| The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra is Central Florida's resident orchestra, appearing in more than 115 performances each season. As a fully professional ensemble, the Orlando Philharmonic engages the talents of more than 80 professional musicians from around the globe. The Philharmonic‘s mission is to foster and promote symphonic music through excellence in performance, education and cultural leadership. The Orlando Philharmonic proudly enters its 15th anniversary in the 2007-2008 season.
In September 2005, Christopher Wilkins was appointed Music Director Designate, succeeding Hal France. He began his role as the orchestra’s second Music Director in the 2006 – 2007 season.
The flagship series of the Orlando Philharmonic is the Phil at Carr Series. This series is comprised of ten concerts and features five matinee performances to offer patrons even more entertainment options. From the splendor of Berlioz and the majesty of Mozart to a “Rockwell Rhapsody;” from virtuoso violinist Joshua Bell to a blockbuster evening of music and laughter with Marvin Hamlisch; from a lively Cabaret concert to a performance of Verdi’s Requiem, the Phil at Carr Series offers something for everyone. The Orlando Philharmonic’s five-concert Sounds of Summer Series has become a Central Florida tradition. In 2002, the Orlando Philharmonic launched a new three-concert chamber orchestra series called FOCUS. For three seasons, each concert focused on a single composer, offering informal yet informative discussion with the conductor on the composer’s life and work. New Music Director Christopher Wilkins has “re-cast” the Focus series concept. Now, the concerts focus on a single theme (such as Baroque music), allowing for more programming flexibility. This dynamic series highlights the best of the chamber orchestra repertoire in an interesting “in the round” setting, bringing the audience right into the action. The Focus Series expanded to four concerts in 2006. Additionally, the Orlando Philharmonic performs approximately 22 full-orchestra outdoor fall and spring community pops concerts. Performed in partnerships with municipalities throughout the region, these concerts are offered at no cost to the public. The Philharmonic also serves as the resident orchestra for Orlando Opera and Orlando Ballet.
As an educational resource, the Orlando Philharmonic annually performs 32 Young People’s Concerts for over 60,000 Orange, Seminole, and Volusia County Public School, private, and home school students at the Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre. Additionally, thanks to a generous grant from the Darden Restaurants Foundation, the Philharmonic has created the now popular Darden Family Series. Designed to de-mystify the world of classical music, this three-concert series is complete with family oriented pre-concert educational materials, interactive pre-concert lobby stations, instrument petting zoos and interactive concert elements. In 2002, the Philharmonic implemented a new program for pre-school age children, called Tiny Tots.
A hallmark of the Philharmonic’s success has been a commitment to financial stewardship. June 30, 2007 marked the 14th consecutive year of financial equilibrium for the Philharmonic, maintained in each year of its existence. The Philharmonic has also been able to focus on its long-term funding. Thanks to recent gifts, including the Chuck and Lynn Steinmetz endowed Concertmaster Chair and a $240,000 matching gift from the State of Florida, the Philharmonic’s endowment continues to grow and prosper. When all pledges are received, the Philharmonic’s endowment will stand at $4 million.
The Philharmonic strives to initiate community collaborations. Since its inception, the orchestra has partnered with the Orlando Opera, Orlando Ballet, Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra, Florida Young Artists Orchestra, the Orlando Museum of Art, the Orlando Science Center, Bethune Cookman College, the University of Central Florida, Stetson University, the Orlando Children’s Chorus, and many other prominent organizations.
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