A  Letter from Music Director Christopher Wilkins

Photo by Bob Turner

On behalf of the musicians, board and staff of the Orlando Philharmonic, it is my pleasure and privilege to welcome you to our 20^th anniversary season.

This milestone year brings a sense of occasion to every concert. It is a season of great repertoire, star appearances, and community connection. We are especially pleased to offer works like Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet and Elgar’s Enigma Variations that display so brilliantly the virtuosity of our musicians.

The Classics series begins with Mahler, whose all-encompassing works speak to our age as no other. It concludes in April with the most celebrated of all Shakespeare settings, Mendelssohn’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Partnering with another community treasure, Orlando Shakespeare Theater, we will make history together in the first professional production in Orlando of a classic play with symphonic accompaniment.

In November comes another in a series of world premiers out of the ingenious mind of Stella Sung. Her Into Light introduces a program honoring Philharmonic heroes past and present. Other highlights include the Philharmonic debuts of Yefim Bronfman and Deborah Voigt, one a legendary pianist, the other the unsurpassed dramatic soprano of our time. We are especially pleased to welcome back to Orlando violin virtuoso Sarah Chang.

The Pops series is filled with joy and spectacle, offering Central Florida’s diverse community a range of musical styles and experiences to choose from. Broadway (Wicked Divas), Family Entertainment (Home for the Holidays) and the Great American Songbook (Michael Andrew’s My Funny Valentine) inspire programs that are attractive, diverse, and attention grabbing. The year is capped by a full production of Frank Loesser’s Pulitzer Prize-winning musical, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.

It is deeply gratifying to reflect on the formation, development, and spectacular upward trajectory of the Orlando Philharmonic over a 20-year period. Many leaders and contributors, past and present, have worked collaboratively to make this organization thrive. Our 20^th anniversary is their proud legacy and a tribute to all of our loyal patrons.

With deep appreciation and gratitude,