Earlier Events This Season

In addition to the events listed in the Fabulous Fundraisers page 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 Facebook Albums page.

Brunch With Bernstein

Pass towering oaks and a melodious fountain to join the Friends in Maitland’s Enzian Theater where you will be greeted in their newly-redecorated lobby with your choice of juice, Mimosas or Bloody Marys. Enjoy a sumptuous plated brunch served at your table in the theater,  with a private screening of Netflix’s Maestro. The film has been praised as “a love story as unruly, passionate and expansive as the flawed and fascinating people at its center.” (Washington Post) Our guest of honor is Jamie Bernstein, renowned author, broadcaster, and daughter of Leonard Bernstein and Felicia Montealegre. Jamie will speak and answer questions, as well as sign and personalize copies of her well-reviewed book, Famous Father Girl: A Memoir of Growing Up Bernstein ($20 paperback, $30 hardcover) just in time for holiday gift-giving. Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the man behind the music through the twin perspectives of his daughter and a beautifully-crafted film.

Minimum donation $100 per person; $50 per student.

Please RSVP by November 3, 2024.

11:00AM, Thursday, November 7, 2024
Enzian Theater
1300 Orlando Ave
Maitland, FL 32751
Musical Insights Program 1 - Benjamin Hochman at Judson's Live

Join Benjamin Hochman as he offers us a window into the musical life of an international soloist and conductor. A musician of exceptional versatility,  he is known for his curiosity, focus and ability to communicate deeply with audiences. The NY Times describes his playing as having “stylistic insight, elegance and sparkle”.

Judson's Live at Dr. Phillips Center
3:30PM - Wine & Light Bites
Full Judson's menu service available for purchase
4:00PM - 5:30PM - Program

Complementary parking included in the Administration Garage
Premium reserved seating for subscribers

4:00PM, Tuesday, November 19, 2024
Judson's Live
445 S Magnolia Ave
Orlando, FL 32801
Sold Out
Grammy Award Nominee Anthony McGill

Hailed for his “trademark brilliance, penetrating sound and rich character” (The New York Times), renowned clarinetist Anthony McGill is one of classical music’s most recognizable and brilliantly multifaceted figures. This is a  rare chance to hear Music America’s 2024 Instrumentalist of the Year perform in the intimate setting of a charming Winter Park home. Catering by Cuisiniers, complimentary valet parking included.

$150 per person.

7:00PM, Wednesday, January 8, 2025
Home of Lee & John Benz
Musical Insights Program 2 - Eric Jacobsen

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of the cello as Maestro Jacobsen takes us on a captivating journey through its rich history. From the soulful strains of Bach to the modern melodies of today, discover the timeless allure of this beloved instrument through the words and music of a true virtuoso.

Plaza Live, Mary Palmer Room
4:30PM - Wine & Light Bites
5:00PM - 7:00PM - Program

Free parking at Plaza Live

5:00PM, Monday, January 27, 2025
The Plaza Live
425 N Bumby Ave
Orlando, FL 32803
Passion and Pearls at Focus 3

If you are attending the February 12, 2025 Focus concert ("Viva La Fiesta") in which Mauricio conducts the passionate and seductive melodies of his beloved Latin America, you can enjoy an exclusive trunk showing of Leimomi Pearls in the lobby of the Plaza Live.  Gorgeous freshwater pearl jewelry and reversible silk and cashmere scarves in stunning designs will be available for sale, with 30% of all revenues donated to the Friends. Presented at exclusive venues such as  the Kennedy Center and Getty Museum and featured in Town & Country Magazine, prices range from $50 to $2,500. You’ll find the perfect gift for your Valentine sweetheart!

You must have a ticket to the concert to enter the lobby. Tickets can be purchased at https://orlandophil.org/event/viva-la-fiesta/

7:00PM, Wednesday, February 12, 2025
The Plaza Live
425 N Bumby Ave
Orlando, FL 32803
Musical Insights Program No. 3 - Alejandro Gómez Guillén

Based on the program of his March 8 & 9 concerts, Maestro Guillén shows us how he crafts a captivating musical journey. A thoughtful combination of works, by familiar composers Dvořák and Elgar and modern composers Montgomery and Akiho, offers fresh perspectives on the evolution of musical expression. As a bonus, enjoy a  performance with Maestro Guillén on violin, joined by members of the OPO.

Plaza Live, Mary Palmer Room
4:30PM – Wine & Light Bites
5:00PM – 7:00PM – Program

Free parking at Plaza Live

5:00PM, Tuesday, March 4, 2025
The Plaza Live
425 N Bumby Ave
Orlando, FL 32803
Sold out
Carl & Friends: Elegance and Exuberance

Join us in the elegant lakefront home of noted Winter Park interior designer Shelley Kolin as we experience the artistic diversity and joyous performances of five of our OPO musicians, complete with back-up band and vocalist. They will unveil their “other” instruments and showcase their own unique musical journey to the philharmonic. Each performance promises to be as exciting and varied as the views of Lake Osceola from the magnificent sweep of rooms in this architectural gem.

Carl Rendek
Mark Fischer
Olga Ferroni
Olga Kolpakova
Mark Goldberg
Rainbows End Band

Catering by Cuisiniers, complimentary valet parking included.

$175 per person.

7:00PM, Tuesday, March 11, 2025
Home of Shelley Kolin
Sold Out
Musical Insights 2024-2025

A National Award-Winning, Four-Part Music Awareness Series Presented by The Friends of the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, featuring the Friends’ traditional hospitality, with wine and light bites, in an intimate setting. The first three programs have already been presented and the last program is listed below and will take place in the Palmer Room at the Plaza Live.

  • Monday, April 14, 2025  • Mark Fischer  • The Music of John Williams – Star Wars and Beyond  • From the silver screen to a cherished part of our cultural landscape
5:00PM, Monday, April 14, 2025
The Plaza Live
425 N Bumby Ave
Orlando, FL 32803