The Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts (PIFA) launches the city’s art and cultural scene onto the world stage with a three-week festival offering performances, exhibits and events. Based on the philosophy of collaboration, innovation
and creativity, this year’s PIFA programs pay homage to the artistic energy of Paris 1910-1920.

The Rosenbach presents two PIFA moments:

Exile Among Expats: James Joyce in Paris and

Raving Beauty: A Song Cycle Inspired by the Life of Mercedes de Acosta

Enjoy an intimate concert performed by some of the area’s finest musicians. The Rosenbach’s Composer-in-Residence, Joseph Hallman, has created a new work based on the life of controversial writer and socialite Mercedes de Acosta. The piece explores Acosta’s relationships with the women in her life, including actress Greta Garbo,
dancer Isadora Duncan, and Acosta’s sister, the fashion icon Rita Lydig. Poet Jessica Hornik worked with Joe Hallman to create the “voice” of each of these relationships for the song cycle. Works by Ravel, Saint-Saens, Faure, and Roussel complete the program.

The concert will be performed by the critically-acclaimed Dolce Suono ensemble and soprano Abigail Haynes Lennox.

Included in general admission. RSVP torsvp [at] rosenbach [dot] org ( rsvp [at] rosenbach [dot] org) or (215)732-1600 ext. 123.