For many people, a visit to Philadelphia isn't complete without attending a concert given by the city's smooth, powerful orchestra. After an incredible string of 20th-century leaders -- Leopold Stokowski, Eugene Ormandy (for 44 legendary years), Riccardo Muti, Wolfgang Sawallisch, Christoph Eschenbach -- Yannick Nézet-Séguin will lead the group in 2012. The "Fabulous Philadelphians'" home is a grandly contemporary concert hall in the Kimmel Center.

Regular-season concerts are September to May, most Tuesday through Saturday evenings and Friday and Sunday afternoons. More tickets to individual performances are available than ever before, with some open dress rehearsals. In summer, the orchestra moves to the Mann Center for 4 weeks. Ticket prices can be as low as $10 for a family concert, and more than $100 for first-tier seats for opening night and New Year's Eve.