Most Musical: Rhode Island Philharmonic

The state’s most classic (or most classical) organization aka The Rhode Island Philharmonic is starting its 70th season in September, and it’s a big enough deal that Yo-Yo Ma made an appearance at last month’s Grand Gala to celebrate and raise money for the orchestra’s Music School. The philharmonic isn’t just buzzworthy because it’s a collection of highly trained and talented musicians performing some of the most challenging music ever written. It’s also worth noting how the orchestra makes that music accessible to the public: through shorter Rush Hour Series concerts, affordable (or free) performances at Open Rehearsals and the Summer Pops, and through the Rhode Island Philharmonic Music School, which is training future generations of orchestra members.