We foster ingenuity in early-career musicians.

Astral is a nonprofit intensive mentoring program that specializes in developing the early careers of extraordinary classical musicians. Our approach is forward thinking. We concentrate our resources on a small number of rising-star soloists and chamber ensembles with the potential to be change-makers and influencers. The payoff? Cohorts of artistic visionaries who leave our program ready to build a future for classical music.

Artists on our roster receive individualized support, including access to a portfolio of exclusive opportunities, and a professional network that builds on their unique artistic and entrepreneurial skills. For vocalists, Astral provides opportunities and access to sing for agents, consultants, and opera companies both local to Philadelphia and nationally.

Our roster size is approximately 25, and artists stay in our program for an average of four years. During that time, the full strength of our resources is at our artists’ disposal.

Our National Competition is competitive. Since we make a long-term and personalized commitment to our artists and ensembles, we take only a few each year.

Our programs work together to support our Artists’ professional and artistic growth:

Career Planning

We have a team of staff and outside experts who give our artists the very best start, turn their ideas into sustainable and impactful careers, and expand their sphere of influence. In return, we have high expectations for their commitment to developing their potential as artistic and community leaders. We have decades of experience working with early-career artists. Our expert team is comprised of musicians, educators, and arts administrators, and our contacts in the industry run deep. We provide:
  • project and idea incubation.
  • a full complement of marketing tools such as professional photos and website, social media consultation, and branding.
  • extensive community engagement experiences through our award-winning Education & Community Engagement Program.
  • opportunities to commission new works through our Commissioning Program.
  • solo and collaborative appearances on the critically acclaimed Astral In Concert chamber music series.
  • access to concert engagements through Astral’s bookings department.
  • professional advice and mentoring.
  • public speaking experience.

Astral In Concert

One of Philadelphia’s most critically acclaimed concert series, Astral In Concert is our public programming arm that introduces Philadelphia to some of the most talented musicians of their generation.

Astral In Concert takes audiences into the sublime world of chamber music, while helping emerging artists learn how to use repertoire, both traditional and modern, to communicate who they are as individuals, artists, and thinkers.

We are one of Philadelphia’s leading champions in the creation and performance of new music, and have a twenty-year history of commissioning and presenting world premieres by award-winning and emerging composers.

Education & Community Engagement

Our Education & Community Engagement programs, Classroom Classics and Community Classics, benefit Philadelphia-area students whose education does not typically include music, seniors ranging in age and ability, and adults with disabilities. These programs also help artists infuse a commitment to social responsibility into their developing careers. Each community engagement program is interactive, of the highest musical caliber, and designed to meet the needs of its unique audience.  Each year, we present 140 school and community programs, reaching over 2,000 students, senior citizens, and disabled adults.