Lyric Fest illuminates the life of Benjamin Franklin in its latest Biography in Music series. Bringing together great singers, composers, history, and humor, this inventive program includes excerpts from Franklin’s letters, prose writing, and biographical narration. Musically it features both contemporaneous vocal music that would have been heard in colonial America at the time, plus settings of Franklin’s Poor Richard’s Almanac. Completing the program is a world premiere by Philadelphia composer Melissa Dunphy and a newly commissioned work by Pulitzer Prize winner Jennifer Higdon, inspired by Franklin’s writing. The American Philosophical Society is an apt setting for this performance.
Jessica Beebe, soprano; Benjamin Wenzelberg, countertenor; Martin Bakari, tenor; Randall Scarlata, baritone; Laura Ward, piano/harpsichord; Suzanne DuPlantis, narrator
Meet FitC host Amy Goldman by 7:15 p.m. in the lobby to the left as you enter to receive your ticket (open seating).
Event Limit: 20
Event Cost: FitC Members: $21 ($20 +$1.00 FitC processing fee).
After 48 hours, non-FitC members are welcome to purchase for $26 ($25 + $1.00 FitC processing fee).
Refunds minus $2.00 processing fee available until April 1st.
Accessibility: There are stairs and a ramp leading to the front entrance of Benjamin Franklin Hall. There are no steps once inside the venue.
Please note: The accessible back entrance is now locked for the general public. If you have questions about accessibility please contact the PCMS box office at 215-569-8080 or boxoffice@pcmsconcerts.org prior to the concert.
Parking/Transportation: Parking is available at the Bourse Garage (400 Ranstead Street)
Mark your calendars! Sales of additional PCMS concerts for FitC will open a month or so in advance: May 20, 2026. Learn more at pcmsconcerts.org
Questions? Contact Organizer and Host Amy Goldman, amy.sue.goldman219@gmail.com
