Contact:Gretchen Miller Basso
Public Relations Director
The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra
Phone: 407/896-6700 x 223
Fax: 407/896-5512
gmiller@orlandophil.org
www.orlandophil.org
(Orlando, FL – July 13, 2010) – The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra proudly opens its 2010-2011 Super Series concert season with a program highlighting one of classical music's most monumental orchestral and choral works – Gustav Mahler's Symphony No. 2, "Resurrection." The program, titled Resurrection Symphony, takes place on Saturday, September 25, 2010, 8:30 PM at the
Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre, 401 W. Livingston Street, Orlando.
The concert consists of the single work, performed by the largest orchestra that the Orlando Philharmonic has ever assembled in addition to a large chorus, comprised of the University of Central Florida Choir and the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra Opera Chorus. Also performing are soloists Janette Zilioli, soprano, and Sarah Limper, mezzo-soprano.
"The first words that come to mind when one thinks of Mahler's Resurrection Symphony are 'Massive' and 'Overwhelming,' and when you're in the Bob Carr, you will see that the layout itself speaks of the power of the piece," says Music Director Christopher Wilkins. "We have assembled a vast chorus of over 150 voices, comprised of the University of Central Florida Choir, under the direction of David Brunner and the Orlando Philharmonic Opera Chorus under the direction of Robin Stamper. Additionally, we will have the largest orchestra the Orlando Philharmonic has ever assembled: 4 flutes, who all play piccolo, 4 oboes with English horn, 5 clarinets of several varieties, 4 bassoons including contrabassoon, 10 horns, 8 trumpets, 4 trombones, tuba, 2 harps, organ, expanded full string section and a large percussion section.
"Offstage in the rehearsal room, a band performs, in addition to two groups offstage left and right that sound the great call of the Last Judgment," adds Wilkins. "This mass force of instruments and voices creates both power and variety; Mahler uses them not only for their sheer power, but as a rich color palate to draw upon. They will take us from a whisper to a roar.
"The experience of listening to the work is indeed overwhelming," Wilkins continues. "It has been likened to seeing the Grand Canyon for the first time, or Niagara Falls. It is terrifying, and tremendously beautiful at the same time."
For those who have not yet experienced the grandeur, beauty and emotion of this work, Philharmonic musicians and patrons offer the following about the experience of listening to it live:
"I was a latecomer to Mahler’s music. The composer bares so much of himself in each piece, but the Resurrection Symphony is very personal for me. What begins in despair and uncertainty resolves in glorious rapture and hope. The gorgeous melodies and sumptuous colors of Mahler’s massive orchestra and chorus can only be fully appreciated in a live performance."
- Chuck Pantely, Philharmonic patron
"Mahler Symphony No. 2 is probably my most favorite symphonic work, particularly the 4th and 5th movements. I listen to this symphony in my car frequently. It is the one CD that never gets put away on the shelf. I currently have 3 different recordings in my car CD player.
The 4th movement, featuring a mezzo soprano soloist, is some of the gorgeous music ever written. I don’t know what the text is – and it doesn’t even really matter to me because it is just such beautiful music. There is a moment in the 5th movement, about 3 minutes from the end where the choral line reaches such a glorious point – a high B-flat in the sopranos – that I usually end up in tears, but always with a smile on my face. I never get tired of hearing this.
I haven’t played Mahler’s 2nd in many years. I can’t wait to play it again and be immersed in it completely during rehearsals and to find myself in the middle of the orchestra overwhelmed by sound and emotion."
- Diane Bishop, Orlando Philharmonic Principal Bassoon
"Mahler 2 is a work that one can’t simply listen to with one’s ears. It’s a work that one hears with one’s soul."
– Mark Fischer, Orlando Philharmonic Principal Horn
"From the first note there is expressive and meaningful music so fitting for the name of this work called the Resurrection Symphony. It is a symphony that speaks to all who are fortunate enough to hear it."
- Martha and Eldon Herron, patrons
The Philharmonic’s Opening Night Celebration begins with a gala dinner, hosted by the Friends of the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra. This gala dinner is held at the Sheraton Downtown (formerly the Orlando Marriott Downtown), 400 W. Livingston Street, Orlando. Dinner guests will enjoy music, mingling and cocktails prior to a sumptuous, seated dinner, with music by Philharmonic musicians. Dinner guests are invited to an exclusive backstage reception after the concert. The cost of the dinner event is $125 per person, and includes the pre-concert opening night dinner and post-concert reception. (Tickets to the concert, Resurrection Symphony, are sold separately.) To make dinner reservations, phone 407-896-6700 x 223. Reservations are limited, so be sure to order your tickets early.
We hope that you will join us as we celebrate a new season of music with this tremendous Opening Night concert experience on September 25. Subscriptions to the Orlando Philharmonic’s Super Series are presently on sale, and range in price from $35 to $600. Single tickets to Resurrection Symphony are $14.75, $29, $39, $52, $70. Single tickets go on sale on August 23, 2010. To purchase subscriptions and single tickets, phone the Philharmonic’s box office at 407-770-0071, or visit the Philharmonic’s website at www.orlandophil.org.
