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 take place in the Palmer Room at the Plaza Live.
This season’s Musical Insights programs are described below and consist of:
- Tuesday, November 11, 2025 · Bob Carpenter · Athletes of the Stage · Are musicians really athletes in formal wear?
- Tuesday, January 20, 2026 · Diane Bishop · From Vivaldi to John Williams – Exploring the Concerto
- Tuesday, February 24, 2026 · JoAnn Falletta · “One of the finest conductors of her generation” – NY Times
- Tuesday, March 3, 2026 · Chris Confessore · Lights, Camera, Symphony
Prior reservations are required for all programs. Reservations can be made as follows:
- Full Series – entrance to all programs – $185 per person • $145 for Friends members
- Pick 3 – entrance to any 3 programs of your choice – $165 per person • $125 for Friends members
- Individual – entrance to any one program of your choice – $60 per person.
Bob Carpenter – Athletes of the Stage • November 11, 2025
What do professional sports have in common with playing the tuba? Much like elite athletes, musicians rely on a finely-tuned physical and mental regimen to maintain peak performance. The difference? Their playing careers can span a lifetime. Bob Carpenter, Principal Tuba, will demonstrate how he copes with hours of repetitive motion, awkward positions, the pressure of precision under the spotlight, and the necessity for new techniques as he grows older.
Plaza Live, Mary Palmer Room
4:30PM – Wine & Light Bites
5:00PM – 7:00PM – Program
Free parking at Plaza Live
Diane Bishop • From Vivaldi to John Williams – Exploring the Concerto • January 20, 2026
Nearly every classical concert features a concerto – the perfect showcase for soloists’ versatility and virtuosity. Friends’ favorite Diane Bishop, with pianist Cheryl Tschanz, will trace the growth of the concerto through the eyes of a bassoonist. Starting with Vivaldi and culminating with the bassoon concerto of John Williams (yes, that John Williams!), prepare to experience almost 400 years of music in one program, as Diane brings the concerto to life with humor and artistry.
Plaza Live, Mary Palmer Room
4:30PM – Wine & Light Bites
5:00PM – 7:00PM – Program
Free parking at Plaza Live
JoAnn Falletta • “One of the finest conductors of her generation” – NY Times • February 24, 2026
Named one of the “Fifty Great Conductors” by Gramophone magazine, multiple Grammy Award-winning conductor JoAnn Falletta (OPO Guest Conductor Feb 28/Mar1) is described as having “Toscanini’s tight control over ensemble, Walter’s affectionate balancing of inner voices, Stokowski’s gutsy showmanship, and a controlled frenzy worthy of Bernstein.” You don’t want to miss your opportunity to meet this accomplished conductor.
Plaza Live, Mary Palmer Room
4:30PM – Wine & Light Bites
5:00PM – 7:00PM – Program
Free parking at Plaza Live
Chris Confessore • Lights, Camera, Symphony! • MArch 3, 2026
How do composers transform pivotal scenes in movies into powerful cinematic experiences? Chris Confessore will share tricks of the trade for integrating live orchestral music and video. Find out how the greatest film composers tell stories through sound. Among the classic scores in this program are ET: The Extra-Terrestrial, Psycho (both ET & Psycho are included in the OPO’s Movie Package in Spring 2026), The Empire Strikes Back, and more!
Plaza Live, Mary Palmer Room
4:30PM – Wine & Light Bites
5:00PM – 7:00PM – Program
Free parking at Plaza Live
You may make your reservation either by mailing a check or paying online.
To pay by check click the “Download Order Form” button below and follow the provided instructions.
To pay online fill out and submit the form below.
