Since 1993, the Orlando Philharmonic has presented the Young People’s Concerts (YPCs) to hundreds of thousands of students in Central Florida. In the fall of 2015, we were able to reach more than 60,000 elementary school students from Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Volusia, and Lake counties, a record-breaking year made possible by generous supporters!
The YPCs have been a crucial part of music education in Central Florida since the Orlando Philharmonic began. This program reaches beyond the concert hall, as each teacher receives a comprehensive guidebook and interactive materials prior to the concert season. This curriculum meets state and national standards, allowing the Young People’s Concerts to be seamlessly integrated into classroom curriculum.
This year’s theme, “Music in Motion,” brought together composers from six continents, spanning the breadth of classical music with works by Khachaturian, Johann Strauss II, Copland, Bernstein, and more! In addition to hearing a full orchestra, students experienced ballet presented by the Orlando Ballet and a performance of an opera aria sung in the original German. The concert was co-led by a narrator and the conductor, with visuals presented throughout showcasing cultures associated with the musical works presented.
For the majority of these students, this was their first time experiencing live, orchestrated music and can mark the beginning of a lifelong love of music.
The Philharmonic would not be able to reach so many students if it was not for the help of our partners. Thank you to Orange County School District, School District of Osceola, United Arts of Central Florida, the Chesley M. Magruder Foundation, Publix Supermarket Charities, and Bloomingdale’s at the Mall at Millennia, and donors like you!