Upcoming Events
One of the ways by which the Friends raise money for the Orchestra is to host events throughout the year. The events include Galas and Parties, up close and personal gatherings with OPO guest artists, and the Friends Musical Insights Series. Events are open to all and all proceeds benefit the Orchestra.
We are currently busy planning our events for the coming 2022-2023 season. Information concerning all of our events planned for the coming season will be added as they are finalized.
You can make reservations for Friends' events in two ways:
- Order and Pay On-line - Click the appropriate "Friends" or "Non-Friends" button to add your choice to your shopping cart. Once you are done adding items to your shopping cart click the "Go to Payments" button on the shopping cart page to be directed to the PayPal site where you can either use a PayPal account or any valid credit card for payment. You can access your shopping cart at any time by clicking the "Review Cart" button on the right side of this page.
- Order and Pay By Mail - Use your browser's File, Print menu command to print this page. It will result in a simple order form you can fill out and mail with your check or credit card information to: Friends of the Orlando Philharmonic, c/o Bea Hoelle-Hawes, 114 Hollie Ct, Maitland, FL 32751. Please note that your order and payment must be received at least 5 days before the event.
Call our treasurer, Duncan DeWahl, if you must cancel your attendance to an event. Please note that since guest counts are guaranteed to the caterer 5 days prior to the event, cancellations made 5 days or less prior to the event cannot be refunded.
Can't Make the Event?
If you can't make an event but would like make a tax deductible cash contribution to the Friends then click here.
Events Mail-In Order Form
Fill in the number of attendees for the desired events, calculate your total payment and send this form along with your check
or credit card information to:
Friends of the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra
c/o Bea Hoelle-Hawes
114 Hollie Ct
Maitland, FL 32751
_____ Check enclosed
_____ Please charge my credit card:
VISA | MC | Discover | AmEx
Name on Card: _________________________________________________
Address: ______________________________________________________
City: ______________________________ State: _____ ZIP: _______
Card No.: _____________________________________________________
CCV: ____________________ Expiration Date: ______ / ______
Signature: ____________________________________________________
 |
Luncheon with Washington Garcia and Stetson String Quartet Please join us for a very special musical performance and lunch on the 26th of March at 12:00 PM at The Plaza with Dr. Washington Garcia, who is the first Latin-American Dean of the School of Music for Stetson University. Dr. Garcia grew up in a musical family in Quito, Ecuador. His grandmother, who played the piano and violin by ear, inspired this child prodigy. His studies lead him to Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins University where he earned a Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) and a Master of Music (MM) in piano performance. Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to meet Dean Garcia, hear him play, and also be entertained by Stetson’s renowned string quartet playing lovely works by Brahms. The cost is $75 for Friends members and $85 for others.Please confirm reservations by March 22. 
|
 |
Stella Sung: Composing Music for Concert, Ballet, Opera, Film and Multi-media Please join the Friends and Dr. Stella Sung, the Director of the University of Central Florida Center for Research and Education in Arts, Technology and Entertainment (CREATE), for a very informative talk on the art of composing, her inspirations and the evolution of her writing with computers. Dr. Sung is an internationally known, award-winning composer who has composed for YoYo Ma, the National Symphony, the Orlando Philharmonic and others. She recently received an NEA grant for her opera “The Secret River” with Pulitzer Prize winning librettist Mark Campbell for Opera Orlando. The world premier of her composition “Starburst” will be May 6 and 7 with the Orlando Philharmonic at Steinmetz Hall. Refreshments will be served during the event. The cost is $115 for Friends members and $125 for others. Please confirm reservations by April 26.
|
Earlier Events This Season
In addition to the events listed above we also sponsored a number of other events earlier this season. We hope that you were able to join us for our earlier fabulous fundraisers which are shown below. The money raised at these, and all of our events, go to the operation of the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra and the Friends of the Orlando Philharmonic.
You can see photographs taken at many of our events on our Photo Albums page.
 |
Season Opening Celebration - Puttin' on the Glitz The new season is here, join us for the Friends of the Orlando Philharmonic’s festive opening dinner at the Plaza Live, celebrating our 30th anniversary! Put on your diamonds and pearls and little black dress (or coat & tie as appropriate), as we’ll be Puttin' on the Glitz with music by Eric Jacobson and accompanying philharmonic musicians. Cocktails and appetizers begin at 7:00PM, a champagne toast to celebrate the three-decade milestone and dinner will be served at 7:30PM. Arthur’s will be catering a sumptuous meal of Honey Rosemary Chicken or a vegetarian Mediterranean Stuffed Portabella. |
 |
Luncheon with Dr. Jennifer Palmer & Eric Jacobsen Join us for a luncheon on October 13, 2022, to meet the little-known 18th century composer
known as “The Black Mozart”. Our own Maestro Eric Jacobsen and Dr. Jennifer Palmer, an historian of Early Modern
France, the Atlantic World, and the Caribbean, will introduce us to the fascinating life and work of Sir Joseph Bologne,
Chevalier de Saint-Georges (1745-1799.) Who was this man? Born a slave, the Chevalier de Saint-Georges was a prolific
18th century composer who was also a master fencer, violin virtuoso, composer in Marie Antoinette’s court and even was
her piano teacher. Only recently has his music emerged on stages across the world! |
 |
Nestor Torres at Casa Feliz Nestor Torres, a musical prodigy Latin Jazz flutist, left his native Puerto Rico to study at the New England Conservatory of Music and the Berklee College of Music in Boston. He became a part of the Latin music scene in Miami with his first major-label album released in 1989. After a life-threatening accident in 1990, he not only continued with his musical career but also took part in a musical documentary for Cuban-born bassist Cachao and debuted as a vocalist. This artistry was recognized in 2001 when he won a Latin Grammy for Best Pop Instrumental Album. Join us at Casa Feliz for a spectacular performance by Nester Torres with wine, catered appetizers from Arthur’s and jazz, jazz, jazz! Cost per person: $115 for Friends members, $125 for others. |
 |
Informance with Jan Vogler Please join us on Wednesday November 9th for a special evening featuring World Renowned Cellist Jan Vogler. The New York Times praises his “soulful, richly hued playing” and the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung grants him the ability “to make his cello speak like a singing voice”. Relax and enjoy this preview of the Philharmonic's November Classics concert, hosted by Barry & Becky Watson in their Lake Ivanhoe residence from 7:00 to 9:00 pm. Refreshments include Savory & Sweet Heavy Hors d'oeuvres, Wine, Beer, and soft drinks. The cost is $115 for Friends members, $125 for other attendees. Reservations are requested by November 1st. |
 |
A Friends Winter Celebration Please join us for an evening of merriment, heavy hors d’oeuvres, libations, and delectable desserts. Hosted by John and Lee Benz, at their lovely Winter Park home which will be transformed to celebrate the coming of a balmy Florida Winter and a new year filled with optimism! Entertainment is TBA. Indoor/outdoor seating under the sparkling lights will support 75 guests at a maximum, so make your reservations early to assure your spot for this exceptional party! $115 per person for Friends, $125 for other attendees. Please confirm reservations by Dec 10th. |
 |
 Friends Musical Insights 2023 A National Award-Winning, Four-Part Music Awareness Series Presented by The Friends of the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, featuring the Friends’ traditional hospitality in an intimate setting. All sessions take place in the Palmer Room at the Plaza Live. |
 |
Luncheon with Oscar Hammerstein III Join us for a luncheon on January 27, 2023, to learn about Oscar Hammerstein II, “The Man who owned Broadway”! Our program features Oscar Hammerstein III, grandson of the theatrical artist, who is also the Hammerstein family historian, a painter, writer, and lecturer. Mr. Hammerstein III’s charisma and personal insights are sure to delight us all as the Friends sponsor another Lunch and Learn event! |
