2022 Giving Guide: The Arts
(PHOTOS PROVIDED BY THE ORLANDO PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA)
The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra
425 N. Bumby Ave., Orlando 32803 | 407-770-0071 | orlandophil.org
For many, music has a transformative—even a transportive—power. That’s not lost on the members of the Orlando Phil, who tap into that power to enrich, inspire and serve Central Floridians.
According to Executive Director Paul Helfrich, the orchestra works to provide high-quality music “that attracts and engages diverse audiences while elevating the cultural life of Central Florida.”
The plan seems to be working. In 2021, “our orchestra put a full season on display through the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and even debuted in the acoustically perfect Steinmetz Hall,” Helfrich says. The support of its patrons has helped the orchestra to thrive “despite all the factors working against us,” he adds.
Healthcare workers, first responders, students and educators pay $10 a ticket to make the arts accessible, Helfrich says. Education remains a priority with the orchestra, which serves over 70,000 a year through Young People’s Concerts, virtual lessons, and other programs.
Students are engaging. In the fall of 2021, according to Helfrich, the orchestra performed at Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary celebration. A high school bassoonist suffering from cancer watched from her South Carolina home and reached out to the orchestra’s bassoonist via its website. When the Make-A-Wish granted the girl’s family a trip to Disney World, the bassoonist surprised her with a private lesson.
“This is just one example of the countless lives this organization touches, but it was such an incredible day for the OPO,” Helfrich says.
As the orchestra launches into its 30th season, he says he hopes the orchestra can fill “the halls with patrons who love live music and the musicians who perform it.” As a show of support, “your enthusiastic attendance to any of our season’s exciting concerts would make all the difference,” Helfrich adds.
Other Resources
Orlando Fringe | 812 E. Rollins St. Suite 300, Orlando 32803 | 407-648-0077 | orlandofringe.org
MicheLee Puppets | 4420 Parkway Commerce Blvd. Orlando 32808 | 407.898.7925 | micheleepuppets.org
Orlando Shakes | 812 E. Rollins St., Orlando 32803 | 407-447-1700 | orlandoshakes.org
Orlando Repertory Theatre | 1001 E. Princeton St., Orlando 32803 | 407-896-7365 | orlandorep.com
Garden Theatre | 160 W. Plant St., Winter Garden 34787 | 407-877-4736 | gardentheatre.org
United Arts of Central Florida | 216 Pasadena Place, Orlando 32803 | 407-628-0333 | unitedarts.cc
WMFE | 11510 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando 32817 | 407-273-2300 | wmfe.org
Opera Orlando | 406 E. Amelia St. Suite 100, Orlando 32803 | 407-512-1900 | operaorlando.org
Orlando Ballet | 600 N. Lake Formosa Drive, Orlando 32803 | 407-426-1733 | orlandoballet.org
Central Florida Community Arts | 250 S.W. Ivanhoe Blvd., Orlando 32804 | 407-937-1800 | cfcarts.com
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