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 – May 2, 2011) – Orlando Philharmonic Music Director Christopher Wilkins has been named Music Director of the Boston Landmarks Orchestra. He begins his position immediately. Wilkins also serves as Music Director of both the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra and the Akron Symphony Orchestra and will continue in these positions.
Founded in 2001 by Conductor Charles Ansbacher, the Boston Landmarks Orchestra is one of only a few professional orchestras in the country whose mission is to perform all free concerts. Almost half a million people have attended performances during the decade. In 2007, the DCR’S Hatch Shell became the orchestra’s home, and audiences have expanded exponentially. The orchestra also performs in significant architectural, historical and geographical settings throughout the Boston area.
Jeff Makholm, Chair of the Boston Landmarks Orchestra, says, “We are thrilled that Chris said yes. We believe he will further the vision of our founder, Charles Ansbacher, who died last year, to break down the barriers for people to experience the thrill of hearing great orchestral music by providing free concerts at our home at the DCR’s Hatch Shell and in the community.”
Stephen Symchych, Search Committee Chair, says, “We chose Chris because he fervently believes in collaborations with other institutions and that performances for young people, where they can interact with the musicians, are intrinsic to fostering a thriving cultural community in the future.”
Wilkins has roots in this area. Born in Boston with his parents still living in Concord, he attended Milton Academy and earned his bachelor’s degree from Harvard College in 1978. In 1979-80, he attended the Hochschule der Künste in West Berlin, as a recipient of the John Knowles Paine traveling fellowship, awarded by the Harvard music department. As an oboist, he performed with many ensembles in Massachusetts, including the Berkshire Music Center Orchestra at Tanglewood and the Boston Philharmonic under Benjamin Zander. He studied with Otto-Werner Mueller at Yale University, receiving his master of music degree in 1981, and was a conducting fellow at the Berkshire Music Center at Tanglewood.
“I am honored and excited to work with the Boston Landmarks Orchestra,” says Wilkins. “It is a wonderfully gifted and flexible orchestra with a clear purpose to serve. We are a summer ensemble primarily, so the schedule it is a good fit with the Orlando Philharmonic season. I hope that many of our Orlando Philharmonic family will come hear us perform at the Esplanade on the Charles River one day soon!”
“I am thrilled for both Christopher and the Boston Landmarks Orchestra for finding one another. Christopher’s programming is self-evident here in Orlando and I know his passion for collaborative productions will serve him well in Boston. Bravo to him and to the organization,” says David Schillhammer, Executive Director of the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra.
The Boston Landmarks Orchestra’s official season will open at the DCR’s Hatch Shell on Wednesday, July 13 at 7 pm and run every Wednesday night through August 31. In addition, the Orchestra will perform in Jamaica Plain on July 31 and its Concerts for Children will take place in collaboration with Project STEP at the Yawkey Boys and Girls Club in Roxbury and in Dorchester. Other upcoming events include a free preview of the season with a string ensemble from the Orchestra at Shreve, Crump & Low on May 5 and the Orchestra’s annual Gala to be held this year at the State House on June 13.
