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Orlando Philharmonic and Orlando Repertory Theatre Present Free Outdoor “Star Spangled Birthday Concert”

A family friendly event sponsored by Dr. Phillips Charities.

(Orlando, FL – August 24, 2012) – On Saturday, October 20, The Orlando Repertory Theatre (The REP) and the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra will celebrate their respective 10^th and 20^th seasons with a FREE outdoor concert celebration from 5 to 9 p.m. in Loch Haven Park (Princeton Ave and 17-92, Orlando), sponsored by Dr. Phillips Charities. The Star Spangled Birthday Concert will include food trucks and an instrument petting zoo beginning at 5 p.m., pre-concert entertainment by Mr. Richard & The Pound Hounds at 6 p.m., and a 7 p.m. concert of patriotic music by the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, featuring The REP’s Power Chords, and a scene from The REP’s production of Chasing George Washington.

****Orlando City Commissioner Robert Stuart will serve as narrator for James Beckel’s Liberty for All, a stirring patriotic orchestral work that incorporates quotes from Patrick Henry, George Washington, Abraham Lincoln and John F. Kennedy.  In addition, Commissioner Stuart will narrate The New Colossus, the poem at the base of the Statue of Liberty, which will serve as an introduction to God Bless America. 

“We are deeply honored that Commissioner Stuart has agreed to participate in this wonderful concert,” said Orlando Philharmonic Executive Director David Schillhammer. “Both the Philharmonic and Orlando Repertory Theatre thank him for his ongoing service to our community, and his support for the arts.”****

“Community collaboration has always been a hallmark of the Orlando Philharmonic,” said Executive Director Schillhammer. “We are particularly proud to partner with The REP in celebrating our birthdays with this free concert, and additionally thankful to Dr. Phillips Charities for sharing our vision for this event by providing generous support.”

The REP’s Executive Director, Gene Columbus, says he is also looking forward to the event:

“It is a great opportunity to introduce our young theatergoers to the excitement of hearing a live orchestra, and we know there will also be many families introduced to The REP for the first time, “ he said. “What I wish for on our birthday is to have Loch Haven Park full of families enjoying both of our organizations.”

The Star Spangled Birthday concert is funded by Dr. Phillips Charities, and will be performed in honor of Della Phillips, the wife of early citrus pioneer, Dr. Philip Phillips, once the largest producer of citrus in the world. Mrs. Phillips was known for her love of classical music, especially works by Mendelssohn, and for hosting outdoor concerts on the lawn of the Phillips family home on Lake Lucerne in downtown Orlando. Mrs. Phillips’ interest in music stemmed from early training in piano and music theory while attending private schools in New Orleans and Mobile.

“Della Phillips shared her love of classical music with family and friends by hosting performances of many world class musicians on the lawn of the Phillips family home,” said Rob Mellen, President of Dr. Phillips Charities. “Dr. Phillips Charities is pleased to renew this tradition in her honor and help celebrate the birthdays of two outstanding arts organizations with sponsorship of the Star Spangled Birthday Concert.  We hope this family friendly event will introduce classical music to a whole new audience in the Central Florida community and not only entertain, but intellectually stimulate, children and adults alike.”

The Star Spangled Birthday Concert is a family-friendly, alcohol-free event. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own picnics and seating. Leashed pets are permitted in the park. In the case of rain, call the Orlando Philharmonic Box Office to confirm the concert will take place as scheduled. Parking, facebook event and other information at www.OrlandoPhil.org/Birthday, or call 407-770-0071.

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Now celebrating its 20^th Anniversary Season, the Orlando Philharmonic is Central Florida’s resident professional orchestra, appearing in over 125 performances each year. The orchestra offers a variety of programs, from classical and pops concerts to chamber music, staged musicals and opera productions. Education programs and community concerts are also a core part of the Philharmonic’s programming. Information and concert schedule available at www.OrlandoPhil.org.

Now celebrating its 10^th Birthday Season, Orlando Repertory Theatre (The REP) is a professional theatre with a mission to create experiences that enlighten, entertain and enrich families and young audiences. The award-winning REP Youth Academy provides classes, camps and workshops for children along with professional development opportunities to local classroom teachers. Housed in a three theatre complex in Loch Haven Park, The REP is also home to the University of Central Florida’s MFA in Theatre for Young Audiences graduate program.

The Dr. Phillips name has been a major economic and philanthropic presence in the Central Florida community since the turn of the 20th century. Dr. Phillips Charities (Dr. Phillips Inc. and The Dr. P. Phillips Foundation) honors the legacy of the Phillips family and their support of organizations that live up to the motto "to help others help themselves." With nearly $14 million in grants and program related investments made in fiscal year 2012 to Central Florida nonprofits, Dr. Phillips Charities continues to respond to the needs of the Central Florida community by directly touching the lives of thousands of children and families each year.

The REP’s Power Chords is an elite group of talented young vocalists, ages 13 to 18, who perform around Central Florida. Performers receive intense instruction in vocals and choreography, as well as master classes reinforced by professionals working in the field.

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Event website: www.orlandophil.org/birthday

Twitter hashtag: #1020Concert

Facebook event: http://www.facebook.com/ events/461900157177795/

Emily Lindahl
Director of Public Relations, Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra
812 E. Rollins Street, Suite 300 | Orlando, FL 32803
407.896.6700 x223 | elindahl@orlandophil.org

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