In January we welcomed OPO’s new Executive Director Karina Bharne to Orlando! We are thrilled she is with us and thought it would be a fun to have a little Q&A with her.
Q: Welcome, Karina! We are so glad you are in Orlando and you seem to have brought a little cool weather here with you. Let’s start with how you got into artistic administration?
A: I didn’t know that arts administration existed until my junior year of college. I was looking at alternatives to a performance career, because I wasn’t convinced that I would be successful playing for a living. A friend of mine was talking about doing her graduate degree in arts administration and the rest is history.
Q: They say a background in music always helps with the administrative side of the work. Do you play an instrument?
A: I play the trombone and have a B.F.A. in Trombone Performance. Though I no longer perform (and the world is better for it!), my passion for music of all genres remains.
Q: Who is your favorite composer?
A: For symphonic repertoire, Rachmaninoff, for opera, Philip Glass.
Q: There are so many family-friendly activities to do here in Orlando. What are looking forward to doing here in town?
A: Besides all things related to the OPO, I am looking forward to going to the Orlando Science Center, Central Florida Zoo and all the theme parks with my family!
Q: What opportunity most excites you about the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra?
A: I love the team that we have here and see so much potential through new partnerships. I am looking forward to dialoguing with other communities and community leaders to discover how we can grow the orchestra’s involvement in my new hometown.
Q: Assuming you are a coffee lover! Do you prefer yourself a cup of Starbucks or Dunkin?
A: Though I’m coming from Washington state, I was born in New Jersey. There is no question, the answer is Dunkin and if you need to know, my favorite donut is chocolate kreme.
Please join us in giving Karina a warm Central Florida welcome at an upcoming concert!