Recently launched SpectiCast kicked off its inaugural season on Friday, June 5th with a
free concert to communities nationwide. The state-of-the-art Theatre at The Hill at
Whitemarsh was one of a select number of sites to premiere the first in this series of
concerts offered by the new digital broadcasting company. By delivering a show-stopping
program live from Verizon Hall, SpectiCast helped The Philadelphia Orchestra reach
audiences well outside the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. With seven different
camera angles and digital sound, the viewer was able to share in the orchestral experience
as never before. From the breathtaking virtuosity of piano soloist Jean-Yves Thibaudet in
Ravel’s Piano Concerto for the Left Hand to the thundering timpani and lush brass of
Rachmaninoff’s Symphonic Dances, the 60-plus in the Theatre were treated to a remarkable
musical experience. Also featured on the program that concluded with Ravel’s La Valse
was Totentanz by Franz Liszt. According to SpectiCast Sales Consultant Nancy Hess,
“With SpectiCast, you get more than just a live performance (in HD), you get a life
experience!” Between pieces, the audience was treated to off-stage commentary by host
Ed Cunningham and musical insight by musicologist Tim Ribchester from the University
of Pennsylvania. Live interview segments were also featured with soloist Jean-Yves
Thibaudet and Concertmaster David Kim. A pre-recorded interview with Maestro Dutoit
aired during the broadcast as well. Rounding out the season, subscribers have much to look
forward to as one of the world’s elite orchestras showcase everything from Bartok and
Beethoven to Mozart and Mahler. Next season, Specticast will also feature the Authors Series
from the Free Library of Philadelphia. Both SpectiCast and The Hill at Whitemarsh are
looking towards the future with great anticipation. The next scheduled Philadelphia Orchestra
broadcast by SpectiCast will be on October 2nd with music by Bartók and Brahms conducted
by Charles Dutoit.