Opera Philadelphia is set to present a one-night-only concert, “Home for the Holidays,” on Dec. 2, 2025.

Produced in partnership with WHYY, Opera Philadelphia will present an evening showcasing Philly’s arts community at its most festive, to be recorded for a special holiday broadcast on Dec. 23 at 8:00 p.m. “Home for the Holidays” will air simultaneously on WHYY-TV12, on WHYY 90.9 FM, and stream via WHYY.org.

The holiday spectacular stars Opera Philadelphia’s Orchestra and Chorus, led by conductor Geoffrey McDonald, performing an evening of familiar favorites and unexpected delights. They will be joined by the company’s General Director and President, countertenor Anthony Roth Costanzo, and renowned soprano and Philly native Leah Hawkins. The performance, including an exciting dance interlude, will be held in the Grand Court for a live audience. 

In a statement, Bill Marrazzo, President and CEO of WHYY said, “I am thrilled to bring to bear the full scale and excitement of our orchestra and chorus in this historic space, bolstered by the incredible twenty-nine-thousand pipe Wanamaker Grand Court Organ with organist Peter Richard Conte pulling out all the stops from the organ console on the mezzanine,” said Anthony Roth Costanzo. “Along with dazzling projections and festive footwork, it feels like a culmination of all the energy, passion, and life that audiences and artists have brought to the building this fall.”

He added, “The holidays remind us how essential the arts are in connecting us to one another. We are proud to partner with Opera Philadelphia to bring the beauty and energy of these extraordinary performances from the heart of the Wanamaker Building to audiences throughout our region. As public media, our mission is to ensure that moments like these – rich with music, history, and community – are shared widely and freely, so they can inspire all.”

The concert will include such holiday favorites as “There’s No Place Like Home for the Holidays,” “Sleigh Ride,” “The Christmas Song,” and “O Holy Night.” 

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