Live from Philadelphia

In the second leg of Radio 3’s journey across America, Petroc Trelawny visits Philadelphia.

Petroc presents live from the studios of classical music station WRTI in central Philadelphia, the city where America began and the Declaration of Independence was signed 250 years ago. It's the historical heart of the United States, and it's also the home of Rocky, Sixers basketball, Philly cheesesteaks and some of the country’s most exciting music making: with icons from the great contralto Marian Anderson to saxophonist John Coltrane having called the city home.

Rachmaninov famously called the Philadelphia Orchestra “the finest the world has ever heard”. Petroc hears from its current music director conductor Yannick Nezet-Seguin, about his bond with the city and the orchestra and meets some of its musicians to hear what it’s like creating the famous ‘Philadelphia Sound’ from the inside.

Petroc also remembers one of Philadelphia's iconic former conductors, Leopold Stokowski. Known for his charm and pioneering orchestral sound - Petroc chats to author and former orchestral librarian Nancy Shear who knew him well about the legend of Stokowski - and we hear his voice from the archives.

Violinist Augustin Hadelich is in town to perform Barber’s violin concerto, a piece whose history is intertwined with Philly, having been written for and premiered by the orchestra. Augustin explains the magic within this American masterpiece.

Petroc visits the famous Curtis Institute - whose alumni include Leonard Bernstein, Lang Lang, and Yuja Wang - for an exclusive performance from some of its future superstars of classical music, the Viano Quartet: Curtis graduates who released their debut album in 2025.

Philadelphia is also home to the world’s largest playable pipe organ, the spectacular Wanamaker Organ which used to be housed within Macy’s. Having fallen silent for a few years, it's been brought back to life by Opera Philadelphia. Petroc fires up the pipes with its curator and also chats to Philadelphia Opera’s director, countertenor Anthony Roth Costanzo, who's creating the youngest, most diverse and in-demand opera community in the USA.

WRTI classical DJ Melinda Whiting chats to Petroc about the radio station, which broadcasts classical music in the daytime, and jazz music at night.

And throughout the programme, Petroc will be introducing us to the city with a little help from some Philly locals, from the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall to the Marian Anderson museum, musical Walk of Fame and those famous Rocky steps.