Contact: Gretchen Miller Basso Public Relations Director The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra Phone: 407/896-6700 x 223 Fax: 407/896-5512 gmiller@orlandophil.org www.orlandophil.org

The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra Announces the 2005 – 2006 Focus Series

Orlando, FL – February 15, 2005 - The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra announces the 2005– 2006 season of its popular FOCUS Series. The programs of the Philharmonic’s FOCUS series highlight the best of the chamber orchestra repertoire in an interesting "theater-in-the-round" setting, bringing the audience right into the action. This exciting series features the talented musicians of the Philharmonic along with guest soloists and a lineup of enduring classics all brought to life by esteemed conductors. Each program is devoted to the life and works of a single composer and includes a fresh and entertaining look at what makes that composer great. FOCUS programs are held on Tuesdays at 7:00 PM in the Margeson Theater in the Lowndes Shakespeare Center, 812 E. Rollins Street, Orlando. 

The 2005 – 2006 FOCUS Series schedule is as follows: 

Program 1 – Benjamin Britten
Tuesday, September 20, 2005 7:00 PM

Hal France, Conductor
Aaron Pegram, Tenor
Mark Fischer, French Horn

Britten:
Serenade for Tenor, Horn and Strings, op. 31
Soiree musicales, op. 9
Variations on Theme of Frank Bridge

Benjamin Britten was a renowned English composer as well s a gifted conductor and pianist. The music of Stravinsky and Mahler were the most important musical influences in this composer's life. The effortless technique in his early compositions led to a prolific period where he composed larger concert works like The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra. His subject matter touched on the individual and society and, in particular, the violation of innocence. Britten could also illuminate huge tragedies like WWI (War Requiem) or explore the psychological aspects of emotional isolation.

Program 2 – Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart & Ludwig Van Beethoven
Tuesday, January 17, 2006 7:00 PM

Hal France, Conductor
Aaron Goldman, Flute
Rosalind Beck, Harp

Mozart:
Concerto for Flute & Harp, K. 299 in C Major
Beethoven: Symphony No. 2, op. 36, D Major

This program focuses on the life and music of Mozart. But it would be difficult to have a concert of Mozart's music without mentioning how he influenced another giant, Beethoven. Many of Beethoven's contributions to Classicism are extensions that originated with Mozart.

Program 3 – Franz Joseph Haydn
Tuesday, April 4, 2006 7:00 PM

Andrew Lane, Conductor
Barbara George, Cello

Haydn:
Concerto for Violoncello, Hob. VIIb:5 C Major
Symphony No. 31, D Major (Horn signal)

Franz Joseph Haydn is best remembered for his symphonic music. Music historians dubbed him the "Father of the Symphony." His music prowess made him famous but it was his positive attitude and sense of humor that made him famous among young musicians like Mozart, who considered him his mentor.

Subscriptions to the FOCUS Series are presently on sale. There are two price levels: $56 and $80. To order subscriptions, phone the Orlando Philharmonic Box Office at 407/770-0071, or visit our website at www.orlandophil.org. You can also mail your order with check payable to: The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, 812 E. Rollins Street, Orlando 32803.  Single tickets go on sale August 23.  Single ticket prices are $25 and $35. For further information, phone the Orlando Philharmonic at 407/896-6700 or visit our website at www.orlandophil.org.

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