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.
Executive David Schillhammer on The Plaza Live project
Orlando Philharmonic Executive Director David Schillhammer introduces the orchestra’s plans for the Plaza Live in downtown Orlando, a building that will be renovated to become the Philharmonic’s new home, while…
“Party at the Plaza” raises over $70K for Orlando Philharmonic & The Plaza Live
Over 400 guests attended the event on January 25, which featured 5 stages of music, 8 food vendors and a silent auction.
Photos from the event: Photos by Brion Price Photography
(February 5, 2014, Orlando, FL) – On Saturday, January 25, the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra and The Plaza Live hosted “Party at the Plaza,” a fundraiser at The Plaza Live Theatre (425 N. Bumby Ave, Orlando), featuring 5 stages of live music. Over 400 people were in attendance, and the event netted over $70,000, more than any of the orchestra’s past three galas. Money raised will help fund the orchestra’s general operations in 2013-2014, which includes continued operation of the Plaza Live Theatre. This was the first year the event was held.
David Schillhammer, the Philharmonic’s Executive Director, said the orchestra wanted to do something different than their typical “gala” this year.
Orlando Philharmonic and Plaza Live To Host “Party at The Plaza” Benefit January 25
Event will feature 5 stages of live music, food stations, silent auction, dancing and more.
Photos at http://www.flickr.com/photos/orlandophilorch/sets/72157637356404655/
(December 20, 2013, Orlando, FL) – On Saturday, January 25, the Orlando Philharmonic and the Plaza Live Theatre will present their first joint fundraising event, “Party at the Plaza,” from 6:30 to 11 p.m. at The Plaza Live (425 N. Bumby Ave, Orlando). The party features headliner Michael Andrew & The Atomic Big Band, with 14 additional musical acts ranging from classical to opera, jazz, bluegrass, funk, rock n’ roll and more. Food stations, silent auction, photo booth, beer and wine bar are also included. Tickets are $95, $150 for VIP. orlandophil.org/Party or 407-896-6700 x236. All proceeds benefit the orchestra and The Plaza Live.
$3 Million Raised by Orlando Philharmonic Toward Plaza Live Renovations
The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra recently announced an anonymous gift of $1M toward renovations to the Plaza Live Theater, bringing the total dollars raised to $3.1 million, toward an estimated $6 million project.
(ORLANDO, FL – December 23, 2013) This week, the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra announced that it received an anonymous gift of $1 million toward renovations to the Plaza Live Theatre, bringing the total raised to date to $3.1 million. The Anonymous donor joins other philanthropists Marc and Sharon Hagle, who made a $750,000 pledge in early 2011, Bryce West, who made a $500,000 gift in 2013 and Kenneth & Ann Hicks Murrah, who recently pledged $500,000 toward the project.
UNITED ARTS OF CENTRAL FLORIDA AWARDS MORE THAN $1.37 MILLION IN OPERATING SUPPORT GRANTS
The Board of United Arts of Central Florida approved the recommendations of three grant panels composed of 42 volunteer-reviewers to award $1,370,231 in operating support grants to 43 Central Florida nonprofit cultural institutions.
The Operating Support Grant program is one of more than six United Arts funding programs, including designated giving secured through the collaborative Campaign for the Arts and power2give.org; match dollars provided by United Arts’ Trustee; and corporate donors and contracts for services including educational programming. Ninety percent of today’s award is committed to Central Florida’s cornerstone cultural institutions. These include, in part, Bach Festival Society of Winter Park, Orlando Ballet, Orlando Museum of Art, Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, Orlando Repertory Theatre, Orlando Science Center and Orlando Shakespeare Theater.
Kenneth & Ann Hicks Murrah Honored with 2013 Blackburn Award
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.”