and, to the right of its grand entrance, the words “Curtis Institute of Music, 1726 Locust Street” inscribed on the building. If you were to step inside, you’d discover the warmth of wood-paneled walls, intricate ironwork, and, on the right day, the sounds of a new generation of musicians at work. 

That’s because this alluring landmark is home to one of the most prestigious music institutes in the world, responsible for some of the most influential names in classical music history as well as the present day, all trained right here in our city. The Curtis Institute of Music has been at the heart of the classical music world since its founding in 1924. For 100 years, the school has trained many of the most acclaimed musicians, shaping not only the careers of individual artists but the future of classical music itself. That success stems from its core philosophy: Musicians should learn-by-doing. Curtis students share their music with audiences through more than 150 performances each year, including solo and chamber recitals, orchestral concerts, and fully staged opera productions.

Curtis Institute of Music is making their atmosphere of creativity and inspiration open to everyone, through their free Curtis Recital Series, hosted at their main building on most Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings at 7:30 p.m., featuring some of the finest young musicians in the world perfecting their craft. This season, in celebration of their 100th year, they’re marking the occasion by bringing to the stage some of their most exciting performances featuring their esteemed instructors and the history-makers of tomorrow. 

When you attend a recital at Curtis, you’re not just watching a concert—you’re witnessing history in the making in one of the most historic venues in the city. It’s an experience that blends tradition, artistry, and the passion of tomorrow’s great musicians into an unforgettable evening. Whether you’re enjoying a piece of Mozart or discovering a new, boundary-pushing work, a night at Curtis promises to be one that leaves a lasting impression, for classical music aficionados as well as any Philadelphian just looking for a refreshing night out. Here’s what you need to know for an amazing evening of music. 

History in the Making

In one sense, the mastery on display at a night at the Curtis has been a century in the making. The story of Curtis begins with Mary Louise Curtis Bok, the daughter of local publishing magnate Cyrus H.K. Curtis and founder of the school. With a passion for music instilled in her by her parents, Bok sought to create a place where young, talented musicians could receive the highest level of training. Inspired by her work with the Settlement Music School in South Philadelphia, she recognized that many gifted students were unable to pursue professional music careers due to lack of resources, so she established a conservatory that offered free tuition. The school remains tuition-free today and is supported through the generosity of philanthropic Philadelphians and other supporters.

The school’s charter emphasized a chance for students to learn by doing, which is still at the core of the Curtis educational experience today. This hands-on philosophy translates into over 100 free performances annually, held in the elegant, 220-seat Field Concert Hall–designed with a musician’s ear for acoustics–within the main building at 1726 Locust Street. These performances are what constitute the Curtis Recital Series.

At these performances, you’ll witness the next global stars of classical music, performing a wide range of styles. From its earliest days, Curtis alumni and faculty have left an indelible mark on the classical music scene. Graduates of the school have populated major orchestras, opera companies and chamber ensembles around the globe. From Edna Phillips, the first woman to join the Philadelphia Orchestra in 1930, to composers like Gian Carlo Menotti, whose works debuted at the Metropolitan Opera, ​​to Leonard Bernstein, whose television broadcasts made classical music accessible to the world, to current leading artists such as Yuja Wang, Curtis-trained musicians shaped and continue to shape the evolution of classical music. 

Experiencing Brilliance

Today, the school continues to produce top-tier talent that you can experience firsthand at the recital series. Their “learn-by-doing” philosophy is still in place, and the Curtis Recital Series allows students to transition seamlessly from the classroom to the concert stage, giving them invaluable experience as they hone their skills in front of an audience.

The Curtis Recital Series showcases a wide variety of performances—from solo recitals to chamber music and faculty-led concerts. The repertoire includes both beloved classics and cutting-edge contemporary works, reflecting the school’s commitment to both tradition and innovation (check out their calendar for a full list of performances).

Attend a recital offers the chance to hear a student’s first professional performance or a seasoned faculty member who has performed on stages around the world. Each concert offers a chance to witness the future of classical through the brilliance and passion of these young artists, making for a thrilling and inspiring evening.

Attending a Night to Remember

Of course, part of what makes attending the Curtis Recital Series such a special experience is the venue itself. Curtis’s main building consists of two interconnected 19th-century mansions on Locust Street. Originally the George W. Childs Drexel Mansion, the building was designed in 1893 by the renowned Boston firm Peabody and Stearns and certified by the Philadelphia Historical Commission. Its architecture blends Romanesque and Renaissance elements, giving the space a grand yet intimate feel.

The resulting experience of the music itself is like no other in its combination of intimacy, history, and sound. For music lovers, this exquisite venue and the talent on display makes for an extraordinary cultural experience. The recital series is a chance to connect with the local musical community, as well as international musical talent. 

Perhaps most importantly, the Curtis Institute is making the experience as accessible as possible–by making it free. All you need to do is register in advance on their website, as seating is limited. And if you can’t make it in person, Curtis also livestreams Friday evening performances, on Facebook and YouTube, making it easy to enjoy the magic from the comfort of your home. 

For more information on the 100-year celebration, click here.

This is a paid partnership between Curtis Institute of Music and Philadelphia Magazine