| Principal Percussion
Robert Petta has been the Principal Percussionist
of The Orlando Philharmonic since its inception; he
also performs frequently with The Florida Orchestra,
The Naples Philharmonic, The Jacksonville Symphony
and The Brevard Symphony. Mr. Petta was the Principal
Percussionist of The Florida Symphony Orchestra for
nineteen years where he performed as a soloist on two
occasions. A native of Syracuse, New York, his early
musical studies were with members of The Syracuse Symphony
Percussion section. He earned a Bachelor of Music Degree
at the Manhattan School of Music where he studied Percussion
and Timpani with Morris Lang of The New York Philharmonic.
While studying in New York, he was a Member of The
Manhattan Percussion Ensemble under the direction of
Paul Price and The Group for Contemporary Music under
the direction of Charles Wournin and Harvey Solberger.
In addition, he was a conducting student of Anton Coppola.
Mr. Petta is also an avid performer of ancient fife
and drum music. In addition to performing, he has published
updated versions of the Timpani and Percussion parts
for the operas of Puccini and several opera companies
throughout the country are using them.
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