Erie Philharmonic's 2023-24 Symphonic, Pops series feature Stewart Copeland, more

Police drummer Stewart Copeland, "Harry Potter" and Q from "Star Trek" highlight a 2023-24 Erie Philharmonic season that will also bring much more to the Warner Theatre, including Sunday pops concerts.

“We are excited to share our new 2023-24 season with the Erie community and invite everyone to join in the buzz that surrounds our beautifully restored Warner Theatre,” Daniel Meyer, the Philharmonic's music director, said in a statement. “The orchestra welcomes back world-class artists like pianists Simone Dinnerstein and George Li as well as first-time performers like world-renown bass-baritone Eric Owens, who will sing some of his signature arias in an evening of opera highlights that also features the Erie Philharmonic Chorus. 'Harry Potter,' 'Star Trek’s' Q, Stewart Copeland from The Police … there is something for everyone.”

New this season will be the Pops Sunday Series. Steve Weiser, the Philharmonic's executive director, announced that Pops performances will include a 3 p.m. Sunday matinee performance in addition to the 8 p.m. Saturday concerts.

“Between numerous sold-out concerts each season to our brand-new Sunday Pops Series, we truly have the best, most dedicated patron base in this part of the country," Weiser said. "We can’t wait to share these exciting concerts with our growing family of music lovers.”

All concerts take place at the Warner Theatre, 811 State St.

On area stages:Variety of shows headed to Erie's entertainment venues in 2023

2023-24 Symphonic Series

"A Night at the Opera"

Sept. 23, 8 p.m.

Legendary bass-baritone Eric Owens will join the Erie Phil for a concert featuring music from Erie's own Harry T. Burleigh plus "Porgy and Bess," "Tosca," Wagner and more. The opening-night spectacular also will feature the Erie Philharmonic Chorus.

"George Li Plays Rachmaninoff"

Nov. 11, 8 p.m.

The pianist and the Phil will perform Rachmaninoff's "Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini." Other works will include Nancy Galbraith's "Tormenta del sur" and Dvorak's Symphony No. 7.

"Mahler 3"

Jan. 20, 8 p.m.

The performance of Mahler's Symphony No. 3 will feature alto Lindsay Ammann, the Erie Philharmonic Youth Chorale and women from the Erie Philharmonic Chorus.

Performances still underway:Sheena Easton, violinist Midori, 'Toy Story' among Erie Philharmonic's 2022-23 season lineup

"Pictures at an Exhibition"

March 23, 8 p.m.

In addition to Mussorgsky and Ravel's "Pictures at an Exhibition," this concert will feature Simone Dinnerstein joining the Phil on piano for Brahms' Piano Concerto No. 2.

"Carmina Burana"

May 11, 8 p.m.

The Erie Philharmonic Chorus and Erie Philharmonic Youth Chorale will join the orchestra to perform Orff's "Carmina Burana." The concert also will feature Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto with violinist Stella Chen.

2023-24 Pops Series

"Police Deranged for Orchestra"

Oct. 21, 8 p.m., and Oct. 22, 3 p.m.

This high-energy orchestral evening will celebrate legendary rock star and composer Stewart Copeland, who will join the Philharmonic on the drums as they perform some of The Police's biggest hits including "Roxanne," "Don't Stand So Close to Me" and "Message in a Bottle."

"'Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone' in Concert"

Nov. 4, 8 p.m., and Nov. 5, 3 p.m.

The Erie Philharmonic will perform the movie score live as the film plays on a big screen in high definition.

"Come Home for the Holidays"

Dec. 2, 8 p.m., and Dec. 3, 3 p.m.

The Phil's Holiday Pops extravaganza will return with special guests, the Erie Philharmonic Chorus, Junior Chorus, Youth Chorale, ballet dancers, Santa Claus and more.

"Greatest Fantasy Hits II"

Feb. 24, 8 p.m., and Feb. 25, 3 p.m.

John de Lancie, better known as Q from "Star Trek: The Next Generation" and "Star Trek: Picard," will host a performance by the Philharmonic's orchestra and chorus of some of the greatest music ever composed for film, television and beyond.

For subscribers:Some Erie music instructors have embraced the age of remote teaching. Here's why

"Broadway in Concert"

April 13, 8 p.m., and April 14, 3 p.m.

Local singers will join the Erie Phil to offer selections from "Phantom of the Opera," "Wicked," "Les Miserables," "Cats," "Jesus Christ Superstar" and more.

How to get tickets

Subscription renewals will launch March 1 and subscriptions will be available for sale to the public starting April 3, according to Erie Philharmonic officials. For information on subscriptions and for details on single-event tickets, call 814-455-1375, go to eriephil.org or visit the box office at 23 W. 10th St.

Dana Massing can be reached at dmassing@timesnews.com. Follow her on Twitter @ETNmassing.

This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Erie Phil 2023-24 season includes Stewart Copeland, John de Lancie