Philadelphia Orchestra

Fri., Jan. 23, 2 p.m., $39-$115, Kimmel Center, 300 S. Broad St., 215-893-1999, philorch.org.

by Peter Burwasser

CLASSICAL

Christoph Eschenbach is certainly a good sport. The last official music director of the Philadelphia Orchestra has returned to town, a couple of years after being told, essentially, that his services would no longer be needed, for a veritable Eschenbach festival. After leading six orchestra concerts,he will preside over the premiere society event of the year, the Academy Anniversary Concert and Ball. Then, it's off to Europe with the band for a three-week tour. Just like old times! It will be interesting to assess the energy, for better or worse, that this whirlwind of music-making will engender. This is a relationship that could benefit the local musical scene for years to come. Eschenbach wraps up his pre-gala local activity this week with a Friday afternoon concert featuring the Schubert Ninth Symphony.

Fri., Jan. 23, 2 p.m., $39-$115, Kimmel Center, 300 S. Broad St., 215-893-1999, philorch.org.