The program, led by acclaimed sommelier and author Marnie Old and Victory Brewing Co. co-founder Bill Covaleski, uses the science of sensory overlap to create a "magical" harmony between sound and flavor.
The Art of the Pairing
This unique format, conceived by Old, moves beyond traditional performance. Guests will enjoy a seated, guided flight of six beverages, each specifically selected to mirror the complexity, notes, and emotional resonance of a corresponding musical composition.
“I’ve always been fascinated by how our senses overlap,” says Marnie Old. “When the right sound meets the right glass, something clicks... it encourages people to slow down, pay attention, and discover the common language between flavor and music.”
Two Ways to Experience the Harmony
The day is split into two distinct sessions, catering to classical purists and jazz aficionados alike:
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Wine & Classical Piano
- The Guide: Marnie Old, noted sommelier and Philadelphia Inquirer columnist.
- The Talent: Award-winning pianist Sebastian Picht, performing on the Society’s prestigious Bösendorfer semi-concert grand piano.
- The Experience: A flight of fine international wines paired with a repertoire spanning three centuries—from Bach and Beethoven to modern works composed by Picht’s grandfather, Edward Kalendar.
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM: Beer & Jazz Pairings
- The Guide: Bill Covaleski, the visionary brewer behind Victory Brewing Company.
- The Talent: The New Philly Sound, a quartet of elite university jazz students representing the city’s vibrant musical future.
- The Experience: Locally sourced craft beers, ranging from historic traditional styles to innovative new brews, served to match the mood and improvisational energy of contemporary jazz.
Tickets and Venue
Located in the historic North 7th Street corridor, the German Society of Pennsylvania offers a rare, acoustic-rich setting for these events.
- Pairing Tickets: Includes classroom-style seating and the flight of wine or beer (Ages 21+ only).
- Music-Only Tickets: Available for non-drinkers or all-ages guests, featuring theater-style seating in the balcony.
- How to Buy: Tickets are available now via Ticketleap.
About the Experts
Marnie Old is one of the nation’s leading voices on beverage education, known for her visually intuitive approach to wine and her work designing lists for local landmarks like Parc and Rouge.
Bill Covaleski co-founded Victory Brewing Company in 1996, helping spark the craft beer revolution with icons like HopDevil and Prima Pils. He now focuses on community-driven creative projects that merge brewing with the arts.
