Vox Ex Machina

50th Anniversary Gala

A Gala, but Different

PERFORMANCE
Celebrate 50 years of Opera Philadelphia in a singular event that harnesses bold new technology to marry music and visual art. Vox Ex Machina, our golden anniversary gala, will bring together opera stars and emerging artists performing favorites from the operatic canon alongside new music, all while their voices are translated into visual works of art live onstage at the Academy of Music.

ABOUT THE MACHINE
In the winter of 2025, Opera Philadelphia partnered with Drexel University’s ExCITe Center and artist and creative technologist Daniel Belquer to launch a course with the goal of creating a machine that could take variables such as pitch and volume from a singer’s performance and paint a canvas in response to an aria as it unfolds. The audience will see these sonic visual representations materialize during this one-of-a-kind concert.

CELEBRATION DINNER
Following the performance, Gala attendees will head to Philadelphia’s beloved Reading Terminal Market for an out-of-the-box celebration dinner. Guests will feast on selections from some of the city’s most quintessential culinary icons and get the opportunity to view (and purchase!) the one-of-a-kind art that was created at the performance. Explore this treasured landmark while mingling in casual open seating areas. Become a Gold Sponsor or above for the option of hosting a traditional table, or instead opting for a more relaxed experience with a dedicated lounge area. Whether you prefer to paint by numbers or color outside the lines, this will be an evening you won’t want to miss!

SCHEDULE
Cocktail Reception | Academy of Music Ballroom, 5:00 p.m.
Performance | Academy of Music, 6:00 p.m.
Celebration Dinner | Reading Terminal Market, 8:00 p.m.