Kimmel Center’s founding resident company departs, marking a significant change in its artistic landscape.

The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia has officially announced its decision to depart from the Kimmel Center, a significant change for the organization that has long been one of the founding resident companies of this major cultural venue. After 24 years at the center, the orchestra’s board reached a unanimous decision, citing the increasing costs associated with performances at the Kimmel as a primary factor in their move. This decision comes just two weeks before the commencement of the orchestra’s new season.

In a communication sent out to patrons and supporters, the chamber orchestra expressed that the rising expenses at the Kimmel were hampering their ability to allocate resources effectively to other essential areas within the organization. The announcement emphasized that maintaining a high standard of musical quality and financial stability would remain their top priorities. Anne Hagan, the executive director, noted that while the Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts management had displayed understanding regarding payment schedules, the organization’s financial situation had rendered it challenging to keep up with the base rent and additional costs tied to performances at the venue.

The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia had been an integral part of the Kimmel’s Perelman Theater since the venue opened its doors in 2001. In response to this transition, the Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts expressed their understanding of the challenges faced by many nonprofit performing arts organizations, acknowledging the valuable contributions the chamber orchestra has made to both their theaters and the broader Philadelphia cultural landscape. They have also assured that their venues would remain open to the chamber orchestra when they choose to return.

Looking ahead, the Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia has already planned its 2025-26 concert season to take place at multiple venues. These performances will now occur at locations such as the Church of the Holy Trinity on Rittenhouse Square, the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, and the Philadelphia Film Society. Hagan explained that relocating performances would yield approximately ,000 in savings from the orchestra’s total annual operating budget, which stands at around .2 million.

The orchestra’s music director, David Hayes, indicated that these savings would provide an opportunity for the group to deepen its engagement with audiences and pursue artistic endeavors that had previously been financially prohibitive. Additionally, Hayes highlighted that the costs associated with production can escalate quickly, particularly when incorporating elements such as sound and lighting.

In an optimistic outlook, the chamber orchestra has hinted at plans to establish a residency in a newly renovated venue in Center City by the 2026-27 season, although specific details about this location remain undisclosed. The new venue is anticipated to offer favorable acoustics and amenities that support the chamber orchestra’s mission.

Despite the significant changes, Hagan has stated that for now, the orchestra is stepping away from its long-term commitment to the Kimmel Center as a primary performance space. She emphasized that the orchestra’s focus will now shift towards investing in artistic endeavors and collaborations that prioritize the quality of performance, which will include new works and pieces by contemporary composers.

As the Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia navigates this transitional period, its leadership remains committed to preserving the integrity of its artistic mission while exploring new opportunities for growth and audience engagement.