Principal Percussion

Robert Petta has been the Principal Percussionist of The Orlando Philharmonic since its inception; he also performs frequently with The Florida Orchestra, The Naples Philharmonic, The Jacksonville Symphony and The Brevard Symphony. Mr. Petta was the Principal Percussionist of The Florida Symphony Orchestra for nineteen years where he performed as a soloist on two occasions. A native of Syracuse, New York, his early musical studies were with members of The Syracuse Symphony Percussion section. He earned a Bachelor of Music Degree at the Manhattan School of Music where he studied Percussion and Timpani with Morris Lang of The New York Philharmonic. While studying in New York, he was a Member of The Manhattan Percussion Ensemble under the direction of Paul Price and The Group for Contemporary Music under the direction of Charles Wournin and Harvey Solberger. In addition, he was a conducting student of Anton Coppola. Mr. Petta is also an avid performer of ancient fife and drum music. In addition to performing, he has published updated versions of the Timpani and Percussion parts for the operas of Puccini and several opera companies throughout the country are using them.