Philadelphia Orchestra Nearing End of Its Groundbreaking European Tour
By Kim Glovas
LONDON, Engl. (CBS) -- The Philadelphia Orchestra is wrapping up its 2015 European tour, which began in late May. The final performances, in London, are today and tomorrow.
-----
Craig Hamilton, VP of global initiatives for the Philadelphia Orchestra, says the orchestra is breaking ground in many ways, including a new smartphone app for audiences.
"It will give you things like the history of the country where the composer was working at the time, some personal information about the composer," along with commentary, he explains.
The app is called "Live Note." Hamilton says other orchestras around the globe have been watching and are also considering adopting the app to share with their audiences.
But the tour isn't just about music. It's about generating interest in Philadelphia as a tourist destination, and as a new home for international businesses.
Matt Cabrey, of Select Greater Philadelphia, says the orchestra reached out to Harrisburg to get the ball rolling, "saying, 'These are our plans, we'd like to partner with you, do you see value you in this? Would you guys like to come with us and build business seminars around our tour?' "
The European tour began in late May. Cabrey says maestro Yannick Nézet-Séguin has roots in Europe and has generated excitement and passion for the Philadelphia Orchestra along the way.