$10 MILLION AWARDED TO THE ORLANDO PHILHARMONIC’S PLAZA LIVE PROJECT

Orange County Commissioners Award Tourist Development Tax Dollars

to Renovation of Iconic City of Orlando Landmark

(Tuesday, April 23, Orlando, FL) – The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra is excited to announce that it has been awarded $10,000,000 in funding for The Plaza Live concert and event venue residing at 425 North Bumby Avenue in Orlando, FL.

The funding was passed Tuesday, April 23 by the Orange County Board of County Commissioners after recommendation and approval from the Tourist Development Tax Application Review Committee that took place in March of 2019. The first installment will support the transfer of ownership of The Plaza Live to the City of Orlando; subsequent installments along with private philanthropy will contribute to public space enhancements and accessibility renovations of the 53-year old facility.

ORLANDO PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA BRINGS THE SOUNDS OF FRANCE TO THE STAGE

Acclaimed cellist Jan Vogler to join Orlando Philharmonic as featured guest artist

(Tuesday, April 2, Orlando, FL) – The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra FAIRWINDS Classics Series comes to a crescendo with French Soirée on Saturday, April 27 at 8 p.m. at Bob Carr Theater. The Philharmonic will be led by Music Director Eric Jacobsen and joined by German cellist Jan Vogler and the University of Central Florida University and Women’s Choruses as they celebrate renowned composers of France including Saint-Saëns, Ravel, and Bizet. 

Jan Vogler has been increasingly more recognized as a result of his recent collaborations with American actor, comedian and writer Bill Murray. After meeting in line whilst going through airport security, Vogler and Murray struck up a friendship leading to the release of New Worlds featuring Bill Murray, Jan Vogler, and friends (Mira Wang, violin and Vanessa Perez, piano). Featuring music by Bach, Bernstein, Gershwin, Piazzolla, Van Morrison and more, New Worlds is an album described as “a program that showcases the core of the American values in literature and music.”

ORLANDO PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA TO CELEBRATE WITH ‘STAR WARS AND MORE’

Guest Conductor Michael Krajewski leads the Orlando Philharmonic in concert spectacular

(Wednesday, March 27, Orlando, FL) – The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra will celebrate the music of John Williams on Saturday, April 13 at 2 & 8 p.m. at Bob Carr Theater. Michael Krajewski, Music Director of The Philly Pops and Principal Pops Conductor of the Atlanta and Jacksonville Symphonies, leads this concert featuring the best of John Williams’ legendary film scores, including music from Indiana Jones, Harry Potter, the Star Wars series, and more.

In a career that spans five decades, composer and conductor John Williams has become one of America’s most accomplished and successful composers for film and for the concert stage. Mr. Williams has received a variety of prestigious awards, including the National Medal of Arts, the Kennedy Center Honor, the Olympic Order, and numerous Academy Awards, Grammy Awards, Emmy Awards and Golden Globe Awards. He remains one of our nation’s most distinguished and contributive musical voices.

RING IN THE HOLIDAY SEASON WITH ORLANDO PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA HOLIDAY POPS IN CENTRAL PARK

 

(November 9, 2018) – The City of Winter Park and the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra invite you to celebrate the spirit of the holiday season at their annual Holiday Pops concert Sunday, December 2, at 4 p.m., in charming Central Park. A Holiday Festival is a free public concert and is made possible by the Charlotte Julia Hollander Trust. Bring a blanket and pack a picnic for a concert program that has become a family tradition in central Florida.

Enjoy beautiful Central Park as Conductor Albert George Schram leads the Philharmonic in a beautiful program featuring familiar favorites as well as surprise selections. Highlights will include instrumentals such as “Carol of the Bells,” “Sleigh Ride,” as well as vocal selections featuring Natalie Cordone and Shawn Kilgore including “White Christmas,” and a joyful Christmas sing-a-long.

ORLANDO PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA INVITES CENTRAL FLORIDA ‘HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS’

Opera Orlando Youth Chorus and The Holiday Singers return for Central Florida’s favorite holiday concert.

(Thursday, November 1, Orlando, FL) – The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra brings the holiday spirit to Central Florida with two performances of Home for the Holidays on Saturday, November 24 at 2 p.m. & 8 p.m. at Bob Carr Theater. 

The Philharmonic’s annual tradition features Guest Conductor Albert George Schram, Opera Orlando Youth Chorus, and The Holiday Singers performing familiar favorites, and new holiday tunes that are sure to delight! 

The performances will also feature a new surprise guest this year – Santa Claus, himself, will be in the lobby before each performance ready to greet the entire family! The Philharmonic is partnering with Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida to host a holiday food drive, and persons attending the concerts are encouraged to bring shelf-stable food items to contribute. 

ORLANDO PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA PERFORMS HOLST’S MONUMENTAL THE PLANETS

Internationally acclaimed virtuoso on the kamancheh (spiked fiddle), Kayhan Kalhor returns

(Thursday, October 18, Orlando, FL) – A creative force in today’s music scene, Kayhan Kalhor returns to Orlando with a work he recorded with The Silk Road Ensemble and Music Director Eric Jacobsen leads the massive forces of the Orlando Philharmonic in Holst’s epic astrological masterpiece, The Planets on Saturday, November 3 at 8 p.m. at Bob Carr Theater.

“It was almost exactly 50 years ago that we first landed on the moon, and we have a program with the Philharmonic that’s celebrating the solar system, the universe, and the cosmos - it’s a program centered around Holst’s The Planets,” said Jacobsen. “One of my favorite things about this program is that our partner, the UCF Women’s Chorus, is joining us for one of the most gorgeous moments in Neptune.”

The concert also includes founding member of the Aizuri Quartet, Karen Ouzounian, cello; one of the leading tabla virtuosos in the world today, Sandeep Das, tabla; and the University of Central Florida Women’s Chorus.

ORLANDO PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA OPENS POPS SERIES WITH GRAMMY-AWARD WINNING RHIANNON GIDDENS

Giddens also known for her starring role as Hallie Jordan on CMT’s drama Nashville

(Wednesday, October 3, Orlando, FL) – The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra kicks off its 2018-2019 Pops Series with two performances of American Blues featuring the co-founder of the Grammy award-winning string band Carolina Chocolate Drops, Rhiannon Giddens on Saturday, October 13 at 2 p.m. & 8 p.m. at Bob Carr Theater.

The concert, the first of five in the Pops Series, includes Conductor Eric Jacobsen and Giddens on vocals and banjo, celebrates classics from American composers including Gershwin’s An American in Paris, Bernstein’s Symphonic Dances from West Side Story and others, as well as selections from her solo albums.

The elegant bearing, prodigious voice, and fierce spirit is abundantly evident on Giddens’ critically acclaimed solo debut, the Grammy-nominated album Tomorrow Is My Turn, which masterfully blends American musical genres like gospel, jazz, blues, and country, showcasing her extraordinary emotional range and dazzling vocal prowess. In 2017, she was awarded a Macarthur Genius Award and received the BBC Radio 2 Folk Award for Singer of the Year, and won the Steve Martin Prize for Excellence in Bluegrass and Banjo in 2016. In February of 2017, Giddens’ follow-up album Freedom Highway was released.

ORLANDO PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA BOARD OF DIRECTORS NAMES DR. MARY PALMER PRESIDENT

(Thursday, June 28, Orlando, FL) – The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra Board of Directors has named Dr. Mary Palmer President. Palmer, president of Mary Palmer and Associates, LLC., succeeds RK Kelley. Her two-year term begins July 1, 2018.

“Mary’s leadership experience and extensive background in education and the arts will serve the orchestra well during these next critical and exciting years for our organization,” said Christopher Barton, executive director. “We remain focused on enhancing our artistic excellence, expanding our regional presence, and performing in Steinmetz Hall at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts when it opens in 2020.”

After serving as Professor of Music Education and Dean of the University of Central Florida College of Education, Palmer is now UCFProfessor and Dean Emerita. She has served as President of professional organizations including MENC: National Association for Music Education Southern Division; VSA Arts of Florida; Florida Music Educators Association; and the Florida Alliance for Arts Education.

Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra Raises More Than $630,000 Through 25th Anniversary Season Gala Celebration

Mary and Frank J. Doherty contribute $250,000 to the orchestra’s endowment, naming the Principal Clarinet Chair

(Thursday, May 24, Orlando, FL) – The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra announced that it has raised more than $630,000 during its 25^th Anniversary Season Gala Celebration, which will be invested in the programming of the organization, helping it to continue to enrich the community and inspire audiences through the power of live music.

“We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of our sponsors, donors, patrons, and all who have helped the Philharmonic reach this exciting anniversary milestone,” said Christopher Barton, executive director of the Philharmonic.

Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra Announces 25th Anniversary Gala Celebration

Celebrating the past, present, and future of the Orlando Philharmonic with a goal to raise more than $600,000 to support the Orchestra’s mission

(Thursday, April 12, Orlando, FL) – The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra announces its 25^th Anniversary Gala Celebration, featuring a kaleidoscope of live performances highlighting music and programs of the Orlando Philharmonic, an elegant cocktail hour, a fabulous three-course dinner, a live auction, and dancing at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 5 at the Hilton Orlando, 6001 Destination Parkway, Orlando. Attire is Black Tie.

Live performances at the Gala by the Orlando Philharmonic and Music Director Eric Jacobsen include Bernstein’s Overture to Candide, Brahms’ Hungarian Dance No. 5, select movements from Bach’s Double Violin Concerto, and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5. Guest artists performing at the Gala include Philharmonic Concertmaster Rimma Bergeron-Langlois, violinist Colin Jacobsen, violin prodigy and Orlando native Leah Flynn, and singer Michael Andrew.

ERIC JACOBSEN CONDUCTS BRAHMS SYMPHONY NO. 1 ON SATURDAY, APRIL 7 AT BOB CARR THEATER

Visual Artist Kevork Mourad, shares the stage with real-time animated painting.

(Friday, March 30, Orlando, Fla.) – The Orlando Philharmonic presents an evening of collaboration of art and music with Brahms Symphony No. 1 at 8 p.m. on Saturday, April 7 at Bob Carr Theater, 401 West Livingston Street, Orlando, FL.

Few great works of music have taken so long to get to a finished product as Brahms Symphony No. 1. He insisted that it took 21 years from sketches to finishing touches.

The concert program includes:

Eric Jacobsen, conductor
Awet Andemicael, soprano; Alexander Elliott, baritone
William Ferguson, tenor; Kevork Mourad, visual artist

Charles Griffin – World Premiere

Brahms – Symphony No. 1 in C minor

Rimsky-Korsakov – Excerpts from Capriccio Espagnol

De Falla – Master Peter’s Puppet Show

VIOLINIST GRACE PARK JOINS CONDUCTOR ERIC JACOBSEN FOR AMERICAN ROOTS AT THE PLAZA LIVE ON MONDAY APRIL 2

Orlando Philharmonic Focus Series concert also includes the Central Florida Community Arts Choir

(Tuesday, March 27, Orlando, Fla.) – A dynamic violinist, dedicated chamber musician, and passionate pedagogue, Grace Park’s diverse career has carried her around the world’s main concert halls as a soloist and chamber musician, to giving masterclasses and teaching at universities around the country. Park joins conductor Eric Jacobsen and the Central Florida Community Arts Choir at 7 p.m. on Monday, April 2 for American Roots, part of the Focus Series at The Plaza Live, 425 North Bumby Avenue, Orlando, FL.

The concert program includes:

Eric Jacobsen, conductorGrace Park, violinist
Lyman Brodie, trumpetSotos Djiovanis, english hornCentral Florida Community Arts Choir

ORLANDO PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA BRINGS NOTES IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD PROGRAM TO PARRAMORE SCHOOLS

(Monday, March 26, Orlando, Fla.) – The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra is partnering with multiple Parramore schools as part of its Notes in Your Neighborhood program, sponsored by OUC: The Reliable One.  Originally provided to elementary schools as an exciting and engaging program since 2011 to inspire students beginning to choose their instrument in middle school, the program has recently expanded to include middle and high schools.

Elementary students receive multiple after-school visits featuring principal musicians from the Orlando Philharmonic presenting information about their instruments, sharing insight into how they make a living in the arts, and offering small group and individual instruction to students as they take their first steps into instrumental music.  The culmination of the program is presented at the school for the student body to inspire future Notes in Your Neighborhood students. 

ORLANDO PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA ANNOUNCES ITS 2018-2019 SEASON

Puerto Rican-born composer and multi-instrumentalist Angélica Negrón

featured as composer-in-residence

FAIRWINDS Credit Union commits to multi-year sponsorship of Classics Series

(Monday, March 12, Orlando, FL) – The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra announces its 2018-2019 Season today, including five concerts on the FAIRWINDS Classics Series, and five programs of two concerts each on the Pops Series, with all performances taking place at Bob Carr Theater. The Focus Series includes five concerts that take place at The Plaza Live Theater. Summer programming will be announced at a later date.

Music Director Eric Jacobsen returns for his fourth season with the OPO, conducting concerts on each of the Orchestra’s three main series. Soloists highlighting the FAIRWINDS Classics Series include season-opening performances by violinist and OPO Concertmaster Rimma Bergeron-Langlois and soprano Maria Laetitia, both familiar to Orlando audiences, pianist Harmony Zhu, the 2018 Genius of Youth artist, and award-winning cellist Jan Vogler.

NEW YORK SINGER/SONGWRITER HEATHER MASSE AND JAZZ PIANIST JED WILSON JOIN THE ORLANDO PHILHARMONIC AT THE PLAZA LIVE ON WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14 AT 8 P.M.

(Tuesday, March 6, Orlando, Fla.) – Heather Masse and Jed Wilson are performing a series of new original songs as part of the Women In Song Series at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, March 14 at The Plaza Live, 425 N. Bumby Ave., Orlando, FL 32803. They will be joined by a string quartet from the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra.

Although trained at the New England Conservatory of Music as a jazz singer, New York singer/songwriter Heather Masse is equally versed in a variety of American song traditions, which influences her more prevalent work in folk, pop, and bluegrass.

ORLANDO PHILHARMONIC SYMPHONY STORYTIME SERIES BRINGS THE RUNAWAY BUNNY TO LIFE THROUGH LIVE MUSIC, NARRATION AND A FILM BY MICHELEE PUPPETS

Perfect for children ages three to seven. Tickets just $10 per concert.

(Wednesday, February 28, Orlando, FL) – The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra announces the next concert in its Symphony Storytime Series, The Runaway Bunny, with performances on Sunday, March 11 at 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. and Saturday, March 17 at 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. at The Plaza Live, 425 North Bumby Avenue, Orlando, Florida 32803.

The Symphony Storytime Series presented by Orlando Health and Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children presents live music for young children, ages three to seven by Orlando Philharmonic musicians, along with narration and visuals that bring favorite children’s classics to life.

The Runaway Bunny

with a film by MicheLee Puppets

Sunday, March 11 | 11 a.m. & 12:30 p.m. & Saturday, March 17 | 10 & 11:30 a.m.

CARY HOFFMAN AND CONDUCTOR ALBERT GEORGE SCHRAM JOIN THE ORLANDO PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA TO PAY TRIBUTE TO FRANK SINATRA

My Sinatra is the concert version of Hoffman’s hit NYC Off-Broadway show

(Wednesday, February 21, Orlando, Fla.) – Swoon to Ol’ Blue Eyes with Sinatra songs and more as the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra presents My Sinatra starring Cary Hoffman, on Saturday, March 10 with performances at 2 & 8 p.m. at the Bob Carr Theater, located at 401 West Livingston Street, Orlando, FL. 32801.

My Sinatra is the concert version of Cary Hoffman’s hit New York City Off-Broadway show. (Dead On… “New York Times, “The Best Sinatra Singer in the World!” …Jackie Mason).

CERTIFIED FINANCIAL GROUP PRESENTS THE SPRINGS 2018 “EVERY BREATH YOU TAKE: THE MUSIC OF STING & THE POLICE” WITH THE ORLANDO PHILHARMONIC AND JEANS ‘N CLASSICS

Tickets go on-sale Friday, February 16 for this outdoor concert, which takes place at

8 p.m. on Saturday, April 28 at The Springs Community in Longwood

(Thursday, February 15, Orlando, Fla.) – Certified Financial Group presents the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra with Conductor Mauricio Céspedes Rivero and world-class touring act Jeans ‘n Classics performing a fabulous new outdoor concert combining the best of Sting and The Police on Saturday, April 28 at 8 p.m. at The Springs Community in Longwood, Fla.

The influences of reggae, jazz and punk made The Police one of the most exciting sounds in rock and pop music when they exploded into stardom in 1980, and whether it's the classic "Roxanne" or Sting's emotional "Fields of Gold,” these songs continue to inspire and enthrall audiences worldwide. Featuring Neil Donell on lead vocals and Kathryn Rose on background vocals.

GIFTED PIANIST ORLI SHAHAM JOINS ERIC JACOBSEN AND THE ORLANDO PHILHARMONIC TO CELEBRATE BERNSTEIN AND DVOŘÁK’S NEW WORLD

Celebrate the 100^th Birthday of Leonard Bernstein, one of America’s most beloved composers

(Thursday, February 1, Orlando, Fla.) – One of today’s most gifted pianists, Orli Shaham, joins conductor Eric Jacobsen and the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra to celebrate the 100^th Birthday of one of America’s most beloved composers, Leonard Bernstein on Saturday, February 17 at 8 p.m. at the Bob Carr Theater, located at 401 West Livingston Street, Orlando, FL. 32801.

A consummate musician recognized for her grace, subtlety, and brilliance, Orli Shaham has established an impressive international reputation as one of today's most gifted pianists. She will perform Bernstein’s Symphony No. 2, “The Age of Anxiety” based on a Pulitzer Prize winning poem by W.H. Auden.

The concert concludes with one of the most popular of all symphonies, Symphony No. 9, also known as the “ From the New World” because Dvořák wrote it during his experience in the United States in the 1890’s.

Hailed by critics on four continents, Shaham is in demand for her prodigious skills and admired for her interpretations of both standard and modern repertoire. The New York Times called her a "brilliant pianist," The Chicago Tribune recently referred to her as “a first-rate Mozartean” in a performance with the Chicago Symphony, and London's Guardian said Shaham's playing at the Proms was "perfection."

Shaham has performed with major orchestras including the Los Angeles Philharmonic; Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, and Philadelphia Symphony Orchestras; and internationally with the BBC Symphony Orchestra, Filarmonica della Scala, Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, and Orchestre National de France among many others.

DR. PHILLIPS CHARITIES PRESENTS FREE OUTDOOR FAMILY CONCERT IN MEMORY OF DELLA PHILLIPS WITH THE ORLANDO PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA AND CITY OF WINTER PARK

Paddington Bear’s First Concert takes place in Central Park on Saturday, February 10 at 3:30 p.m.

(Thursday, January 25, Orlando, Fla.) – Dr. Phillips Charities presents a free outdoor family concert in memory of Della Phillips with the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra and the City of Winter Park at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 10 in Central Park.

Pre-concert activities begin at 2 p.m. with a performance from Mr. Richard and the Pound Hounds and include instrument petting zoos.