10 REASONS WE’RE THANKFUL
As we celebrate Thanksgiving and the beginning of the holiday season, the Orlando Philharmonic thanks everyone who helps us bring music to the community, from our most significant donors to…
2014 Young People’s Concerts bring music to over 56,000 Central Florida Students
In October and November, the Orlando Philharmonic presented the Young People’s Concert, “Nature in Music” to over 56,000 students. Over the course of 28 concerts, the Philharmonic provided the program…
Music Director Finalist Steven Jarvi Sends Thanks to Orlando
Last week, the Orlando Philharmonic welcomed Steven Jarvi, the second of five finalists in the orchestra’s international Music Director search, for a week-long stay in Orlando. Over the week, Maestro…
Teaching Science Through Music
From October to December, second graders at Rock Lake Elementary School and Grand Ave Primary Learning Center are working with Orlando Philharmonic musicians, as well as professional teaching artists from Orlando Museum of Art, Maitland Museum of Art, and the Orlando Repertory Theatre as part of the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra’s Symphonic Stories program. The residency uses music, theater, dance, and visual art to teach students about scientific concepts such as the seasons, weather, and the life cycles of plants and certain animals. The program is constantly hands-on, giving students the opportunity to create original vignettes based on their lessons. At the end of the program, students present what they’ve learned through a “Sharing Session,” presented for fellow students, parents, and teachers. Students work closely with teaching artists and musicians to create original works, with musicians providing the “soundtrack” for the student Sharing Session.
Music Director finalist Alondra de la Parra’s Message to Orlando
In September, the Orlando Philharmonic welcomed Alondra de la Parra–first of five finalists in the orchestra’s international Music Director search–for a week-long visit to Orlando. Over the week, Maestro de…
Orlando Philharmonic Awarded United Arts Grant
In June, United Arts awarded the Orlando Philharmonic a $2,500 mini grant to bring the orchestra’s Notes in Your Neighborhood program to the Boys and Girls Club of Central Florida’s Walt Disney World Clubhouse, located West of downtown Orlando.
1920s Paris: Frank McClain and Bobbie Demme-San Filippo discuss a fresh setting of La Traviata
Paris in the 1920s was a time of artists, writers, new ideas and new-found independence for women. This vibrant era is the setting chosen by our artistic team for the May 9 & 11 production of Verdi’s La Traviata.
Stage director Frank McClain and production designer Bobbie Deme-San Filipo discus the sets, costumes and more in this video.
Orlando Philharmonic Awarded $25,000 in Disney Grants Support
Organization recently received $25,000 from Walt Disney World Resort as part of the company’s 2014 Disney Grants program.
During a recent ceremony at the Orlando Science Center, Orlando Philharmonic orchestra and fellow Central Florida nonprofits and organizations were recognized with Disney Grants support and special Mousecar awards. In all, 87 organizations received $3.8 million in Disney Grants, including 17 groups that were selected based on the strength of the applications they submitted and their alignment with Disney’s philanthropic focus.
The funding was used toward the Philharmonic’s Party at the Plaza fundraiser, which featured 5 stages of live music, live auction and food to benefit the orchestra and The Plaza Live. The event attracted over 400 attendees and was the most profitable fundraiser the orchestra held in the past three years.
ORLANDO PHILHARMONIC ANNOUNCES FIVE FINALISTS FROM INTERNATIONAL MUSIC DIRECTOR SEARCH
Today, the Orlando Philharmonic announced five internationally renowned conductors who will vie for the position of Music Director during the orchestra’s 2014-2015 season. The finalists, in order of appearance, are Alondra De la Parra, Steven Jarvi, Eric Jacobsen, Dirk Meyer and Leslie B. Dunner. The orchestra plans to appoint one of these finalists as its new Music Director in the spring of 2015.
The five finalists were chosen by a search committee comprised of orchestra musicians and community members who spent 9 months screening a slate more than 275 candidates from around the world. Each finalist will spend approximately one week with the orchestra between September and March next season, conducting at least one classical program and making various community appearances. Each finalist will be evaluated by the search committee based on feedback orchestra musicians, audience members, leaders in the community, and ultimately, the Philharmonic’s board of directors.
Orlando Philharmonic Musicians Discuss The Plaza Live project
Orlando Philharmonic musicians talk about what it’s like to be part of Central Florida’s resident professional orchestra, and their excitement about the Plaza Live as the orchestra’s future home.