Temple University purchased Terra Hall, formerly owned by the now-closed University of the Arts on South Broad Street, not far from the Philadelphia Orchestra’s home.
In Thursday’s (3/5) Philadelphia Inquirer, Peter Dobrin writes, “Broadway stars and orchestral players might lead budding Philadelphia musical talent in master classes, and new college internships could open up at the city’s largest performing arts producer and presenter. As Temple University prepares to establish an outpost in Philadelphia’s major arts district, the school and Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts have signed a memorandum of understanding for a new partnership, formalizing a dream stage for joint activities already underway. The new arrangement is expected to benefit not only Temple University students, but also younger students of Temple Music Prep and the Philadelphia School District. Temple and the orchestra have long partnered on projects, but the university’s purchase of Terra Hall—near the orchestra and Kimmel Center—will allow a deeper level of involvement, leaders said. In the fall of 2027, for instance, about three dozen Philadelphia Orchestra current and retired musicians are expected to move their teaching studios from Temple’s main campus to Terra. Other collaborations are expected to take shape over the next year and half.”