Kenneth & Ann Hicks Murrah Honored with 2013 Blackburn Award

Ken & Ann Hicks Murrah

The Murrahs accepted the award at the Philharmonic’s Beethoven 7 concert on Saturday.

(ORLANDO, FL – November 18, 2013) On Saturday, the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra presented its 2013 John O. Blackburn Distinguished Service Award to Winter Park residents Kenneth and Ann Hicks Murrah in recognition of their service to the orchestra. The presentation was made on stage prior to Saturday’s Beethoven 7 concert at Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre.

“I can’t think of two people who are more deserving of this award, and who exemplify the qualities that John Blackburn embodied, than Kenneth and Ann,” said Executive Director David Schillhammer. “On behalf of the musicians, board, staff and volunteers, I can’t thank them enough for their service, generosity and passion for the Philharmonic.”

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Osceola County Students to Experience Orlando Philharmonic Young People’s Concerts

Students at Osceola County School District perform “The Star Spangled Banner” at the concert. More photos here

Each year, over 55,000 elementary students across Central Florida experience the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra’s “Young People’s Concerts” at Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre in downtown Orlando. An annual Central Florida tradition, the concerts provide students the opportunity to experience a live performance of symphonic music, opera and ballet while learning about their core subjects. This year, thanks to funding from United Arts of Central Florida, the State of Florida Division of Cultural Affairs, and the Osceola County School Board, every 5th grade student in the Osceola County School District will see the 2013 Young People’s Concert, “Heroes & Legends” for free on Tuesday, November 5th at the Osceola County School for the Arts in the Osceola Performing Arts Center. It’s the first time students have been able to see the orchestra in their own neighborhood.

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