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.

CIRQUE DE LA SYMPHONIE: CIRQUE GOES TO THE CINEMA BRINGS ACROBATS, JUGGLERS AND AERIAL FLYERS SOARING HIGH ABOVE THE ORLANDO PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA

Limited tickets remain to both performances at 2 and 8 p.m. on Saturday, February 3

(Thursday, January 25, Orlando, Fla.) – Cirque de la Symphonie returns with an all-new program of awe-inspiring feats of power and beauty. Paired with the music from blockbuster movie classics like Star Wars, Harry Potter, Mission Impossible, Gladiator, and more, this thrill ride includes the spectacle of acrobats, jugglers and aerial flyers soaring high above the heads of the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra.  Two concerts take place on Saturday, February 3 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. at the Bob Carr Theater, located at 401 West Livingston Street, Orlando, FL. 32801.

ORLANDO PHILHARMONIC SYMPHONY STORYTIME SERIES BRINGS THE JAZZ FLY TO LIFE THROUGH LIVE MUSIC, NARRATION, ILLUSTRATIONS AND AN AUTHOR RESIDENCY

Jazz Fly Award-Winning Author Matthew Gollub to participate in multiple appearances in celebration of Florida Literacy Week

(Thursday, January 11, Orlando, FL) – The Jazz Fly, part of the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra’s Symphony Storytime Series presented by Orlando Health and Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, takes place at 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, January 21 and 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 27. Award-winning Jazz Fly Author, Matthew Gollub will participate in both concerts on Saturday, January 27. The concert presents live music for young children, ages three to seven by Orlando Philharmonic musicians, along with narration and beautiful hand-drawn illustrations that bring favorite children’s classics to life. All concerts take place at The Plaza Live, 425 North Bumby Avenue, Orlando, Florida 32803.

The Jazz Fly is lost, trying to find his way to a very important performance.  He meets several animals along the way, but they don’t understand him.  When he finally gets to the hall, the Jazz Fly is inspired by all the animals he meets and steals the show!  

Violinist Randall Goosby And Rising Conductor Michelle Merrill Join The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra For A Touch Of Genius On December 4

At Age 13, Goosby Won First Prize At The Annual Sphinx Concerto Competition

(Monday, November 20, Orlando, Fla.) – The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra welcomes Violinist Randall Mitsuo Goosby and rapidly rising Conductor Michelle Merrill to its Focus Series with A Touch of Genius on Monday, December 4 at 7 p.m. at The Plaza Live, located at 425 N. Bumby Avenue in Orlando.

The program includes:

DVORÁK               Serenade for Wind Instruments in D minor
PONCE                   Estrellita for violin and orchestra
SAINT-SAËNS      Introduction & Rondo Capriccioso for violin and orchestra
SCHUBERT           Symphony No. 5 in B-flat Major

Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra Presents Goldilocks And The Three Bears At The Orlando Science Center On November 13

Free Symphony Storytime Presentation With Paid Admission To The Orlando Science Center.

WHO: The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra and the Orlando Science Center

WHAT: Symphony Storytime Presentation of Goldilocks and the Three Bears

WHERE: Near The Digital Adventure Theater, Orlando Science Center

WHEN: 10:30 a.m.; Monday, November 13, 2017

The Orlando Philharmonic presents a Symphony Storytime presentation of Goldilocks and the Three Bears at the Orlando Science Center on Monday, November 13^th.

Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra Captures The Spirit Of The Season At One Of The Region’s Most Popular Holiday Concerts

Home for the Holidays concerts include the Opera Orlando Youth Chorus, Central Florida Community Arts Chorus and Holiday Singers

(Thursday, November 2, Orlando, Fla.) – Ring in the holidays with family and friends as Guest Conductor Albert George Schram joins the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, Opera Orlando Youth Chorus, Central Florida Community Arts Chorus and the Holiday Singers for two concerts at 2 & 8 p.m. on Saturday, November 25 for Home for the Holidays at Bob Carr Theater, located at 401 W. Livingston St.

One of the region’s most popular holiday concerts, Home for the Holidays includes a popular audience sing-along.

Guest Conductor and Concert Pianist Jeffrey Kahane Joins The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra For Beethoven and Mozart

(Tuesday, October 24, Orlando, Fla.) – Equally at home at the keyboard or on the podium, Jeffrey Kahane has established an international reputation as a truly versatile artist, recognized by audiences around the world for his mastery of a diverse repertoire, ranging from Bach, Mozart and Beethoven to Gershwin, Golijov and John Adams. He will lead the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra at 8 p.m. on Saturday, November 18 for Beethoven and Mozartat Bob Carr Theater, located at 401 W. Livingston St.

The concert program includes:

Beethoven – Piano Concerto No. 4 in G Major

Timo Andres – Paraphrase on Themes of Brian Eno

Mozart – Symphony No. 38 in D Major, “Prague”

Orlando Philharmonic Symphony Storytime Series Brings Favorite Children’s Classics To Life Through Live Music, Narration and Illustrations

Perfect for children ages three to seven. 

Tickets just $10 per concert.

(Thursday, October 19, Orlando, FL) – The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra announces the Symphony Storytime Series presented by Orlando Health and Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children. These concerts present live music for young children, ages three to seven by Orlando Philharmonic musicians, along with narration and beautiful hand-drawn illustrations that bring favorite children’s classics to life. All concerts take place on and Saturdays and Sundays, with two performances each day at The Plaza Live, 425 North Bumby Avenue, Orlando, Florida 32803.

After each concert, children enjoy hands-on activities in The Plaza Live lobby that allow them to play different instruments with the musicians, act out the characters they’ll hear in the story of the day with Orlando Philharmonic musicians, color in their own Symphony Storytime booklet, and take photographs dressed as musicians. In celebration of the Philharmonic’s 25^th Anniversary Season, a pre-concert toddler zone for newborns to children up to the age of two is available.

“The Symphony Storytime Series presents music while teaching about the instrument families and instilling a love of music for the entire family,” said Leia Barrett, director of education for the Orlando Philharmonic. “Each program is brought to life with gorgeous classical music, unforgettable narrators and beautiful illustrations.