The Brandywine Valley Symphony (BVS), formerly the Kennett Symphony, proudly announces its 85th season, marking the first under its new name. The Symphony embraces its proud legacy of presenting timeless classics to audiences in the suburbs of Philadelphia, Main Line, and Chester County. 2025–26 features one special event, one salon concert with food and spirits, three full-orchestra Masterworks concerts, and three chamber music performances highlighting brass, woodwind, and string ensembles. Audiences can look forward to celebrated soloists, beloved classics, and inspiring new works presented in exceptional venues that reflect the Symphony’s rich history and regional presence.
“Our orchestra continues to thrive, deepening its artistic excellence while strengthening connections throughout the Brandywine Valley,” said Michael Hall, Artistic Director. “This season honors the great symphonic tradition while embracing new perspectives and innovative experiences. From the intimacy of chamber concerts to the grandeur of our season finale beneath the stars at Longwood Gardens, we welcome audiences of all ages to experience the power, beauty, and inspiration of live orchestral music.”
The season begins with an elegant garden party, The Classics at Brantwyn, on Sunday, October 5, from 10:30 AM to 2:00 PM in Wilmington, DE. This unique fundraising event on the grounds of a former du Pont family residence features a spectacular display of automobiles from the early 20th century to the present, including a Grand Parade and driver introductions. Guests will enjoy a gourmet brunch catered by the DuPont Country Club, an open bar, and live music by the Klinefelter Quartet, culminating in the presentation of the People’s Choice Best of Show Award. Classic car owners are invited to register, and sponsorship opportunities are available. For tables, registration, and sponsorships, contact 610-444-6363 or in**@********ny.org
The first concert of the season is Masterworks 1: Where the River Meets the Sky on Sunday, October 12, 2025, at 3:00 PM in the Duffy Arts Center of Malvern Preparatory School. With its Georgian Revival design and state-of-the-art 600-seat theater, the Duffy Arts Center is magnificent in both architecture and acoustics, providing an ideal setting for the Symphony’s first performance at this venue. The program features West Chester native Samuel Barber’s Essay No. 1, Edvard Grieg’s Piano Concerto in A minor with guest pianist Anna Shelest, and Robert Schumann’s Symphony No. 3 “Rhenish.”
On Sunday, November 23, 2025, at 3:00 PM, the Salon Concert in the Grand Ballroom of Mendenhall Inn in Chadds Ford, PA, offers an intimate and immersive experience. It features Tchaikovsky’s Serenade for Strings, light appetizers, and drinks. The performance is hosted by Michael Hall with stories, musical examples, and multimedia projections that bring the work to life. Tickets include hors d’oeuvres and a beverage, with a cash bar available. This welcoming setting is perfect for first-time attendees and seasoned patrons seeking a deeper connection to and understanding of classical music.
The Holiday Concert with the BVS Brass Quintet takes place on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 6:30 PM at the Chester County History Center in West Chester, PA. Surrounded by over 300 years of history, audiences will enjoy arrangements celebrating the holidays with the joyful sounds of carols and festive classics. Doors open at 5:30 PM, giving ticket holders time to explore exhibits, including the award-winning “Becoming Chester County” and the “Season of Lights” display. Intermission features locally baked cookies and hot beverages, blending seasonal holiday music with culture and history.
In the new year, the Family Concert with the BVS Woodwind Quintet on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 2:00 PM in the Kennett Library introduces children to the woodwind instruments through an interactive, playful performance. Engaging storytelling demonstrates how each instrument works and how the musicians masterfully play them, encouraging participation and fostering curiosity. This hands-on experience makes classical music approachable and memorable for young audiences and their families. Special discounted prices are available for children under the age of 18.
Masterworks 2: Songs Without Borders will be presented on Sunday, March 22, 2026, at 3:00 PM at the Uptown Knauer Performing Arts Center in West Chester, PA. The program features Gabriela Lena Frank’s Elegía Andina, Max Bruch’s Violin Concerto No. 1 with soloist Oliver Neubauer, Debussy’s Petite Suite, and Zoltán Kodály’s Dances of Galánta. The performance celebrates music’s ability to cross cultures and speak to the heart. Tickets will be available through Uptown at uptownwestchester.org.
On Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 1:00 PM, the ever-popular Mother’s Day Concert with the BVS String Quartet takes place in the Copeland Lecture Hall at Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library. This celebration of chamber music offers a beautiful way to honor mothers in an elegant historic setting. Guests may add tickets to explore Winterthur’s 1,000-acre gardens, the 175-room former home of Henry Francis du Pont, rotating exhibitions, and the renowned research library, creating a full day of cultural enrichment. Tickets will be available through Winterthur at winterthur.org.
The season concludes with Masterworks 3: Made in America on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at 7:30 PM in the Open Air Theatre at Longwood Gardens. This finale celebrates the 250th anniversary of American independence with John Williams’s Liberty Fanfare, a new instrumental arrangement of 250 years of beloved patriotic music by Aaron Fullan, and works by Dvořák, Copland, Bernstein, Price, and Gershwin. Set under the stars, the concert combines patriotic favorites and timeless classics for a thrilling symphonic salute to America. Ticket holders also receive daytime admission to explore Longwood’s nearly 200 acres of gardens, fountains, and scenic vistas before the performance.
From the Masterworks Series featuring celebrated soloists performing cherished symphonic works to intimate chamber music concerts highlighting the artistry and nuance of the ensemble, the Brandywine Valley Symphony’s 2025–26 season offers a rich and varied program for audiences of all ages. Guests are encouraged to secure their seats early to ensure the best availability. Tickets can be reserved at bvsymphony.org/concerts or 610-444-6363.
