In anticipation of the opening of the 2018 Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts, the Kimmel Center sent eight journalists, including myself, high above the Schuylkill banks on a giant chandelier. The massive structure is the centerpiece of Cristal Palace, a 360-degree immersive performance by Compagnie Transe Express, a group of musicians, artists and acrobats from France. During the performance, the chandelier will hoist musicians and acrobats high above the crowd surrounded by hundreds of lights and a giant disco ball.
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The troupe has performed in more than 50 countries around the world and on Broad Street during the 2011 PIFA. They were brought back by the Kimmel Center to create “the best dance party Philly has ever seen.” The performances will be held from Friday, June 1, through Sunday, June 10, near the intersection of Kelly and Fountain Green drives along the banks of the Schuylkill River in Fairmount Park.
You can watch a video of Jay Wahl, Artistic Director of the Kimmel Center explaining the performance, read more about attending here, and see photos below of the event that sent us soaring above the Schuylkill.