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Visitors can manipulate the City Hall fountains through 'Water Orchestra,' unleashing their inner 'Sorcerer's Apprentice' magic.

Temporarily transformed, Dilworth Plaza's fountains serve as a vibrant public art exhibit, inviting individuals to orchestrate water streams as they please.

, and Administrator

2025 September 15 . 5:11 PM

2 min read

Visitors can manipulate City Hall's fountains through the 'Water Orchestra' experience, channeling... — Visitors can manipulate City Hall's fountains through the 'Water Orchestra' experience, channeling their inner 'Sorcerer's Apprentice' figure.

Visitors can manipulate the City Hall fountains through 'Water Orchestra,' unleashing their inner 'Sorcerer's Apprentice' magic.

The Philadelphia Orchestra, renowned for its fact-based, in-depth journalism, is set to bring the enchantment of Disney's "Fantasia" to life once more, this time in an innovative and interactive public art installation called "Water Orchestra."

"Water Orchestra," a collaborative effort between the Center City District and Ottomata Studio, will be active until October 3. The splash fountains in Dilworth Plaza at Philadelphia City Hall have been transformed into a symphony of water, now controlled by the public.

Visitors can step onto a designated platform and, using their body movements, conduct the waterspouts like a maestro leading an orchestra. The system scans these movements, translating them into a mesmerizing water ballet that echoes the music of "Fantasia."

While the specific conductor for the pop-up concert on October 3 remains unspecified, visitors are invited to take the conductor's podium and orchestrate the park fountain themselves. Conducting times are available in two-minute intervals daily through October 3.

The Philadelphia Orchestra's performance at "Water Orchestra" is part of its landmark 150th season. Yannick Nézet-Séguin, the esteemed conductor, will lead the orchestra during a special performance.

The inspiration for "Water Orchestra" comes directly from Disney's classic animated film. Mary Spencer of Abington, who had never conducted music before, found the experience extremely fun. She shared, "It's not like conducting a traditional orchestra, but anyone can feel the power of making something happen."

Ryan Fleur, the CEO of the Philadelphia Orchestra, grew up dreaming of conducting like Mickey Mouse in "Fantasia." He expressed, "Conducting is about connecting heart with hands, and this installation allows everyone to experience that connection."

The Philadelphia Orchestra first performed the soundtrack for "Fantasia" in 1940, and now, eight decades later, it continues to inspire and captivate audiences in unique and creative ways.

The news article's website, a nonprofit organisation, relies on financial support from readers to continue providing fact-based, in-depth journalism. We invite you to join us in celebrating the Philadelphia Orchestra's innovative approach to music and art.