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OPENING NIGHT

An evening of some of the most beautiful music in the world by Puccini and Verdi

Saturday, September 24, 8:30 PM
Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre
Christopher Wilkins, conductor
Janette Zilioli, soprano  • Yeghishe Manucharyan, tenor  •  Timothy Mix, baritone
The University of Central Florida Chorus, Dr. David Brunner, director
Florida Opera Theatre Chorus, Robin Stamper, music director

Janette Ziolio

Yeghishe Manucharyan

Timothy Mix

“This great music – the most famous of all Italian music – is all about passion writ large. From films to talent shows, from World Cup Soccer to Opening Night galas, these songs endure now as ever. They are simply “irresistible.” –  Christopher Wilkins

Led by Music Director Christopher Wilkins, the program features the music of the Italian masters Verdi and Puccini, whose popularity is at an all-time high. This music has been made famous in recent years by The Three Tenors and by high-profile contestants in such shows as “America’s Got Talent.”  Highlights include O mio babbino caro, Nessun dorma, and famous choruses by Verdi including the “Anvil Chorus” and Va pensiero, often referred to as Italy’s second national anthem.  The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra is featured in the overtures to La forza del destino and Nabucco. The program showcases three stars of recent Orlando Philharmonic performances: Janette Zilioli, soprano; Yeghishe Manucharyan, tenor; and Timothy Mix, baritone, in addition to the University of Central Florida Choirs, Dr. David Brunner, Director; and the Florida Opera Theatre Chorus, Robin Stamper, Music Director. Click here to read program notes

The Philharmonic’s Opening Night Celebration begins with a gala dinner, titled “A Taste of Italy on the Piazza,” hosted by the Friends of the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra. This gala dinner is held in the Zinfandel Room at the Sheraton Orlando Downtown Hotel (formerly the Orlando Marriott Downtown), 400 W. Livingston Street, Orlando.  Dinner guests will enjoy music, mingling and cocktails prior to a buffet-style Italian 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, Puccini e Verdi, are sold separately.) To make dinner reservations, phone 407-896-6700 x 236.  Reservations are limited, so order your tickets early.

Series Sponsor: Darden Restaurants Foundation

Concert Sponsor: The University of Central Florida

Opening Night Sponsor: Friends of the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra

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