Friends Photo Albums
Links to the albums for the indicated seasons.
Plaza Live Construction Photographs
|
Click on the picture on the left to view the pictures for each event. |
|
 |
2020 - 2021 - Holiday Market Santa’s elves were busting their cranberries to prepare a festive feast for the eyes of holiday decor, stockings and stuffers, hostess gifts, sparkly serve-ware and yummy desserts from our resident bakers plus the Friends Boutique with marked down prices!. |
 |
2019 - 2020 - On the Road at Casa Feliz An informance that gave us a peek into the music of the Havana Nights Pops concert. Guests enjoyed an array of music from Special Guest Gabriel Preisser who gave us a glimpse into this exciting music. Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. |
 |
2019 - 2020 Holiday Tea in the Garden A floral themed holiday event served on elegant china.
Fine art, tea, scones, petit sandwiches and champagne tempted our appetites, and the Friends
Boutique was open for our shopping pleasure. Entertainment by Roz Beck on the harp and the
Opera Orlando Youth Company. |
 |
2019-2020 - Annual Holiday Luncheon and White Elephant Swap Our annual holiday luncheon meeting with festively-wrapped items - something creative, clean and fun that are no longer wanted for the White Elephant Swap! |
 |
2019-2020 - Season Opening Celebration "On the Road to Steinmetz Hall" - Celebrating the start of the 2019-2020 season at the Grand Bohemian Hotel. Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres were served in the rooftop pool lounge overlooking Steinmetz Hall, followed by a sit-down dinner in the ballroom. Our program featured Music Director Eric Jacobsen and OPO musicians. |
 |
2019-2020 - Musical Couples - Session 2 The Friends of the Orlando Philharmonic presented “Musical Couples”, a summer afternoon
recital with couples from the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra. Session 2 featured Rimma (violin) and Gabriel
(Bassoon) Bergeron-Langlois and piano accompaniment. Champagne and light refreshments were served. |
 |
2019-2020 - Musical Couples - Session 1 The Friends of the Orlando Philharmonic presented “Musical Couples”, a summer afternoon recital with couples from the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra. Session 1 featured Kathy (French Horn) and Jeff Thomas (Trombone) and piano accompaniment. Champagne and light refreshments were served. |
 |
2018-2019 - Season Wrap-Up Party Celebrating a wonderful 26th season at the Friends year-end shindig known by many as Jeans and Jewels. This is the Friends' traditional fun-filled wrap-up party featuring the music of the Beatles and others plus cocktails, dinner, dancing, and silent auction. |
 |
2018-2019 - April in Paris This up close and personal evening was designed to enhance your appreciation of the French Soirée concert on the following Saturday. Barry and Becky Watson hosted this elegant event in their lovely Lake Ivanhoe home. The evening featured Music Director Eric Jacobsen, Principal Flute Colleen Blagov cellist Jan Vogler and Soprano Gayssie Lugo, accompanied by Jae Jang, of the UCF Choral department. |
 |
2018-2019 - Mardi Gras Party Hosted by David Schillhammer and John Starks, we enjoyed jazz and wonderful New Orleans cuisine, King cakes, and more. David and John reprised their many wonderful Mardi Gras celebrations in their charming downtown home. Masquerade in your favorite costume and join the parade; an abundance of beads were provided |
 |
2018 - 2019 - The Art of the Tango: Buenos Aires Magic Imagine the Plaza Live transformed into an Argentine milonga, a tango dance event of passion and romance. This unique cultural event was sponsored by the Friends of the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra and Sue and Larry Costin. Duo Sole featuring Violinist Alex Stevens and Violist Mauricio Cespedes Rivero were on hand to provide beautiful music, and professional tango dancers told us the story of the tango through exquisite dance techniques. Beverages, endless empanadas and tapas were provided. |
 |
2018-2019 - Annual Holiday Luncheon and White Elephant Swap Our annual holiday luncheon meeting with festively-wrapped items - something creative, clean and fun that are no longer wanted for the White Elephant Swap! |
 |
2018 - 2019 - A Victorian Holiday Tea Celebrating the holiday season with a beautifully served Victorian tea, featuring The Dickens Carolers and an extraordinary one-man “A Christmas Carol” performance by Southern Winds. The Friends Boutique was open for pre-holiday shopping pleasure. Entertainment sponsored by Lee Benz and Sandra McCourt. |
 |
2018 - 2019 - A Heavenly Evening Steve Goldman hosted the evening at his magnificent glass house, a spectacular place to see the sky and admire works of art by Chihuly and others. Music Director Eric Jacobsen led this informance about Holst's The Planets. Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres were served under the stars. |
 |
2018 - 2019 - Party Like a Pirate We Shivered Ye Timbers when Pirates gather at the amazingly decorated home of John and Lee Benz of Winter Park for an eerie evening of blood curdling fun. Hearty hors d’oeuvres, and a pint or two. |
 |
2017 - 2018 - Jeans & Jewels Goes West A rip-roaring good time at the traditional season wrap-up party. Wild Wild West cocktails, wine, appetizers, a delicious Bubbalous' BBQ, silent auction and dancing to the live music of Rainbow's End. Yahoo! |
 |
2017 - 2018 - Reception in Honor of Susan Bright A reception in honor of Susan Bright on the occasion of her upcoming wedding and retirement from the OPO staff. |
 |
2017 - 2018 - Sunday Cabaret An afternoon filled with song featuring Jackie Jones and OPO musicians. Sponsored in part by Todd and Shelly Morgan. Refreshments and cash bar. |
 |
2017 - 2018 - An Exceptional Evening at the Enzian Travel along the Silk Road with Yo-Yo Ma, Wu Man and familiar faces in a private showing of The Music of Strangers. The Jacobsen brothers and others take us on a wonderful trip through many musical cultures. This event was hosted by David Schillhammer at the Enzian and sponsored by Bryce West. Refreshments before and during the show followed by a Q&A session led by David and Eric Jacobsen. |
 |
2017 - 2018 - Old Blue Eyes at the Plaza Live A trip down memory lane with the music of Frank Sinatra and friends featuring Albert George Schram. Refreshments and cash bar. |
 |
2017 - 2018 - Valentines and Bernstein Bring your sweetie or BFF to the stunning Lake Nona Country Club for an elegant afternoon of refreshments and music. Sergei Kossenko, one our favorite pianist, entertained us with stories about, and music of, Leonard Bernstein. Sergei was accompanied by vocalist Alexandra Vargas. Sponsored in part by Diane and Robert Smedley. |
 |
2017-2018 - Carnival of the Animals Complimentary admission to the Zoo was provided part of the Friends reservation for this event which included a musical performance led by Mark Fischer. Non-alcoholic beverages included; cash bar for beer and wine. Rain or shine. |
 |
2017-2018 - Annual Holiday Luncheon and White Elephant Swap Our annual holiday luncheon meeting with festively-wrapped items - something creative, clean and fun that are no longer wanted for the White Elephant Swap! |
 |
2017-2018 - Holiday Tea at the Plaza An old-fashioned high tea in the Palm Garden at the Plaza (with Eloise no doubt peeking about). The lilting strings of the harp greeted us. Tables were set with vintage china. Ms. Bonnie Hansen, Vintage Historian, presented “Gibson Girl Mother and Flapper Daughter, the First Generation Gap.” This wonderful program appealed to several generations so daughters, grandchildren and friends enjoyed this unique presentation. Bonnie showcased vintage artifacts with her talk. This lovely start to the holiday season was perfect for sharing with others. |
 |
2017-2018 - Prelude to Beethoven and Mozart John and Lee Benz opened their spectacular home for a special presentation by Susan Cohn Lackman who will drew contrasts between Beethoven’s Concerto No. 4 and Mozart’s Symphony No. 38. Ms. Lackman is an American composer of contemporary classical music and professor of music theory and composition at Rollins College. She has traveled the world, absorbing music and art from many cultures. She holds a B.Mus.Ed. degree from Temple University, an M.A. from The American University, and a Ph.D. from Rutgers University, as well as holding an MBA from the Crummer Graduate School at Rollings. |
 |
2017-2018 - 25th Anniversary Jubilee Season opening celebration for the 25th anniversary of the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra. All photos taken and copyrighted (c. 2017) by Brion Price. The Friends of the Orlando Philharmonic appreciate Brion Price allowing us to use his work. |
 |
2016-2017 - Rimma at Sunset Stunning views provided the backdrop for Concertmaster Rimma Bergeron-Langlois, playing a sampling of the great Russian Masters accompanied by pianist Keiko Andrews. Janice Gruber and Paulette Stewart Johnson hosted this fabulous event in lovely Mount Dora. |
 |
2016-2017-For The Birds This delightful tribute to our winged friends featured arranger and master violinist Colin Jacobsen joined by Maestro Eric Jacobsen to highlight this beautiful music. The wonderful birds of the Audubon Birds of Prey Center were on hand to add to our experience. Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres by the lake, sponsored in part by Scott and Elaine Taylor |
 |
2016-2017-Music Academy Session 2 - "Pulling Some Strings!" We are thrilled that Maestro Jacobsen presented a class about the string family of instruments. A famous cellist in his own right who plays in YoYo Ma’s Silk Road Ensemble, Maestro Jacobsen has special insight into the world of strings. Along with Rimma Bergeron Langlois, Concertmaster; Alexander Stevens, Principal Second Violin; Mauricio Cespedes Rivera, Principal Viola; and Don Michael Hill, Principal Bass, Eric shared the history of these instruments and their role in the orchestra today. Thanks to Bob Turner for taking these pictures. |
 |
2016-2017 - Friends Holiday Luncheon and White Elephant Swap Our annual holiday luncheon meeting with festively-wrapped items - something creative, clean and fun that are no longer wanted for the White Elephant Swap! |
 |
2016-2017 - A Taste of Candide A French-themed luncheon buffet and educational program presented under the auspices of Dr. Mary Palmer. French historian, University of Georgia's Dr. Jennifer Palmer illuminated the writing of the lives and times revealed in this music. Maestro Jacobsen and several cast members joined us for some samplings from the opera. |
 |
2016-2017 - Season Opening Gala An Evening of Russian Romance. Celebrate the Opening of the Orlando Philharmonic’s 24th season which featured music of Russian Masters. This gala evening included cocktails, a wonderful sit-down dinner and the music of Maestro Eric Jacobsen and world-renowned violinist Steven Copes. |
 |
2015-2016 - Jeans & Jewels "On Safari" Wrap up the season with this ever-popular party – live music, dancing, silent auction, drinks and full buffet at the Winter Park Garden Club |
 |
2015-2016 - Stravinsky and Ravel! Hosted by Julia & Tony Rudez. Supported in part by PNC Wealth Management. Maestro Jacobsen led this informance about the forthcoming "Dances of Stravinsky and Ravel" with Steve Beck who performed on Julia and Tony Rudez’s Steinway grand in their lovely home. |
 |
2015-2016 - Music Academy - The Art of Singing Orlando native and Broadway star Davis Gaines, who joined the OPO for the final Pop Series offering of the season on April 16th, shared his knowledge of the voice from a singer’s perspective, from technique and style to the tending and care of the instrument. This was an opportunity for an in-depth “Q and A” to learn more about Davis’ extensive career and his experience working with such illustrious composers as Stephen Sondheim, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Jerry Herman. |
 |
2015-2016 - Pictures at an Exhibition! Maestro Jacobsen talked about this beloved Mussorgsky composition and Ravel’s popular arrangements. Collaborating with Maestro Jacobsen was visual artist Kevork Mourad who, through the use of his spontaneous painting technique, visually captured the grandeur of the composition. Marc and Sharon Hagle hosted this event in their spectacular Winter Park home. Cocktails and hearty hors d’oeuvres. |
 |
2015-2016 - Music Academy - Percussion World Percussion instruments are played by either being struck, shaken, or scraped and are the oldest instruments in the world. Many have been in existence for thousands of years. Today, they are the backbone of the orchestra! Principal Percussionist John Patton and Principal Timpanist Carl Rendek took us on a fascinating tour of percussion, teaching us the history of music’s oldest family and even performing solos. |
 |
2015-2016 - Celebrating David Schillhammer The Friends of the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra threw a party for their dear friend David Schillhammer in appreciation of his great work during 16 years as Executive Director of the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra. |
 |
2015-2016 - Mardi Gras Celebration David Schillhammer and John Starks hosted this extraordinary costume Mardi Gras Celebration with all the trimmings: music, Cajun fare, brisket, cornbread, jumbalaya, gumbo, New Orleans favorite drinks, and, yes, even a King cake. |
 |
2015-2016 - Music Academy - The History of the Concerto During the 2015-2016 season the OPO performed nine beautiful concerti for the Classics and Focus Series composed by Bach, Copland, Mozart, Ravel, Gershwin, Tchaikovsky, Prokofiev, Glazunov, and Beethoven. Principal Bassoon Diane Bishop, assisted by Keiko Andrews on the piano, discussed this form of music and its history. |
 |
2015-2016 - The Magic & Mystery of "Eroica!" Hosted by Lee and John Benz, supported in Part by PNC Wealth Management. Maestro Eric Jacobsen discussed Beethoven’s mysterious symphony No. 3, composed in the Napoleonic era. |
 |
2015-216 - Brahms and Beyond! Hosted by Galen Miller and supported in part by PNC Wealth Managements. The charming and talented JoAnn Falletta returned to Orlando. JoAnn has been hailed by the New York Times as “one of the finest conductors of her generation.” She was accompanied by Michael Ludwig on violin. |
 |
2015-016 - Friends Holiday Luncheon and White Elephant Swap Our annual holiday luncheon meeting with festively-wrapped items - something creative, clean and fun that are no longer wanted for the White Elephant Swap! |
 |
2015-2016 - Music Academy - Maurice Ravel Joseph-Maurice Ravel (1875–1937) was a French composer, pianist, and conductor often associated with impressionism. In the 1920s and 30s, he was France’s greatest living composer! Music Director Eric Jacobsen chose Ravel to be the musical thread throughout the 2015-16 Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra (OPO) season. In this class, he elaborated on Ravel’s life including composers who influenced him and also those who Ravel influenced. |
 |
2015-2016 - The Maestro's Debut Gala Dinner Music abounds as we welcomed the Orchestra’s great new Music Director, Eric Jacobsen, to town. Eric was joined by world-renowned concert pianist Joyce Yang. This elegant gala event included cocktails, sit-down dinner, performances, and a prelude to Eric’s first official appearance in Orlando. |
 |
2015-2016 - The Hot Sardines: Pre-Concert Martini Bar Friends Martini Bar to celebrate the opening of the POPS season with the HOT SARDINES. George Schram introduced us to these inspiring jazz artists. |
 |
2014-2015 - Derby Day Party - Run for the Roses Kentucky Derby Day party hosted by David Schillhammer and John Starks at their welcoming Orlando home. Wagering permitted; hats required for ladies. |
 |
2014-2015 - Music Academy - Session 4 - Opera: Tosca Maestro Joel Revzen conducted "Tosca" in May of 2015 with the Orlando Philharmonic. To prepare us for one of world’s most beloved operas, Maestro Revzen, Stage Director Henry Akina and Production and Costume Designer Bobbie Demme-San Filippo shared their insights into this famous production which debuted in Rome in 1900. |
 |
2014-2015 - Behind the Curtain: Tosca Informance Maestro Joel Revzen and cast members as the Levin’s once again generously opened their home for a preview of the exciting Tosca. Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. |
 |
2014-2015 - Leslie and Rimma Informance Maestro Leslie Dunner and Concertmaster Rimma Bergeron-Langlois teamed up to bring you a beautiful informance, hosted by Frank Santos and Dan Dantin in the exquisite Butler Room of the Rosen Shingle Creek Resort. Cocktails and elegant reception. |
 |
2014-2015 - Membership Meeting with Leslie Dunner General membership meeting with Music Director finalist Leslie Dunner |
 |
2014-2015 - A Musical Collage Featuring principal players of the Orlando Philharmonic playing favorite solos or small ensemble pieces. Colleen Blagov - Flute; Duo Sole: Alexander Stevens (Violin) and Mauricio Cespedes (Guitar); Mark Fisher - Natural and Moden French Horn; Nikolay Blagov - Clarinet; Rimma Bergeron-Langlois - Violin; accompanied by Keiko Andrews on piano. |
 |
2014-2015 - Meyer on Mozart with Conrad Tao Informance Maestro Dirk Meyer and world-renown pianist Conrad Tao, then age 20, who first appeared with the Phil at age 13. This outstanding event was held in the lovely home of Mitch and Swantje Levin of Winter Park. Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. |
 |
2014-2015 - Membership Meeting with Dirk Meyer General membership meeting with Music Director finalist Dirk Meyer. |
 |
2014-2015 - Music Academy - Session 3 - 20th Cent. Am. Composers Maestro Steven Jarvi and composer Adam Schoenberg discussed 20th century American composers such as Copland, Sondheim, Bernstein, Barber, Gershwin and Cole Porter! |
 |
2014-2015 - Music Academy - Session 2 - "The Jazz Professors" Back by popular demand, we offered a follow-up on jazz, but with a twist! Jeff Rupert and the Jazz Professors performed a Stan Getz Tribute with Orlando Philharmonic musicians. |
 |
2014-2015 - Jacobsen and Wu Man Informance Meet & greet for Maestro Eric Jacobsen and learning about the pipa (Chinese lute) at this exciting event, hosted by John and Lee Benz in their fascinating Winter Park home. Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres |
 |
2014-2015 - Membership Meeting with Eric Jacobsen General membership meeting with Music Director finalist Eric Jacobsen. |
 |
2014-2015 Music Academy - Session 1 - The Art of Chamber Music Maestro Eric Jacobson provided an overview of the art of chamber music (sponsored by Michael Elsberry and Sally Blackmun). Originally, this music was performed in a small space, few instruments were used, and there was no conductor. Maestro Jacobson elaborated on this art with the help of the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra musicians Rimma Bergeron-Langlois (Concertmaster), Alex Stevens (Principal Second Violinist), Mauricio Cespedes Rivero (Principal Violist), and Ron Gardiner (Principal Cellist). |
 |
2014-2015 - Friends Holiday Luncheon and White Elephant Swap Our annual holiday luncheon meeting with festively-wrapped items - something creative, clean and fun that are no longer wanted for the White Elephant Swap! |
 |
2014-2015 - Jarvi on Berlioz Enjoyed an up close and personal experience with Maestro Steven Jarvi who discussed “Symphonie Fantistique” at Audrey and John Ruggieri's elegant Islesworth home for this unique event. |
 |
2014-2015 - Membership Meeting with Steven Jarvi General membership meeting with Music Director finalist Steven Jarvi. |
 |
2014-2015 - Future Search Conference An interactive workshop to facilitate planning for the future. |
 |
2014-2015 - Opening Night Gala The Friends welcome in the Phil’s 22nd season, featuring a program introduction by Alondra de la Parra. Music, mingling, cocktails, and sit-down dinner. Black tie optional. |
 |
2014-2015 - An Evening with Alondra de la Parra: All About Mahler Maestro de la Parra gave a preview of the season’s opening night concert. Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres at the Alfond Inn, Winter Park, sponsored by Bryce West. |
 |
2014-2015 - Membership Meeting with Alondra De La Parra General membership meeting with Music Director finalist Alondra De La Parra |
 |
2014-2015 - New Member Coffee New member coffee. |
 |
2014-2015 - Young Patrons Friends Reception The Friends welcomed Young Patrons at a pre-concert reception before Sounds of Summer concert. |
 |
2013-2014 - Friends Reception and Annual Report |
 |
2013-2014 - Jeans & Jewels - An Evening in Paris Put on your dancin’ shoes and join the Friends for this final event of the Phil’s 21st season. Guests enjoyed plenty of music, cocktails, great food and great fun at this very popular party. |
 |
2013-2014 - Behind the Curtain: La Traviata Join Maestro Christopher Wilkins and Director Frank McClain for an inside glimpse of Verdi’s La Traviata and the fascinating Violetta, hosted at Kathy and Steve Miller’s lovely home. Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. |
 |
2013-2014 - Derby Day Party Kentucky Derby Day party hosted by David Schillhammer and John Starks at their welcoming Orlando home. Wagering permitted; hats required for ladies. |
 |
2013-2014 - Wine Tasting at Encore Farms Encore Farms reprises last year’s fabulous wine tasting event, hosted by Elaine and Scott Taylor at their beautiful Sorrento estate. Of course, there will be wine, music and sumptuous hors d’oeuvres at this fabulous outdoor venue. |
 |
2013-2014 - Thank-You to Christopher Wilkins |
 |
2013-2014 - An Evening of Jazz with Byron Stripling Get up close and personal with Byron Stripling at this exciting event, hosted by Chuck Steinmetz. Cocktails and lovely hors d’oeuvres. |
 |
2013-2014 Holiday Luncheon Our annual holiday luncheon meeting with festively-wrapped items - something creative, clean and fun that are no longer wanted for the White Elephant Swap! |
 |
2013-2014 Beethoven & Blackburn Informance Celebrate with Kenneth and Ann Murrah, recipients of the John O. Blackburn Distinguished Service Award, at the home of John and Jennifer Casebier, co-hosted by Lael and Duncan DeWahl, and featuring Maestro Joel Revson. Enjoy cocktails and delicious hors d’oeuvres. |
 |
2013-2014 Plaza Live Introduction |
 |
2012-2013 Encore Farms Wine Tasting The Friends enjoyed an afternoon at Scott and Elaine Taylor’s beautiful Sorrento estate. Sipping a variety of wines as you enjoyed the paddocks of miniature horses and spectacular koi ponds amid works of art, sculpture and exotic flowers. Included wines, hors d’oeuvres and music. |
 |
2012-2013 Music Academy "Bring on the Brass!" and "Backstage/Onstage with the Philharmonic at Cirque de la Symphonie!" sessions from the 2012-2013 Musica Academy sessions. |
 |
2012-2013 Holiday Luncheon Our annual holiday luncheon meeting with festively-wrapped items - something creative, clean and fun that are no longer wanted for the White Elephant Swap! |
 |
2012-2013 - Friends Meet and Greet The annual Meet and Greet was held at the Hoffman residence in St. Cloud. |
 |
2012-2013 - Opening Night Gala Celebrating the Orchestra’s 20th Anniversary Season with music, mingling, cocktails, and a sumptuous dinner with a French-inspired dinner as Maestro Christopher Wilkins delivered an exciting preview of Mahler’s Third Symphony. Then cross the street for the 8:30 performance, followed by an elegant post concert reception. |
 |
2011-2012 - Jeans & Jewels Goes Hawaiian Wrap up the season at The Friends’ most popular party. Guests enjoyed plenty of music, cocktails, great food and great fu |
 |
2011-2012 - Casino Royale Tried our luck at the tables for a great cause and fun-filled evening, hosted by Connie and Roy Brand and the Friends |
 |
2011-2012 - Friends Meet and Greet General Meeting combined business, social interaction, great food and entertainment. Our Special Guest was Nicolay Blagov, Principal clarinet of the Orchestra. |
 |
2011-2012 - Mardi Gras Celebration and Volunteer Appreciation |
 |
2011-2012 - Friends Holiday Luncheon Our annual holiday luncheon meeting with festively-wrapped items - something creative, clean and fun that are no longer wanted for the White Elephant Swap! |
 |
2011-2012 - Night at the Oscars Hosted by Sharon and Marc Hagle, in their Winter Park home. Celebrated the magic of the movies with guest conductor Dirk Meyer and John Goberman, Emmy Award-winning producer of Live from Lincoln Center. Come as your favorite movie character or actor |
 |
2011-2012 - Opening Night Gala, "A Taste of Italy on the Piazza" Begin the Orchestra’s nineteenth season at this lovely celebration honoring Carol Stanley Fenner, first recipient of the John O. Blackburn Distinguished Service Award. Enjoy music, mingling, cocktails, and Italian dinner as Maestro Christopher Wilkins presents a special concert preview. Dinner guests are invited to an exclusive backstage reception following the concert |
 |
2010-2011 - Jeans and Jewels Speakeasy This fantastic season wrap-up party takes on a new look with all the same great fun - silent auction, good food and great music. Get out your glad rags and save the date. Sponsorship opportunities abound. Costumes Encouraged |
