Christoph Eschenbach to Speak at Penn

WHO:    Christoph Eschenbach, music director of the Philadelphia Orchestra and the Orchestre de Paris

WHAT:  Public lecture followed by question-and-answer session

WHEN:  3- 4 p.m., Monday, Dec. 6, 2004

WHERE:Annenberg Center for Performing Arts, 3680 Walnut St.

The French Institute of the University of Pennsylvania is presenting an opportunity for the public to meet Philadelphia's new maestro.

Following his inaugural season as music director of the Philadelphia Orchestra, Christoph Eschenbach continues his creative artistic partnership with the ensemble.  Held in high esteem by the world's foremost orchestras and opera houses for his commanding presence, versatility and musicianship, Eschenbach has been acclaimed as a conductor and champion of young musicians.

Eschenbach is also music director of the Orchestre de Paris.  In addition, this season he leads the Lyric Opera of Chicago season opening production of Mozart Don Giovanni; the Los Angeles Philharmonic; the Staatskapelle Berlin; the Hamburg NDR Symphony; the Staatskapelle Dresden; and the Chicago Symphony at Ravinia.

The talk is free and open to the public.  Tickets are required and can be picked up at the Annenberg Center Box Office or ordered at 215-898-3900 or www.pennpresents.org. Internet and phone orders will be charged a fee.

The event is organized by Penn's French Institute, with support from the Penn's Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, German Department, Music Department, offices of the President and Provost and School of Arts and Sciences plus the Philadelphia Orchestra and French Embassy Cultural Services.