Fort Wayne (September 23, 2023) -- Purdue University Fort Wayne and the Fort Wayne Philharmonic are expanding their longstanding partnership together as the Philharmonic enters its 80th season. Beginning this fall, the Philharmonic will perform all mainstage performances in the Auer Performance Hall at Purdue Fort Wayne Music Center.

“We are excited to bring new audience members into our beautiful hall to experience the world-class music the Philharmonic in known to deliver,” said John O’Connell, dean of the College of Visual and Performing Arts at Purdue Fort Wayne. “Whether you’re a familiar face or a first-time visitor to campus, it’s our pleasure welcome you to this full season of concerts.”

“The Philharmonic is looking forward to the start of the 80th season at Auer Performance Hall. We are thrilled to be expanding our relationship with Purdue Fort Wayne not only with the performances that will be hosted at the PFW Music Center, but with a refreshed commitment to working with the music faculty. We’re looking forward to a new season where we will continue moving forward bigger, bolder and together within our community,” said Brittany Hall, President and CEO of the Philharmonic.

As Fort Wayne continues to grow and expand, the Philharmonic sees the relocation to Purdue Fort Wayne Music Center essential to staying near the population center of the city, and a way to continue deepening its regional footprint in Northeast Indiana by remaining easily accessible to patrons.

Purdue Fort Wayne Music Center gives current and future Philharmonic patrons additional accessibility by providing ample, free parking in the P3 parking garage directly adjacent to the facility – only a short distance under a covered walkway from the venue. The circle drive in front of the Music Center provides space for easy pick up and drop off. Accessible parking spaces are also available just outside the building.

Said Music Director Andrew Constantine, “The Fort Wayne Philharmonic’s 2023-24 Season is one that has given me an incredible amount of joy in planning. Not only does it offer us the opportunity to present to you some of the greatest music ever written, we’ll also be hosting a truly outstanding array of guest artists and soloists in a welcoming and comfortable environment. I can’t wait to share with you a journey that will help shape the Philharmonic’s new and exciting future!”  

Inside Purdue Fort Wayne Music Center, excellent acoustics and updated sound technology bring high quality music experiences to Auer Performance Hall. This allows the Philharmonic operations to expand musical art forms through technology. Wheelchair seating and wheelchair companion seating are also available in the floor and mezzanine sections. Elevators are available to take patrons to all seating levels.

The first mainstage performance for the 2023-24 Season is Saturday, Oct. 7, at 7:30 p.m. featuring violinist Gil Shaham & Pictures at an Exhibition. Patrons are also invited to the Philharmonic’s Opening Night Concert Gala, which includes a cocktail hour prior to the performance, and a light dinner afterwards. For tickets to all 2023-24 Season events, visit fwphil.org.