Honoring Stanford Thompson, Founder and Executive Director of Play On Philly and featuring internationally acclaimed ensemble Canadian Brass
Join us for an inspiring night celebrating Play On Philly and Stanford Thompson’s vision of providing transformative music education to Philadelphia’s youth. This year’s Evening of Harmony will be a special one as Stan moves on to his next great adventure and POP enters its next phase of growth. Share a joyful evening with us as we honor our past and look forward to a brilliant future.
Crystal Tea Room
100 Penn Square East
Wanamaker Building, 9th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Evening’s Events
6:00 pm
Cocktail reception with heavy hors d’oeuvres, wine and beer bar, and live music
7:30 pm
Concert featuring performances by guest artists Canadian Brass and Play On Philly students, alumni, and Teaching Artists
The event will conclude at 9:00 PM.
Business Attire
Have questions about sponsorships, tickets, or the event? Email POP’s Donor Relations Manager, Jessica Scipione, at development@playonphilly.org.
Your meaningful support empowers young people through music education, mentoring, and performance opportunities.
Thank You To Our Sponsors
POP Legacy Sponsor
Carole Haas Gravagno
POP Family Sponsor
Jill Kirshner
Producer’s Circle
The Leslie Miller and Richard Worley Foundation
Tom and Pat Vernon
Director’s Circle
Anonymous
Composer’s Circle
Mitchell Bach and Elayne Bloom
Connelly Foundation
Encore Circle
Anonymous
Samantha Butts, MD
Kathleen and Nicholas Chimicles
The Thompson Family
Drs. Thomas and Dennie P. Wolf
Video Sponsor
Design Sponsor
Media Sponsors
Ambassador’s Circle
Emily and Chris Collier
Harry Griendling
William A. Loeb
Maple Glen Strategic Advisors
Member’s Circle
Janet and Jim Averill
Beth and Paul Babcock
Gianna and Himesh Bhise
Mark Churchill
Kate Hall
Joseph Kluger and Susan Lewis
Kim Larson and Gary Knell
Gabrielle Kazze Rinaldi
The Zweig and Sullivan Families
Friend’s Circle
Anonymous
BalletX
Cathy Barbash and Michael Riley
Karen and Mark Belding
Charlotte H. Biddle
DeDe and Tony Brown
Barbara Brynelson and Steve Hirsh
Cathryn Coate
Peter Compo
John and Marian Connelly
Dillon Music, Inc
Elise Drake
Allan and Joyce Goldberg
Peter G. Gould & Robin M. Potter
George and Renee Greenfield
Terry and Ann Marie Horner
Sara Hertz and Lee Meinicke
Willa J Hightower
Honeywell Arts Academy
Horatio and Suzanne Jones
Jason Karlawish and John Bruza
Claire and Steve MacRae
Robert Martin and Katherine Gould-Martin
Daniel and Emily Master
Laura and Kenneth Mitchell
Philadelphia Zoo
David Rasner and Caroline Wischmann
Dianne L. Semingson
Lourdes Starr
Elizabeth and Sam Warshawer
2023 Evening of Harmony Honoree
Stanford Thompson, Founder and Executive Director of Play On Philly
Stanford Thompson is a musician and educator who serves as the Founder and Executive Director of Play On Philly and Founding Board Chairman of El Sistema USA and the National Instrumentalist Mentoring and Advancement Network. Recognized as a TED Fellow, Stanford believes that music education is a powerful tool for positive personal and community change. Mr. Thompson serves on the faculty of the Global Leaders Institute and regularly presents at major universities and music conservatories about leadership, entrepreneurship, and social justice. As a consultant, he has guided the development of dozens of music programs across the United States and collaborated with major orchestras, higher education institutions, and arts organizations to develop new strategies and initiatives that help provide equitable access to the arts. As a professional trumpeter, Stanford has performed as a soloist and member with major orchestras around the world and continues to perform throughout the Philadelphia region. Stanford is a native of Atlanta, GA, a graduate of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra’s Talent Development Program and holds degrees from The Curtis Institute of Music and the New England Conservatory’s Sistema Fellows Program.
2023 Evening of Harmony Guest Artist
Canadian Brass
With an international reputation as one of the most popular brass ensembles today, Canadian Brass has truly earned the distinction of “the world’s most famous brass group.” Masters of concert presentations ranging from Bach, Vivaldi, and Ellington, to ballet and opera, Canadian Brass has developed a uniquely engaging stage presence and rapport with audiences. Since 1970, they have received a combined total of 25 Grammy and Juno nominations and won the German Echo Award for Goldberg Variations. Most recently, Canadian Brass created another award-winning recording, Canadiana. The album features unique arrangements of many Canadian superstars including Joni Mitchell, k.d. lang, Bruce Cockburn, Drake, and DeadMau5. Education continues to be at the forefront of Canadian Brass’ yearly activities. As part of their commitment to training the next generation of brass players, there are over one million Canadian Brass quintet repertoire books in the hands of students in every country.
Ways to Support Evening of Harmony
Have questions about sponsorships, tickets, or the event? Email POP’s Donor Relations Manager, Jessica Scipione, at jscipione@playonphilly.org.
Your meaningful support empowers young people through music education, mentoring, and performance opportunities.
Event FAQs
Can I pay by check?
Yes! Make your check payable to Play On Philly and mail it to PO Box 8662, Philadelphia PA 19101. Include a note that the check is for either a sponsorship or tickets and include the name(s) of the guest(s) so that name badges can be prepared for you.
What portion of the ticket is tax deductible?
For both $50 concert ticket purchases and $150 reception ticket purchases, no part is tax deductible.
What is the dress code?
The dress code for this event is business attire.
What’s the event address?
Crystal Tea Room
100 Penn Square East
Wanamaker Building, 9th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Link to the entrance on Google Maps
Is there parking for the event?
Yes, complimentary on-site indoor parking is included with the price of your ticket. You and your guest(s) may park in the Wanamaker Garage at 1301 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
The parking garage is located under The Wanamaker Building. The entrance to the garage is off of Juniper Street, between Penn Square and Chestnut Street. Bear right onto Juniper Street from Penn Square and the garage will be on your left.
Is the venue wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the venue is wheelchair accessible. The onsite parking garage is also wheelchair accessible and has ramps leading up to the elevator.
