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Contact:
Public Relations Director
The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra
Phone: 407/896-6700 x 223
Fax: 407/896-5512
gmiller@orlandophil.org
www.orlandophil.org |
Orlando, FL – October 7, 2004
- The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra presents the first
concert in the 2004-2005 Darden Family Series, The Journey
of Sir Douglas Fir. The concert is held on Sunday, November
14, 2004 at the Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre, 401
W. Livingston Street, Orlando. Pre-concert activities
begin at 2:00 PM. The concert begins at 3:00 PM. The
Darden Family Series is sponsored by Darden Restaurants
Foundation. Media Sponsors for the Darden Family Series
are WFTV 9 Family Connection and Orlando Sentinel Communications.
The programs in this award-winning series are designed
to de-mystify the world of classical music for children
of all ages with concert experiences that are as educational
as they are entertaining. Beginning at 2:00 PM, participants
can enjoy a variety of pre-concert activities. Musicians
from the Philharmonic will be there to assist at instrument
petting zoos, where children can try their hands at
an array of instruments from each of the instrument
families. Participants can also enjoy ensemble performances,
and visit the popular conducting station and see what
it is like to conduct an orchestra! The Central Florida
Zoological Park joins in the fun, bringing several woodland
creatures from The Journey of Sir Douglas Fir
for everyone to meet and learn about.
At 3:00 PM, Maestro Andrew Lane leads the Philharmonic
in the delightful concert program, The Journey of Sir
Douglas Fir. “Sir Fir” tells the story of
Douglas, the wise and respected 350-year-old fir tree
and his forest friends; among them, excitable Earl Squirrel,
lazy and hungry Monk Skunk, rabid reporter Rona Redbreast,
bookish Cedric the Otter, rough and tough Bully Bear,
and everyone’s “extra mom” Mrs. O’Deer.
This beloved Canadian tale speaks to children of change,
adapting to it and learning from it, on a journey toward
personal growth. “Sir Fir” is the first
Broadway-style musical written with literary prose for
children. It’s a perfect marriage of music, reading
and drama for young people.
Andrew Lane became Resident Conductor of the Orlando
Philharmonic in 1994, and has since been featured in
dozens of productions featuring prominent guest soloists.
A driving force in musical education, Maestro Lane has
developed and implemented the Orlando Philharmonic’s
Young People’s Concerts for over 250,000 school
children since 1994. As conductor of the Orlando Philharmonic’s
Darden Family Series, his unique programming has created
concert experiences that awaken curiosity, imagination,
wonder, and awareness of orchestral music. As Music
Director of the Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra, he
has realized a positive impact on hundreds of young
musicians throughout Central Florida.
Featured in the performance is 12 year-old Alexandra
Martinez as vocalist. This is her second performance
with the Philharmonic, having performed last season
as Samantha in the Philharmonic’s production of
Green Eggs and Ham for the Darden Family Series concert,
Peter & the Wolf. Alexandra has also been seen locally
with Orlando Opera’s main stage productions of
La Boheme, The Magic Flute and has appeared in I Pagliacci
and Carmina Burana. She sang the National Anthem at
the Bob Carr during the opening performance of The Tales
of Hoffman and has performed at the Mark Two Dinner
Theatre in the role of Amaryllis in The Music Man.
Also featured on the program is David Chernault as
narrator and director of the Next Generation Kids Chorus.
Chernault has performed with the Philharmonic on many
occasions both as singer and narrator. As director of
the Next Generation Kids Chorus, Chernault has given
children throughout Central Florida the opportunity
to advance their singing skills and experience the fun
of performing.
Subscriptions to the three-concert Darden
Family Series are $21 for children and $36
for adults. Subscriber families receive a fun-filled
activity pack to learn more about each concert in the
series. Single tickets are $8 for children and $15 for
adults. To order tickets, phone 407-896-6700,
or visit our website at www.orlandophil.org. Seats are
assigned as general admission and are filled from front
to back as orders are received.
Enjoy another season of musical fun for the whole
family at the 2004-2005 Darden Family Series.
This three-concert series continues on January 16 with
I’ve Got Rhythm, and concludes
on April 17 with Let the Games Begin.
For further information, phone the Orlando Philharmonic
at 407-896-6700.
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