Located in Rittenhouse Square, The Curtis Institute of Music is one of the hidden gems of Philadelphia. This institute is one of the most prestigious music schools in the world, with only 131 students who all attend on full scholarship. I had the opportunity to attend the Student Recital Series on November 5, which is a series free of charge and open to the public.
I had never been to an event like this and didn't know what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised. The building looks unassuming from the outside, but inside the architecture and character of the house is beautiful. The Curtis Institute is in the Curtis family's old home, where rooms and family pieces are still preserved. The integrity of the old building has been kept and the high ceilings and intricate woodwork are remarkable. The recital room was small and intimate, which made the experience much more captivating.
At the performance I attended there were four individual performers and one group act. What struck me was the grace in which the performers played their instruments. There were no harsh movements or sounds. All of the performers were completely immersed in their music, which was truly inspiring to watch. The audience was also very into it, some people were even swaying with their eyes closed.
Overall, my trip to the Curtis Institute of Music was a very memorable experience, and I strongly recommend it to anyone looking for something to do in Philly. If you are like me and have never been to an event like this before, attending an event like this is a good way to get your feet wet.