Edward G. Rendell and Joan Myers Brown to be Honored at Third Annual Great Stages Gala for Their Contributions to Philadelphia’s Arts and Culture Landscape

May 30, 2025

Featuring performances by musicians of The Philadelphia Orchestra, 

PHILADANCO!, Opera Philadelphia, Philadelphia Ballet, and more 

Proceeds benefit the Academy of Music Restoration Fund and 

The Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts

 

(Philadelphia, April 30, 2025)––The Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts will host the third annual Great Stages Gala on Friday, May 30, 2025. The black-tie event will celebrate the Honorable Edward G. Rendell and PHILADANCO! founder Joan Myers Brown, visionary leaders who have made a transformative impact on Philadelphia’s arts and culture community. The gala will also turn the spotlight on Resident Companies and the broad spectrum of art presented by The Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts. Proceeds from the Great Stages Gala benefit the restoration of the Academy of Music, along with the programs, people, and venues of The Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts. 

“As we gather for the third annual Great Stages Gala, we are proud to recognize the immeasurable contributions of both Ed Rendell and Joan Myers Brown,” said Ryan Fleur, president and CEO of The Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts. “Their leadership has enriched Philadelphia, united our communities, and established our city’s global reputation as a destination for the arts. We look forward to an evening that celebrates their accomplishments as well as the vibrancy of Philadelphia’s thriving arts and culture scene.”

As former mayor of Philadelphia and governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Edward G. Rendell played a crucial role in revitalizing Center City, laying the groundwork for the city’s cultural growth through the creation of the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. Under his guidance, the Avenue of the Arts flourished, bringing jobs, fostering development, and rejuvenating residential life in Philadelphia—a testament to his unwavering belief in the power of the arts as a driver of change. He continued to support Philadelphia arts and culture during his eight years as governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Joan Myers Brown, the legendary founder and artistic advisor of the Philadelphia Dance Company (PHILADANCO!) and a National Medal of Arts laureate, has set the standard for excellence and innovation in dance, paving the way for generations of predominately Black artists and helping to preserve African-American traditions in dance. Throughout her trailblazing career, she has created inclusive, welcoming opportunities where many artists can thrive, express themselves, and carry forward the legacy of dance in America.

The Great Stages Gala is a progressive evening that will begin with a donor reception at the Academy of Music at 6:00 PM, including entertainment by vocalist and pianist V. Shayne Frederick with All-City Jazz Fellow Jacob Dennis. The honoree presentation will take place on the stage of the Academy at 7:00 PM, celebrating Edward G. Rendell and Joan Myers Brown and featuring an appearance by Philadelphia Orchestra Music and Artistic Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin and performances by musicians of The Philadelphia Orchestra, dancers from PHILADANCO!, and vocalist Laurin Talese. At 7:30 PM, the Rodney Marsalis Philadelphia Big Brass will lead a processional down Broad Street to the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, where erhu player Qin Qian will greet guests with a musical interlude. There, the gala will feature inspiring performances and elevated food and beverage options from Rhubarb Hospitality Collection. The evening will feature a diverse array of pop-up performances by musicians of The Philadelphia Orchestra; PHILADANCO!; Opera Philadelphia; Philadelphia Ballet; Broadway and “American Idol” star Justin Guarini; and gospel, jazz, and soul artist Kayla Childs, also known as “Black Buttafly.” At 9:30 PM, guests will have the rare opportunity to dance on the stage of Marian Anderson Hall to a set by DJ Diamond Kuts and organist Andy Brown of the Curtis Institute of Music.   

For more information about the Great Stages Gala and to purchase benefactor packages, visit www.ensembleartsphilly.org/gala.

# # #

About Edward G. Rendell

After 34 years of public service, including 24 years as an elected official, the Honorable Edward G. Rendell continues to pursue many of the same issues he was passionate about while serving. His commitment to making America a cleaner, more efficient place and to fostering investment in our nation’s crumbling infrastructure is as strong as it has ever been. Rendell served two terms as governor of Pennsylvania. Through his unprecedented strategic investments, he energized Pennsylvania’s economy, revitalized communities, improved education, protected the environment, expanded access to health care to all children, and made affordable prescription drugs available to older Pennsylvanians. During his two terms as mayor of Philadelphia, Rendell eliminated a crippling deficit, balanced the city’s budget, and generated five consecutive budget surpluses. Philadelphia’s renaissance, which the New York Times called “the most stunning turnaround in recent urban history,” is largely attributed to his determination, inspiration, and energy. For more information, visit www.edwardrendell.com/ 

About Joan Myers Brown

Joan Myers Brown is an artist, visionary, and entrepreneur. In 1960 she founded the Philadelphia School of Dance Arts, and the Philadelphia Dance Company (PHILADANCO!) in 1970. She serves as honorary chairperson for the International Association of Blacks in Dance, established in 1991, an organization for which she laid the groundwork in 1988 with the founding of the International Conference of Black Dance Companies. Her undisputed status as a leader in the national and international arts communities was acknowledged when she was selected to receive the 2012 National Medal of the Arts, the nation’s highest civic honor for excellence in the arts. President Barack Obama presented the prestigious honor at a ceremony in July 2013 at the White House, praising Brown for carving out “an artistic haven for African-American dancers and choreographers to innovate, create, and share their unique visions with the national and global dance communities.” For more information, visit www.philadanco.org/history.

 

The Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts extends gratitude to the 2025 Great Stages Gala Sponsors.

Great Stages Gala Platinum Sponsors

John and Patricia Imbesi

John H. McFadden and Lisa D. Kabnick

Ralph and Beth Johnston Muller

Joseph Neubauer and Jeanette Lerman-Neubauer 

Great Stages Gala Gold Sponsors

Comcast NBCUniversal

Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church

Leonard P. and Irina Wilson Gage

Independence Blue Cross

The Leslie Miller and Richard Worley Foundation

Penn Medicine

Caroline B. Rogers

Mari and Peter Shaw

Stradley Ronon Stevens and Young, LLP

Mr. and Mrs. Richard W. Vague

Hon. Constance H. and Dr. Sankey Williams

Michael D. Zisman

Great Stages Gala Co-Chairs

Ivory V.C. Allison

Blondell Reynolds Brown

David L. Cohen

Dr. Robert and Mrs. Donna Corrato

Sarah Miller Coulson

Thomas A. Decker

Mark and Tobey Dichter

Cara and John Fry

Valerie V. Gay

Julia A. Haller, M.D.

Robert Heim and Eileen Kennedy

Nina Henderson

Osagie and Losenge Imasogie

Erika H. James, Ph.D.

Council President Kenyatta Johnson

Brook J. Lenfest

Rev. Dr. Lorina Marshall-Blake

John McFadden and Lisa Kabnick

Jami Wintz McKeon

Leslie Miller and Richard Worley

Ralph and Beth Johnston Muller

Joseph and Jeanette Neubauer

Sue and Craig Perrotty

Caroline B. Rogers

Adrienne Simpson

Richard L. Snow

Laura and Richard Vague

Judee and Clay von Seldeneck

Rev. Dr. Alyn Waller

Sankey and Constance Williams

Michael D. Zisman