A Letter from Music Director Christopher Wilkins

It is a great pleasure to welcome you to the 2010-11 Orlando Philharmonic season. 

It promises to be a wonderfully rich year, including the Philharmonic’s first-ever performance of Mahler’s “Resurrection” Symphony, another exciting collaboration with Mad Cow Theatre (this time it’s Guys and Dolls), the debut of Yekwon Sunwoo, winner of the Florida International Piano Competition in 2008, and the return to Orlando of violin virtuoso Joshua Bell.

The current year’s programs reflect our belief that orchestral music has something powerful to say to people of all ages from all walks of life.  In this organization, we have never believed much in the distinction between music for the “learned” and music for the “masses.”  While our concerts are organized in series for the sake of convenience, we do so with a light touch.  We are especially proud of the unusually large number of patrons who enjoy both “classical” and “pops” concerts.

Classical works can find large audiences if presented in broadly appealing ways. Joshua Bell has proven that throughout his career.  For the Philharmonic, the spoken word, video, theatrical lighting and full stagings have all increased the accessibility of the great works.  And on the other side, the tradition of popular music in America is one of the most distinctive facets of our nation’s heritage.  Guys and Dolls is as accomplished a piece of writing as many a masterwork from the standard “classical” literature. 

One of the secrets is to remember – whatever is on the program – that every audience is likely to harbor a first-time concertgoer.  What an intoxicating experience a beautifully performed concert can be for someone who has never attended before!  And every one of us was once a novice.  

The Philharmonic’s accomplishments begin with its people.  We extend our enormous appreciation to the legions of volunteers who have served the orchestra so ably over its 17 years of life.  That includes every Board President, every member of the Friends, every volunteer in the mailroom, and numberless generous souls more.  The Philharmonic’s staff and our chief executive, David Schillhammer, have always led the way with infectious passion and brilliance.  And most important are the countless ways it is appropriate to acknowledge and appreciate the members of the orchestra, their gifts being the engine of the entire enterprise.

Orchestras are about community.  We live in a wonderful community that supports us enthusiastically, providing the resources of manpower, talent, ideas and inspiration that enable us to prosper.  We are endlessly grateful to each of you.  It is through your gifts and goodwill that we are able to take to the stage, and celebrate in music what is best about Central Florida.

With deep appreciation and warm wishes,
Christopher Wilkins