Maestro Daniel Hege

If you've ever been to a Philharmonic concert, you already know that our music director Maestro Daniel Hege is not just a world-class conductor. He's a world-class educator, too.

Maestro Hege has a uniquely warm and natural way of connecting with the audience, giving background information about the music that allows listeners to dive deeply and enjoy fully the experience of live orchestral music.

Did you know that during the week of every one of the Philharmonic's Symphonic Series performances, Maestro Hege makes a series of Maestro Visits to the community, appearing in intimate settings like Good Shepherd Village, Riverside Towers, and our newest location, the Broome County Arts Council? The Maestro Visits take place on Wednesday afternoons during concert week, and are a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the music and enjoy the conversation, fueled by the fascinating insights and warm personality of Maestro Hege. For a schedule of upcoming Maestro Visits, visit our Education Calendar. All are welcome!

Julia Grella O'Connell gives a Pre-Concert Chat

Also during Symphonic Series concert weeks, the Philharmonic's Director of Education and Community Engagement, award-winning music scholar and educator Dr. Julia Grella O'Connell, brings her own illuminating perceptions of music and history to life in her Pre-Concert Chats. Pre-Concert Chats take place at 6:30pm at the Broome County Forum Theatre's Recital Hall before every 7:30pm classical concert. This season, Dr. Grella O'Connell will explore topics like the Industrial Revolution's influence on the pastoral aesthetic, the ways Scottish balladry informed nationalism in 19th-century Europe, and Schubert's music as a private form of resistance to the Viennese surveillance state. Check our education calendar for more information.

Guests at a Kilmer Lecture

Finally, the Philharmonic offers a free lecture series in partnership with the Kilmer Mansion. The Kilmer Lectures are lively, fun, and informal talks about music and culture, held on four Thursday afternoons throughout the year. This season features Maestro Hege exploring the work of a conductor, Executive Director Dr. Paul Ciennewa explaining the hows and whys of planning a concert season, and Julia Grella O'Connell on why classical music still matters. Browse the education calendar for more information.

The Binghamton Philharmonic's educational programming is convivial, lively, and truly has something for everyone. We invite you to come and delve deeply into the music and conversation!