Friends of the Orlando Philharmonic
Our Mission
The Friends is a volunteer organization dedicated to supporting the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra of Orlando, Florida by:
- Promoting community awareness and appreciation of the Orchestra through social, cultural and educational events and programs directed towards current as well as the next generation of symphonic music patrons.
- Contributing to the financial strength of the Orchestra.
- Providing volunteer support to the Orchestra’s management and staff.
Next Meetings
Friends Mix, Mingle and Music
Board of Directors
Upcoming Events
Join us for an unforgettable evening of celebration and surprises!
We are thrilled to kick off the OPO Season and honor Eric Jacobsen’s remarkable 10 years of dedication and leadership as Music Director.
Be among the very first to experience the magic as the season’s opening pianists — Mathis Picard, Thomas Enhco, and Dan Tepfer — take the stage in this special night dedicated to joy, music, and celebration.
Don’t miss this extraordinary evening filled with unforgettable performances and delightful surprises!
Please register by Thursday, September 10, 2026.
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 programs, except for the February 23 program, take place in the Palmer Room at the Plaza Live. The February 23 program will take place at the Blue Bamboo Center for the Arts. This season's Musical Insights programs consist of:
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- Tuesday, Nov 17 – Gabe Preisser - From Grand Opera to Broadway Lights
- Tuesday, Jan 5 – Eric Jacobsen - Demons & Destiny: Tchaikovsky’s 4th Symphony
- Tuesday, Feb 23 – Kelly Hall-Tompkins - Fluid Motion: A Virtuoso Violinist Who Inspired a Water-Themed Concerto
- Tuesday, March 16 – Lyman Brodie - Beyond the Trumpet
The Friends of the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra are passionate and proud to support the OPO Musicians and Staff as they prepare the season’s outstanding musical programming. We also volunteer our time and talents to raise funds for the OPO.
“Shake, Rattle & Roll” is our 2026 Summer Fundraiser which will benefit the OPO’s Percussion Section and Operations Department. Every dollar raised will be used to replace, upgrade, or repair the OPO’s percussion instruments and Operations equipment which includes the Music Library.
Click here to learn more about Shake, Rattle & RollDonations To-Date – $89,021.62
OnStage with the Phil
Enjoy a once-in-lifetime opportunity to HEAR, FEEL and SEE the Orlando Philharmonic up close and personal during a Friday night rehearsal at Steinmetz Hall while being immersed within the musicians! The Orlando Phil has given us this exclusive opportunity to allow participants to be seated ONSTAGE next to professionally trained musicians with his/her fine instruments on the world famous/award winning Steinmetz Hall stage. Experience surround-sound at its finest! Meet musicians and learn about conducting, the rehearsal process, and communication among the musicians and much much more. In addition, our very popular Principal Timpanist, Carl Rendek, will guide our participants on a very exciting Behind the Scenes tour of Steinmetz Hall to areas not normally open to the public!
ONSTAGE is very exclusive and is available for the Friday night rehearsal of classic concerts only. Seating is limited. For more information and to register, please email Debbie Halye at onstage@friendsorlandophil.org or leave a voice mail at 407-896-6700 ext 10.
