Podcasts about orlando philharmonic orchestra

Loki chats with librettist/producer Portia Kamons and composer Ron Ramin about their joint venture with the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, designed to meaningfully engage Generation Z. Loki shares the reasoning behind his return to "traditional" orchestral engagements. Ron RaminPortia KamonsMore on SEVENTEEN"SEVENTEEN" PromoHungarian March from 'The Damnation of Faust' (by Hector Berlioz, perf. Queensland Symphony Orchestra)The Story Behind Shostakovich's Fifth Symphony ★ Support this podcast ★

Aoife O'Donovan is a Grammy Award winning artist. She performs and records solo, as well as with Crooked Still and the trio I'm With Her.“All My Friends” began as a commission from The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra which resulted in 5 songs on the 9 track record. The three other original songs were commissioned by the FreshGrass Foundation. A commission celebrates the centenary of the 19th amendment, which first granted American women the right to vote.

Matty and Kikau talk with Erin Farrell Speer, the Head of the Musical Theatre Program at The University of Utah. She just completed her first semester in this new position after leading the MT program at the University of North Carolina Greensboro. She was the Director of Undergraduate Studies for the School of Theatre at the UNCG, where she developed a new BFA musical theatre program with music director and arranger Dominick Amendum. Her recommendations include the series Jury Duty on Amazon Freevee, Brenee Brown's podcast "Unlocking Us", Justin Su'a's podcast "Increase Your Impact", Liz Gilbert's Big Magic, and The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho! --------------------- Before joining the Department of Theatre, Erin was an Assistant Professor specializing in Musical Theatre and Director of Undergraduate Studies for the School of Theatre at the University of North Carolina Greensboro, where she developed a new BFA musical theatre program with music director and arranger Dominick Amendum (Wicked, Prince of Egypt). While at UNCG Erin was also recognized as the College of Visual and Performing Arts Outstanding Teacher in 2021. In 2022 she was the recipient of the UNCG-wide James Y. Joyner Award for excellence in teaching.  A Los Angeles native, Erin made her Broadway debut serving as the Directing Assistant to Tony Award winner Christopher Ashley on Escape to Margaritaville, the Jimmy Buffett musical. She also served in that capacity for the show's pre-Broadway tour. Erin's career has taken her from coast to coast, giving her the opportunity to work off-Broadway at the York Theatre and regionally with companies like Center Theatre Group/the Mark Taper Forum, the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra and the Sarasota Opera House. In addition to her directing career, Erin has worked professionally as a performer in theatre, film, and commercials, even spending a year as an agent assistant in LA. She couples her directing and performing knowledge with nearly two decades of teaching experience, covering a wide range of abilities from true beginners to Broadway performers and television stars. Erin was previously an adjunct faculty member in musical theatre and dance at Florida Southern College and instructed/lectured in musical theatre, directing and theatre history at Penn State. She earned her MFA in Directing for the Musical Theatre Stage from Penn State University where she studied in their nationally recognized musical theatre program under the mentorship of veteran Broadway director and former SDC President Susan H. Schulman. Erin is also a proud graduate of The University of Michigan, where she earned her BFA in Acting from another nationally recognized program and studied alongside many future Broadway and film/TV stars.   Some of her favorite university direction/choreography credits include American Idiot, Rock of Ages, The SongeBob Musical, The Bridges of Madison County, Sweet Charity, Hot n' Cole, ‘S Wonderful!, Dreamgirls, The Wild Party, Stones in his Pockets, Romeo and Juliet, and many others. Professional direction/choreography credits include All Shook Up, Little Shop of Horrors, Oklahoma!, Bye Bye Birdie, Seussical, Footloose, Cinderella, Annie Get Your Gun, and Guys and Dolls among many others. Film direction: Hear Our Voices, Radio. Film producing: One Week at Woolworths, Flatbush Avenue. Erin is a proud Associate of the Society of Directors and Choreographers (SDC), and an alumna of the Director's Lab West.

Orlando's own professional orchestra has served over 187,000 patrons, 85,000 children and families and 1 million students for the last three decades. The orchestra is comprised of musicians from around the world. Riff On This sat down with founding board member and French hornist Mark Fischer and clarinetist Seok Hee Jang, a fairly new member of the orchestra who moved to Orlando this year, holding the second chair. Fischer has been with the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra since its inception and recalls how different it was back in the early 90s. “When we began in 1993, we started as an orchestra that was really a service organization and our attitude was very entrepreneurial,” Fischer said. “It started very small, just performing Chamber Orchestra works in churches and it was about three years before we could build up enough financial capital to be able to present our first concert in the Bob Carr Theater”. Working closely with the Orlando Opera Company and Orlando Ballet as well as the school systems, the OPO was able to grow and expand over the years. “So here we are, 30 years later, and now we walk into the new Steinmetz Hall, where I still pinch myself,” Fischer said. “Every time I walk on the stage, I look at the look up at the hall, I think this is unbelievably beautiful.” Jang shared a similar sentiment about the new Steinmetz Hall. “For me as a new musician in the orchestra, I can't imagine being here at a better time starting at a better time than our 30th anniversary season,” Jang said. “It's such a piece of work, a piece of art, really, it makes us sound so much better. It's a privilege to play in the hall.” Jang said the move to Florida has been amazing and everyone has been extremely welcoming. He's excited to work alongside the amazing musicians at the OPO. Fischer said starting out on the administrative side of the orchestra and doing the business side of things for so many years, that now he is back playing with the orchestra it's been nice to appreciate the artistic side of things again. “I think Gil Yamaha said it best. He said, ‘This hall is an instrument. It's not just a room. It's an instrument.' It's a spectacular space. And in the future, I believe that this venue will cause the Orlando Philharmonic to become a more refined ensemble over time and already has in their first season, but it is a real joy to make music there,” Fischer said. Be sure to listen to the latest episode of Riff On This to hear more about how Fischer and Jang got started as a classical musician along with more amazing stories from the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra. You will also get the latest on the rest of the season, plus a little inside information on what to expect next season as well. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the Season 3 Premeire Russell sits down with UNCG's musical theatre professor and director Erin Speer as they discuss the similarities as well as differences between directing musical theatre compared to theatre itself and the impact it has on artists and audiences alike.Brought to you by Real Creative Heart. Like, Review, Share & Subscribe.Erin Farrell Speer – Erin is a musical theatre director, educator and filmmaker. She serves as an Assistant Professor of Musical Theatre and Director of Undergraduate Studies – School of Theatre at UNC Greensboro. She earned her MFA in Directing for the Musical Theatre from Penn State where she studied under the mentorship of veteran Broadway director, Susan H. Schulman. Erin is also a proud graduate of The University of Michigan, holding a BFA in Acting. Erin made her Broadway debut in 2018 serving as the Assistant to Tony winning director Christopher Ashley on Escape to Margaritaville, the Jimmy Buffett musical. She also served in that capacity on the pre-Broadway tour. She made her off-Broadway debut in 2022 as the Associate Director for Hoagy Carmichael's Stardust Road at the York Theatre. Originally from Los Angeles, California, Erin's creative work has taken her all around the United States. Regionally, Erin has worked at Center Theatre Group/the Mark Taper Forum, Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, Heritage Repertory Theatre, Sierra Repertory Theatre and the North Carolina Theatre among others. In 2022, Erin directed both The Spongebob Musical and The Scarlet Pimpernel. In Spring of 2023, she will direct The Bridges of Madison County at Elon University and Rock of Ages at UNCG. Favorite Direction credits include: The Spongebob Musical, Pippin, American Idiot, Sweet Charity, and many, many more.

Grammy-nominated and Latin Grammy Award-winning flutist Nestor Torres is our special guest in this episode of I HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY. We have become friends over the course of the last year, and as a fellow Puerto Rican, I'm stoked that he'll be performing for the first time ever with the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra this coming Fall.  Born in Puerto Rico to a musical family, Nestor shares how he was drawn to the flute because it was different. Being exposed to various instruments from a young age, predominantly drums and piano, at age 12 he had to choose one to study formally with his father's encouragement and decided on a new challenge. In New York City, Nestor studied at Mannes School of Music, Jazz at Berklee College of Music, and Classical and Jazz at New England Conservatory of Music in Boston.  The rest is history. Nestor is globally renowned as a Jazz Flautist and, importantly, for his original compositions and performances that honor the multidimensional aspects of humanity and world cultures. As an exceptional and generous musician and composer, he shares insights regarding the legacy of the Figueroa Family, who are at the heart of the beginnings of Puerto Rican classical music centuries ago. A documentary about the history of the family will be screening in Orlando as well, and Nestor will share the stage with violinist and conductor Maestro Guillermo Figueroa Salon alongside the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra.  This recognition and acknowledgment of Puerto Rican talent and heritage is part of the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra's continued dedication throughout the years to highlighting diverse talent and delivering equitable musical experiences. Although not planned, the presentations align with the Five-Year Remembrance of Hurricane María's devastation of the island of Puerto Rico on September 20th, 2017, providing the large contingency of Puerto Rican (18%) and Hispanic (32%) persons in the Orlando Metro area with an inclusive space to reflect on our past, present and future surrounded by community and delightful music. Reserve your seat!  All deets below.    Sunday Live! with Nestor Torres and the OPO September 18 at 3pm Lutheran Towers – FREE – Register Here: https://orlandophil.org/event/sunday-live-at-lutheran-towers/   La familia Figueroa: una dinastía musical Documentary Viewing September 18 at 6pm The Plaza Live – FREE – Register Here: https://orlandophil.org/event/la-familia-figueroa-una-dinastia-musical-documentary-screening/   Nestor Torres and Guillermo Figueroa Salon Focus Series: Celebrating Puerto Rican Heritage October 24 at 7pm The Plaza Live - Tickets for Purchase Here: https://orlandophil.org/event/celebrating-puerto-rican-heritage/

In this episode, Boris and Rafael talk to the former president of the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, Mary Palmer.

In today's episode, I welcome Natalie Cordone & Shawn Kilgore! This incredibly dynamic duo have amazing stories to share about the show that introduced them to each other, the creation of their own tribute show to Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme, and all the adventures in between. (Fun fact: the cover image for this episode is of Natalie & Shawn!)   Get in touch with Cordone & Kilgore: www.cordoneandkilgore.com Support Artfully Told: www.paypal.me/elevateart Artfully Told links: www.facebook.com/artfullytold | www.artfullytold.podbean.com | elevateartskc@gmail.com Get a free audiobook through Audible!  http://www.audibletrial.com/ArtfullyTold Schedule your own interview as a featured guest with Artfully Told! https://calendly.com/artfullytold/podcast-interview   Episode 54 - Natalie Cordone & Shawn Kilgore Lindsey Dinneen: Hello, and welcome to Artfully Told, where we share true stories about meaningful encounters with art. [00:00:06] Krista: I think artists help people have different perspectives on every aspect of life. [00:00:12]Roman:  All I can do is put my part in to the world. [00:00:15] Elizabeth: It doesn't have to be perfect the first time. It doesn't have to be perfect ever really. I mean, as long as you, and you're enjoying doing it and you're trying your best, that can be good enough. [00:00:23] Elna: Art is something that you can experience with your senses and that you just experiences as so beautiful.  [00:00:31] Lindsey Dinneen: Hello, and welcome back to another episode of Artfully Told. I'm your host Lindsey, and I am so very excited to have as my guests today, Shawn Kilgore and Natalie Cordone. They are a performing duo that has been producing, writing and touring around the country for almost a decade. And they are currently the hosts of "Live! With Cordona and Kilgore." And I am so excited to chat with them about their artistic journeys and what they're up to now. I know their whole focus on is on positivity and light, and I'm just so excited that they're here. So thank you, Sean and Natalie, so much for being here today. [00:01:14] Shawn Kilgore: Thanks for having us. This is very exciting. I'm excited to be here. [00:01:18] Natalie Cordone: Yeah, we're thrilled to be here. Thanks, Lindsey. [00:01:20] Lindsey Dinneen: Of course. And it sounds like we have some guest artists as well. [00:01:25] Shawn Kilgore: Yes. I apologize for the, for the hounds in the background. [00:01:29] Lindsey Dinneen: It's all good. I have two dogs too. They might make a sound appearance at some point as well. [00:01:36] Natalie Cordone: Yeah. I'm not making any promises on my end, either. The pup is-- he's being good right now, but you just never know. [00:01:41] Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah. You never know when they'll have to defend the house against the UPS driver. You just never know. [00:01:46] Shawn Kilgore: Exactly. [00:01:47]Lindsey Dinneen: Well, okay. So I would just love if you two wouldn't mind just sharing a little bit about your backgrounds, maybe how you got into art in general, into your specific fields, how you guys met, and maybe a little bit about what you're up to now, which is I know a tall order, but we'll just dive in and I can't wait to hear. [00:02:07] Shawn Kilgore: Absolutely, Natalie, go ahead. [00:02:09] Natalie Cordone: Sure. So my artistic journey actually began in a tutu when I was about three. So I started dancing in tap and ballet lessons like most of us did, and I was a dancer up until I was in college, but along the way, I joined the theater and became an actor and then didn't find my voice as a singer until I was in college, really, which is an odd journey and kind of very different from Shawn's. But then I started singing mostly opera and I sang with the Orlando Opera and got my Master's Degree in Acting, and became a professional actor right away and started dancing and singing in musicals. And along with singing with the opera, and along that journey is when I met Shawn. But let's have him tell you a little bit about him before we talk about how we met. [00:03:00] Shawn Kilgore: For me, I started singing from a very young age, mostly in church, and I was very involved in music all through school. But it wasn't really, until I was in eighth grade, I was about to be a freshman in high school when my mom took me to see my first big musical. And from the second that it started, I knew exactly that that's what I wanted to do. So I immediately got involved in theater, you know, and, and musical theater in, in high school. And that continued that on through my college years. That's what I studied both at a school in Ohio and then later at a school in New York City. And then I moved to Florida, South Florida, worked professionally for many, many years in regional theater throughout the state and then moved to central Florida. And that brings us to where Natalie and I connect. [00:03:43]Natalie Cordone: Oh, it's a good story. So, so the, the real story of how we met begins with Shawn's singing with the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra. He was doing this fantastic version of "Carousel," where he played Billy Bigelow. He was the big man on campus and it was a very coveted role and super exciting, singing with a full orchestra and in the midst of it, I was moving back from New York City. And we both got cast in a show together. So Shawn had been cast in the musical from the beginning and his partner in the show was supposed to be another actress. The show is called "Baby," and in the show, our two characters are desperately trying to get pregnant. I think that's a nice way of putting it. So in that show, we spent most of our time in a bed. That was our set. And so we got to know each other very closely, very quickly... [00:04:39] Shawn Kilgore: Yeah, a lot of intimacy from the day we met. [00:04:41]Natalie Cordone:  And I just thought he was the most wonderful actor. And the only reason why I was cast in the role was that this whole time, the storyline it's really about how this couple cannot get pregnant. And the actress who was supposed to play the role, got pregnant. And so she was going to be five months and showing on stage, which would have made absolutely no sense. She's a wonderful actress and it's the only way she could have possibly lost the role. And so as I was coming back from New York, that theater called me and asked if I would do the show. And so I was thrilled to get a chance to work with Shawn and, and have it be my sort of return to this regional theater that I'd worked at many times. And so we did get onstage and, and get pretty close, pretty fast. And in the midst of that, I was doing a solo show. And Shawn said, you know, "Would you want to do a cabaret show with me?" And I'd done quite a few of them. And I said, "Yes, I'd love to work with you again, but can we do something even bigger and better than a cabaret?" And from there we put a band together and we got charts and we found that we loved the same kind of music. And so we loved singing together. And I couldn't imagine not working with him and having him in my life every day. And so we started creating theatrical concerts. And they got really popular pretty quickly. And so we created, we created well over a dozen shows at this point. And, and we started touring them around the country. So that's how we met. [00:06:10] Shawn Kilgore: And while we were doing that, we also became, because of Natalie, had also done a show with the Orlando Philharmonic. So we had sort of cultivated this relationship with, with that local orchestra here. And so we maintained that relationship and that brought us once they saw that we were what we were doing, they invited us to be guest vocalists. So then we would start to appear with the Orlando Philharmonic on a semi-regular basis for pops concerts and those kinds of things. And, you know, between the shows that we were producing and performing and the shows with the Philharmonic, our audience members would always come up to us and say that we reminded them of Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme. [00:06:47] Natalie Cordone: Yes. [00:06:48] Shawn Kilgore: So that led really sort of catapulted us into our next venture, which was creating a tribute show to, to those really incredible artists at the time. You know, we knew who they were, we had heard the names before and not really, you know, very well versed, you know, in their careers though. But now, you know, we have been-- that show, that's our longest running show. We've been touring with that show for almost eight years now. I think that show has played, you know, from everywhere to Las Vegas, to, to Miami. And so, so that show really has sort of been the biggest, the, the biggest thing that we've, that we've been focusing on over the past couple of years, but it's been great. We learned a lot about Steve and Eydie. They were really incredible entertainers and they both had incredible individual careers. And when they came together, for those out there that, that remember them, know that it was just magic and there was nothing like it. So for us to be able to sort of try to recreate that a little bit, we're not, we're not impersonating them. We are, we are simply tribute artists where, you know, we're, we're out there as ourselves singing their music. So that is sort of what we, that's what led us to this point now where we are now. [00:07:55] Natalie Cordone: Yeah. And we're about to do that show again, coming up as we come out of everything that's happened recently, it's super exciting to get to kick off our season with it. And while we were waiting to do that show again, is when we started our live with Cordone and Kilgore show, which is an online show where we are the interviewers. And we bring on a different guest every week because we found that what we really wanted to do during this time was just accentuate the positive as much as possible. One of the things that I love about Shawn so much, and I think what made us click from the beginning, is that we really both like to air on the sunny side of whatever's going on in any situation. And we found that anytime we would jump online and just sing a song or the rare occasions, when we got to sing together, people really were resonating with the fact that we were bringing some kind of light and positivity to the world and we wanted to be able to bring other people in to do the same. [00:08:55] So that's when we started our live interview show where we have it kind of like Regis and Kathy Lee back in the day, if they were to have sung together, which we do on every show, we get a chance to, to sing together, whether that's old footage of the last 10 years of our shows, or if we get to do it live and in person. And we get to bring on great guests, everyone from artists to dog rescues to people who are making drinks and bakeries and anything that makes us, you know, feel good. Yeah, and brings us positivity. [00:09:30] Shawn Kilgore: Yeah, we say, we say our goal is to accentuate the positive. Yeah, like, like she said every week. And so it's a, it's a nice thing to do. We talk about, you know, good news stories. We're talking about good things that have happened to us. We invite our guests to share, you know, stories of what's happened in their weeks that might've been positive or good. Yeah, so we're really enjoying it. So not only so people can join us live for that when we do it live, but it is also available as a podcast currently on Spotify and Stitcher, and hopefully coming soon to all other podcast platforms. [00:10:00] Lindsey Dinneen: Wow. That is so cool. I am so enamored with your stories. Oh my word. And the way that they intersected and I just love what you're bringing to the world. I think this is just so cool. And yes, this whole time I've been smiling because what great stories you guys have to share about, you know, how, how you all got started. And I, I resonate with you, Natalie, about getting started in a little tutu. I started dancing when I was four, but it wasn't for the dancing itself. It was for the costumes. Let's be real. [00:10:32]Shawn Kilgore: That's the one thing you guys have a lot in common. Natalie changes gowns I think maybe eight to 10, maybe 12 times in the show. [00:10:40]Natalie Cordone: I do have, I hope you do too at this point, but I'm so lucky that my work wear is actually two full closets of gowns in my house. 'Cause that's what I get to get dressed up in to go to work. So I'm with you on the sequins and rhinestones front for sure. [00:10:57] Lindsey Dinneen: Oh yeah, yeah, no completely. I, I still get extremely excited to put on a tutu and tiara. Still a wonderful moment. So yes, I resonate and yes, I do have actually in my house because you know, I also have a professional dance company. We have, I think, three closets that are fully devoted to dance costumes. It's ridiculous. But here we are. Yeah. [00:11:22] Shawn Kilgore: That's it, but I've actually worn a tutu one time. [00:11:25] Lindsey Dinneen: What, why? [00:11:27] Shawn Kilgore: It happened once. It was actually in high school, believe it or not. I can't believe I did it. And I can't believe I'm still alive after doing it. It was in a show. It was like, you know, our show choir was doing a Best of Broadway thing and we did the number "You Gotta Get a Gimmick" from "Gypsy." And it was the two women came out to do the first two. And I came out and I was the ballerina butterfly. I was Tessitura. [00:11:50] Natalie Cordone: Okay. So the only time that this gets weird is that Shawn and I have once in our lives played the same role in a musical two different musicals, but we both-- [00:11:59] Shawn Kilgore: Two different productions, yeah. [00:12:00] Natalie Cordone: That's right. In the same musical, in "Nunsense." We both played Sister Mary Amnesia at two different times. He played it. I played it in "Nunsense" and he played it in "Nunsense Amen." so we've actually shared-- the three of us have all shared the experience of a tutu. And two of us have actually experienced being the same role on stage, which as a soprano and a baritone makes absolutely no sense, but we did it. We've done it. [00:12:22] Shawn Kilgore: I'm actually on the national cast recording of "Nunsense Amen," which is also available on Spotify, you know, out there that as Sister Amnesia on the recording. [00:12:30] Lindsey Dinneen: What! That is so cool. Oh, my word. You two. I love it. Okay. So I just, I was really tickled when you were talking about, you know, the first time you met and it was like, "Well, here we are. We're going to get to know each other real fast." Was that ever, and I guess I'm just curious about this in general, you know, not as an actress, I, is that ever just super awkward and difficult when you have to kind of jump into those roles and you're like, "Well, we're going to be up close and personal for awhile." [00:12:59] Shawn Kilgore: It really, it really depends on the other actor. And I think, you know, for me, I feel really lucky. From the moment I met Natalie, I knew that I was going to be friends with her. That was that it was going to go beyond. I had not in my wildest imagination could have dreamt that we would be where we are today. But I knew that we were going to be friends and we were going to be in each other's lives for a while. So you get lucky. So you get lucky with that casting, you know, it's, it's all about the other person in that situation 'cause it could have been a nightmare. You know what I mean? It really could have been a nightmare from day one. But thankfully, you know, we really, we connected and, and, you know, it turns out to be the show itself was a, it was an incredible show and we got to do some really wonderful moments together. We got to play the happiness of, of being a couple into the, the heartache of, you know, thinking you are pregnant and then finding out that you're not, again. You know those scenes were pretty powerful and to get to go through that together every, you know, eight times a week for however many weeks, it was, I think that's something that, that bonded us also, you know, [00:13:57] Lindsey Dinneen: Oh, for sure. [00:13:58] Natalie Cordone: Yeah, for sure.  I was just going to say that chemistry piece of it is one thing that you can't make up, right? It's genuinely liking someone and then getting to fall in love with them over and over again. It's really special and I've, I've been lucky that I've never had a bad experience, but I've definitely had ones where you do sort of walk out and go, "Oh my gosh, I can do this eight times a week with this person. And it will be just a joy every night." It's so easy. And when you meet Shawn, everyone falls in love with Shawn. There's just no person that's ever not immediately been enamored with him. So I was very, very lucky on that front, but I think that it can be super awkward if you don't enjoy the person you're with. So I think that that was one of the things where, because we both had been professional actors for a long time, we both knew that when we met, it was like, "Oh, this is different. Like, this is special. Thank goodness. This is going to be fun." You know? [00:14:54] Lindsey Dinneen: Absolutely. And I can, I can relate to that just on the dancer level of when you're doing partnering, it is so physically close. I mean, you're, you're literally touching each other so that you can be supported in pretty cool ways in these different lifts and all sorts of different things. And I, I relate to the fact that sometimes I've worked with partners where it felt like a lot more work. I mean, I was also always lucky to have people who were awesome to work with, but yeah, when I met the, the guy who is currently my dance partner was like a very similar experience of, "oh, this is easy." And this is a lot of fun versus, you know, like, feeling like it's more of a job. Yeah. Yeah. Okay. And so your tribute show, I'd, I'd love to delve into that a little bit more. I think that is such a cool thing that you guys have developed and, and obviously you've gotten to tour with it and do all sorts of wonderful things.  How long of a process was that to sort of write the show and, you know, come up with all of the different components. I mean, I, I can only imagine from my production experience, but I feel like this is a whole 'nother level when you're doing something to be a tribute to people who came before you essentially. [00:16:08] Shawn Kilgore: Yeah, absolutely. We sort of live, we sort of lived in their, in their music for a good period of time. Right? Not only like we listened to almost everything and like we went through there, you know, as much as possible. And to really try to, you know, look at every video we could find and read everything we could find.  I mean, we, we fell in love with them, you know? And so then when we get to the point where we're creating the show, it really made us want to do them justice, you know? [00:16:35] Natalie Cordone: Yeah. And knowing that they were such a special couple for those of you guys that don't know Steve and Edyie were, they worked together and they lived together and were married for 55 years. So, and they were on over 90 albums between the two of them both together and separately. And they had hugely successful solo careers, but they also were one of the best known duos at the time. And we're friends with Frank Sinatra and toured with him and on the Carol Burnett Show, people knew them from the Carol Burnett Show. Yeah, it's a legacy. Yeah, all of that music that it was really hard for us to whittle it down to just a 90 minute show. I mean, that was part of the hard part was going in and saying, "But we love all of this stuff." How do we try to make, you know, how do we try to do them justice and tell their story in a way that resonates with ours. And also get to do this incredible music that spans so many decades, but still has a real through line of sophisticated pop music. That's really what they were known for. [00:17:41]And so that was the easy part was being able to sit back and sort of go, "Oh, what's good? Well, everything's good." Now the hard part is how do you pick what to do, what to do? And so, like Shawn said, we really did live in their world for a long time and, and touring with the show, one of the things that's been really great is that we've met a lot of people that were either related to, or were friends with, or worked with Steve and Eydie along the way. Everyone from like roadies, we had a guy who told us that he was, he worked backstage and that Edyie Gormé would sit there at a table Pac-Man that she used to travel with, like back when Gameboys, right, were a thing, or you couldn't put an app on your phone, she used to have one of those full tabletop things that they, she would sit and she'd have her hair in curlers with like a martini in one hand and a cigarette in the other, playing this tabletop. And you can't find that, right, in an interview with Johnny Carson. You can only find that from people who knew them. So that's been really cool too, to sort of live in that space and have people resonate with the show so much that we always try to do, you know, some kind of a talk back with the audience if we can, after the show. And they've taught us just as much as we've entertained them. So that's been a really neat thing to, to add to our repertoire along the way. [00:18:55] Shawn Kilgore: It is. That's one of my favorite things about it is, is getting to meet the audiences afterward and getting, getting to meet the people who did work with them or they, they knew them. And getting those stories like that story that Natalie just told, like she said, not anything you would ever find on the internet. We would never know that if we didn't come across that person. And now that story is in the show, we tell that story in the show. So when people see the show, they're getting to hear, you know, the things that they knew and loved and remember about Steve and Edyie, but also some of these more personal touches that we're weaving into the story that we tell, you know, so it's, that's a really cool thing about it and, you know, see there's, their story really is probably, I would venture to say, even to this day, one of the greatest Hollywood love stories there is. They met on the original Tonight Show, you know, way, way back in the day when they, they were very young, they were cast as singers side by side-by-side with Steve Allen. They met there, you know, they fell in love. They were together for over 55 years and they managed to stay married and work together that closely for that long is, is really a remarkable thing, you know? [00:20:01] Natalie Cordone: Yeah. And what they did so beautifully too, was that onstage, they jabbed at each other, like only a married couple really can. And that's something that I think we're really lucky to be able to bring sort of that wit and humor into the show because it keeps it alive and fresh for us even after all these years, because I think we might have a very similar dynamic to what Steve and Edyie had on interviews and stuff just as people. So that's been fun to recreate too. People, our audiences swear that we're married. I mean, they, you know, they can't believe it when we tell them, we don't really tell them in the show, but if people ask us afterwards, you know? [00:20:38] Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah, yeah. Oh, that is so fun. I mean, but, okay. So then to be compared to, to such an iconic couple and yeah, what a feat in general, let alone with the pressures of being super famous and having these amazing careers and things like that. So kudos to them, but was it ever incredibly intimidating at all to sort of think like, "Oh my goodness, people are comparing us to them. How do we do this justice?" [00:21:05]Shawn Kilgore: I would say it's not really because we've never tried to impersonate them in any way. We really are going out there. We're singing in our own voices.  We're talking as ourselves. We're not putting on their persona in any way. But we feel very good about the, the way that we're honoring them and their careers and their lives and what we've put together and our audience, you know, based on what the audience is say, you know, it's, it's a good-- we feel, we feel good about where we are with it and how it all just sort of came together. It all full sort of feels like it was meant to be for us.  Maybe some might think a weird thing to say, but you know, the way our stories connected and how similar it is to their story, they met when they were cast on a show together, you know? So did we and we are doing this because people told us, you know, when they saw us perform together, that we reminded them of them. And so it just feels like the universe has told us this is what we're supposed to be doing. [00:21:59] Natalie Cordone: Yeah, the only time I can say I was intimidated was when we were doing our show, we sat down in Vegas for awhile and we found out afterwards that Steve Lawrence's people had sent people to come see the show. And I talked to them on the phone afterwards and they, they loved the show. They thought it was great. I'm glad I didn't know they were in the audience the night they were there. But knowing that they had like sent people to make sure that the show was-- because they'd heard, well, I mean, we had, we had told them we were coming and they had they come to sort of vet the show and it was nice to hear that they, they enjoyed the show-- but that I'm glad I didn't know ahead of time, I would have been a ball of nerves if I had known that they were listening to me saying her iconic songs on stage. [00:22:41] Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah, that makes complete sense to me. That is, that is so cool. Definitely meant to be, it sounds like. And now, I'm excited to hear that you guys are going to be able to go back to performing again. I know COVID sort of threw a curve ball at many different people, especially performing artists, but tell me a little bit more about your show that you're doing now, these live productions that interview people and things like that sounds like an incredible way to bring, like you said, positivity to the world. I'm just super curious how that came about and how that's going. [00:23:13] Shawn Kilgore: The funny thing is it came about. So after like eight months about of not being together, not singing any of our tunes, we were both feeling good. We got together, we had maybe a bottle, maybe a bottle and a half of wine. And we were like, "Hey, let's play Russian roulette with our songs and see what we remember." And we decided to do it live on Facebook.  [00:23:34] Natalie Cordone: I'm glad that we know each other well enough that we were okay. If things didn't go well, because it was good, it was fun. It wasn't always good. I guess that's a good... [00:23:43] Shawn Kilgore: That's a perfect way of saying it, but even when it, yeah, even when it wasn't, it was still fun, you know, so that's kind of how it all started. We enjoyed it. We had, you know, we got great feedback from that and that's sort of pushed us in the direction of trying to do something on a more regular basis. And, and now we're sort of, have delved into this world of podcasting and podcasting with video, and I'm really excited about the, about the direction, the direction of it. [00:24:08]Natalie Cordone: And Sean and I had both expected along the way that we would be broadcast journalists. It's odd. That was where we kind of had both begun thinking our careers would end up and it's fun to have brought it full circle where that's really sort of what all podcasters and video podcasters are doing now. And it's neat to come back to that sort of love of ours that we had to put aside while we were touring all over the place for the last umpteen years together. [00:24:33] Shawn Kilgore: And we really are about sort of modeling the show after sort of, so it is sort of modeled after that sort of Live with Regis. And I always say Regis, but... [00:24:41] Natalie Cordone: I like the Regis and Kathie Lee and we can stick with that one. We can go old school, Shawn, that's alright. [00:24:46] Shawn Kilgore: Kathy Lee would sing sometimes, but she would not have Regis sing with her. [00:24:50] Natalie Cordone: No, that's for sure. I think she might've pushed him off the stage, but she wouldn't have the bottom line. [00:24:54]Shawn Kilgore: So we sort of modeled after that kind of field. So it has a very fun lighthearted, we wanted it to be very conversational. We didn't want it to be about any one particular topic so that we could have, you know, it seems like, you know, even like how you're doing, you know, you have a variety of people in the arts, which is awesome. But yeah, so we sort of like, we, like Natalie said, we next week are having a, a baker on the show. And then, you know, we were having some other podcasters on the show and we have had musicians and like Natalie said, pet dog rescues. We've had, so open to just anything that would make anyone feel good or lift them up after, you know, a long day. Or a long year... [00:25:31] Natalie Cordone: Yeah, that seems to drag out. [00:25:33]Lindsey Dinneen: Yes, that's fantastic. I'm so glad you guys are doing that. And so, and I'm sure I have more questions, but I'm sure that there are people who are super interested in following your journey and connecting with you and, and, you know, getting to experience these live shows. Is there a way for people to find you and connect with you and, and support you? [00:25:54]Shawn Kilgore: Absolutely. [00:25:55] Natalie Cordone: They sure can! They can find us on Facebook. They can find us on YouTube and they can also find us on our website. And you can always look us up as Cordone and Kilgore. So if you find us on Facebook, it's Cordone and Kilgore, Instagram: Cordone and Kilgore, YouTube: Cordone and  Kilgore, and then on the web it's cordoneandkilgore.com. So super easy. We are very unimaginative when it comes to naming things. So you can just always find us as. [00:26:22]Shawn Kilgore: It's just us. That's what, you know, this is a beautiful thing. It's just us. [00:26:26]Natalie Cordone: All the time everywhere. Our show, as of right now is streaming live at 7:00 PM Eastern time, 4:00 PM Pacific on most Mondays. And you can always find it after the fact on those channels as well. [00:26:40] Shawn Kilgore: Absolutely. And they are also posted to IGTV because we're not able to go live to Instagram, so they are edited and then posted to IGTV. And then again, you know, we take then the audio from it and then do an edit of that for audio podcasts that are currently available on Spotify and Stitcher. And then and again, hopefully we'll be expanding that audience pretty soon as well. [00:27:02] Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah, absolutely. Perfect. Well, that's, that's very exciting. I am personally delighted to follow your journey and also to support this live show in particular, because that just sounds fantastic. I can't wait to tune in, but yeah. So I'm, I'm just curious. I'm sure this has happened to you both on multiple occasions, but are there any stories that stand out to you? Where either somebody was experiencing art that you were creating or, you know, a show or something like that, or that you personally got to witness that was really impactful? It was kind of this moment to remember, like, I, I need to file this away because this is really special. [00:27:44]Shawn Kilgore: Yeah. [00:27:45]Natalie Cordone: From my own personal experience and watching someone else create that really moved me in a way that I'll never forget. I've seen so many shows, both my friends and other professionals' work, but the one that hit me, the strongest that I can sit here and put myself right back in the theater was-- I watched Audra McDonald do "110 in the Shade." And there is a song called "Old Maid" towards the end of the first act, I believe. And, and she ripped me to shreds. And I just remember, I'm still, I'm getting chills, just thinking about it as I'm sitting here. And it was the way that she connected to the material that she was singing. And it was that she was, she's a brilliant vocalist, but she was really experiencing that, the moment in a way that I could feel in my own body and my own soul, the way that she was experiencing that moment for that role. And I was sobbing in the audience and the audience was completely full.  [00:28:54] I had gone to theater by myself, which I do often, and I didn't know either of the people sitting next to me and I know they thought I was nuts. I kept getting like those sideways glances of ,why is this? Why are you crying? Now the whole entire audience wasn't sobbing. And it, for me was one of those pinnacle moments of great art that I got to experience and is something that no one will ever get to do again, if you weren't in that theater. And I think that's what I love so much about live performance is that it is temporal. And when it's done, it's done. And any time I get to experience live performance, dance, music, if it's being made in front of you, that's something that no one can take away from you, right? My house could burn to the ground. I could lose everything I have, but no one can take that experience for me. And that's one of the things that I love so much about art and about live performance. [00:29:50] Shawn Kilgore: That's a great answer. I feel like that's why we as artists and why everybody who loves art comes back to it because you're always, I don't know. It's sort of like, when you have a moment like that, you want another one, so you seek it out. And so you're, it's like trying to chase that high. Yeah. I love it. So that, but that was a great answer, I think, but for me, I've had many impactful moments with art. My most recent one though, however, was getting to see a Bette Midler performance of "Hello, Dolly" in New York City for me now that I can tell you why I sobbed, not all the way through, but there were moments where, I mean, I, and not for, because it was, it was just the most amazing-- I don't know. And I'm getting chills thinking, just thinking about it, talking about it. Cause it was, you felt like I don't even know how-- I can't even put it in words. I'm at a loss for words, trying to even explain what it was, how it was, but... [00:30:45] Natalie Cordone: Well, I know that when they came out for "Put on Your Sunday Clothes," and I know we've talked about this, when they did the "Parade of the Costumes," it's what you've wanted every musical to ever be in all the world. And I know, I remember you talking about how she just touched you so much and I, I can feel it listening to you talking about it. [00:31:04] Shawn Kilgore: Yeah. Yeah, that's cool. That's cool. Yeah. Like, and after that iconic, the iconic "Hello, Dolly" number and just the roar of the, you know, in full Broadway theater. And as everyone like stood up and I, I swear it went on for like five minutes or more the, the standing ovation, like it was, yeah. I just love it. I love, yeah, that was awesome. [00:31:28] Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah, of course. That is so cool. Well, yeah, you both have incredible stories about art being impactful and really like the, the idea of the art addict. [00:31:38]Natalie Cordone: We might have to make a t-shirt. [00:31:41] Lindsey Dinneen: Thankfully it's the healthiest addiction you can probably have, right? Oh, man. I feel like that needs to be explored further. We might, you know, that's fantastic. [00:31:52] Natalie Cordone: Art might make you poor, but it'll definitely get you high. [00:31:53]Lindsey Dinneen: This is perfect. I love it. Oh my gosh. And I totally resonate with what you were both talking about with live theater. I mean, I'm so grateful that there are so many avenues nowadays to view art virtually whether it's a, you know, it's a musical or something else, but there's nothing that compares to live theater, even as a performer. I feel, you know, if you're taped it's, it's nice. I mean, I'm glad to have that so I can go back in and see it again. But there's nothing like that feeling of just being on stage and looking out into the audience and hopefully it's a super dark theater, so you don't see anyone's face, you know? Oh, that's awesome. That's so exciting. So when's your first live performance back? [00:32:40]Natalie Cordone: We are so lucky that we will be performing at the Grand Oshkosh in Oshkosh, Wisconsin coming on June the 11th. It's a Friday night and there'll be a live broadcast of it as well that's completely free. So if this happens to air before June 11th than anyone wants to watch it, if you go to the, if you Google the Grand Oshkosh or watch any of our shows, we always try to put up a link for it. That night you can watch the free live broadcast of the show along with the 50 or so people that are going to be allowed into the house that are going to be socially distanced in the balcony for the night, but we get to have our three piece band with us. We're going to get to actually tour up there again. [00:33:19]Shawn Kilgore: And it will be a really nice stream too. It's going to be a three camera shoot and that's all thanks to, I believe a sponsor, right, Natalie? Somebody, a corporate sponsor, that's sponsoring these, the stream so that we can share the show with, you know, an even broader audience, which is awesome. [00:33:33] Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah, that is fantastic. You know, it's so interesting because again, in so many ways artists have had to really switch gears or be a little bit differently innovative, I would say. I think in general artists are very good at adapting, but yeah, I do like the fact that it's kind of opened the world to some of our artistic endeavors that might not necessarily get to see. Like, I wouldn't necessarily get to see that show, but now I can. And that's, that's really exciting, you know, and just to have those opportunities. So yeah. [00:34:06] Shawn Kilgore: Absolutely. There've been some crazy-- I just finished a project where it was eight actors, all in different states, all working with green screens. And it was a sketch comedy show, and that would have never happened, you know, if this didn't happen. So yeah, absolutely. There have been some, some good, some really interesting and cool things to come out of it, for sure. [00:34:27] Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah, absolutely. Well, first of all, your stories are just so fantastic. And I literally have been sitting here smiling the whole time. So this has been fantastic and wonderful. And I do have three questions that I always like to ask my guests if you two would be up for that. [00:34:44] Shawn Kilgore: Sure. [00:34:45] Natalie Cordone: Oh yeah! [00:34:46] Lindsey Dinneen: Okay. So first of all, how do you personally define art or what is art to you? [00:34:52]Natalie Cordone: Ooh. I feel like we should have studied. All right. So what is art to you? Apparently we answered this earlier and the answer is like a drug. I think art to me is self-expression in a way where you're attempting to communicate something that is incommunicable to another person. [00:35:10] Shawn Kilgore: That's good.  I think for me, it's the opportunity to escape. [00:35:16]Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah, absolutely. And then what do you think is the most important role of an artist? [00:35:23]Shawn Kilgore: To keep it alive, to keep it going. [00:35:26]Natalie Cordone: I think for me, it's to tell the truth, whatever your truth is in that moment, to be vulnerable enough, to be honest, in a way where you are sharing something real, sharing a piece of yourself with people that you might never meet or really get to know. [00:35:46]Lindsey Dinneen:  Yeah. Yeah, absolutely. Okay. And then my final question, and I'll define my terms a little bit, but do you think that art should be inclusive or exclusive? And what I mean by that is inclusive referring to artists who put their work out there and provide some context behind that, whether it's, you know, as simple as a title, or whether it's show notes, whether it's the context behind it, the inspiration sort of that, that prompted it. Versus exclusive referring to artists that put their work out there, but don't provide the context and basically leave it solely up to the viewer to determine what they will. [00:36:22]Shawn Kilgore: I, for me, I think inclusive because it should be also about the educational piece of it and to let young people growing up today know how it all works, you know, and hopefully to be able to inspire.  [00:36:37] Natalie Cordone: Yeah. I think for me it can be, it can be valid in either direction. I think it's really up to the discretion of the artist as to what they want that experience to be for their viewer or their audience. I know for myself, I much prefer to make what would be considered inclusive art. And I think for the most part, I prefer to be the viewer of it as well. But I think that both of them are valid. It just depends on what the project is. I think, I know that wasn't really an answer, but I'm gonna, I'm gonna pick D, all of the above. [00:37:13] Shawn Kilgore: That's always the best-- if it's an option, I'm going with it. [00:37:17] Lindsey Dinneen: Right, right. No. And, and you're absolutely right. You're both right. I mean, there's value in both. And, and I think it's, it's really interesting to hear the answers to that particular question, because everyone has a different, you know, opinion, just like art is subjective, so is that question. I love it. Well again, thank you guys so very much for being here today. I'm just so thrilled to hear your stories. And I'm, I'm very excited about what you guys are doing. I'm going to mark it in my calendar to catch that live stream, because that's really exciting to me too. And, you know, with your, with your live shows that you're doing weekly, I think-- I just know that what you bring to the world brings so much positivity and light and value. And I just commend you two for doing that. And for choosing to look on the bright side, choosing to highlight the good that's happening, because that is so needed. And I just know that what you're doing is making a tangible difference in people's lives. And so I just want to commend you for that. And thank you for that because you know, it, it does take you time and effort and I appreciate it. So thank you. [00:38:29] Shawn Kilgore: That's very nice, Lindsey. Thank you so much. This was really a lot of fun. [00:38:33] Natalie Cordone: Yeah. Thank you. And we hope that you will be a friend of our show. We would love to have you on as a guest, not to put you on the spot, but we would love to have you. And so hopefully we'll get a chance to collaborate again because your spirit is so open and kind, and the work that you do here to, to gain the following of the people who rely on getting to hear you every week. We just were glad that we were able to share. [00:38:54] Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah, of course. And, oh my gosh, yes! I would absolutely love to be a guest. That would be a huge honor. [00:39:01]Natalie Cordone: We'll have our people call your people. [00:39:04]Lindsey Dinneen: Oh my gosh. Well, thank you again so much. I'm very much looking forward to that opportunity as well, but also, thank you so much for everyone who has listened to this episode. And, oh my goodness, if you're feeling as inspired as I am right now, I would just love if you would share this episode with a friend or two and we will catch you next time. [00:39:26] If you have a story to share with us, we would love that so much. And I hope your day has been Artfully Told.

Lots of helpful content from Eric’s story. At 13, he decided he wanted to become a full time musician. We learn from Eric’s story as he builds the Brooklyn Knights and ascends to become the Music Director of the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra. Through hundreds of creative collaborations and lots of hard work, Eric build a creative career that he’s still growing and developing today.

Nicole Sasser is a truly versatile performer. Trumpeter, singer, quasi comedian. I got the chance to pick her brain on life as a cruise ship performer while she's quarantined thanks to COVID-19 and had a terrific time in doing so. Here's what you'll hear in today's show:-How Nicole first got started on trumpet...4:47-The cruise ships were a callin'...Nicole answered...15:46-How to not suck as a performer...20:45-Differences in pleasing the audience vs. the event promoters...27:30About the guest:Nicole began playing trumpet at age 9, and has been singing all her life. Growing up in the Chicago area afforded her incredible opportunities for music, including performing at Carnegie Hall and Symphony Center with the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra, and at Lincoln Center as a member of the Youth Jazz Ensemble of DuPage. She graduated from the prestigious Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University, then moved to Florida to develop as a freelance artist and produce her own shows for cruise ships. While in Florida, Nicole has performed with the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra and Brevard Symphony Orchestra. She got her Disney start in California, where she was in the All-American College Band. For ten years she has been making people smile at the happiest place on earth, Disney World, performing in the Main Street Philharmonic and Epcot's Candlelight Processional in the Walt Disney Orchestra and as a Fanfare Trumpeter. In 2008, she produced her first solo album with a live band, which launched her career as a headliner, and in 2012 had her first international series of concerts in Sicily, Italy. Nicole's latest project was co-writing all originals with multi-platinum producer Veit Renn, for a pop electronic dance album that she released in 2015.

Orlando, experience three classics like never before happening 'This Week In Art'.- Opening Wednesday, Orlando Shakes hosts the classic adventure, The Three Musketeers, running through March 22.- Friday, lOrlando Ballet Company and School starts their run of the Disney classic Cinderella presented by the Orlando Ballet, running through Sunday.- This Saturday, Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra performs 'Hansel & Gretel' as part of their Symphony Storytime Series at The Plaza Live series.You've know them all. Now get out and experience a new take on these classics.

Orlando is buzzing this week with theater, orchestra, and robots(?). Experience all our city has to give before the robot apocolypse.- Running Friday through Monday, Otronicon allows you to walk on the cutting edge through state-of-the-art gaming and simulation technologies, including military and medical simulators not typically available to the public.- Friday, Central Florida Community Arts opens 'The Lion In Winter'. Typical family squabbles can’t compare to those of the English monarchy gathering for the holidays, especially with the king’s three sons all vying for the throne.- Wednesday, Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra debuts Resonate at The Plaza Live. You will hear the music of Mozart, paired with works by visionary composers of today.- Saturday, Orlando Repertory Theatre presents Pip-Squeak: An Anti-Bullying Magic Show 2020. Because of his small size as a child, Tony was bullied in the cafeteria, in the gymnasium, on the playground, and generally anywhere there were no adults present. Now using comedy, amazing magic tricks, juggling, and a coat-rack loaded with costumes, Tony gently and humorously teaches children how to cope with being bullied.Get out and try something new.

Orlando is booming with arts and culture just waiting for you to join in. Don't miss your opporutinty to connect with your city "This Week In Art".- This Saturday & Sunday, come celebrate the many cultures that call Orlando home at FusionFest 2019. There will be food, dance, music, fashion, film, and spoken word from all over the world.- Monday, Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra presents Bach & Beyond. Explore the world and music of South America as in demand soloist Bridget Kibbey, performs a World Premiere harp concerto by Brazilian composer João Luiz Rezende.- Experience some jazz from Jeff Rupert Quartet Wednesday at Blue Bamboo Center For The Arts.- Saturday, Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra presents 'Home For The Holidays'. Albert George Schram leads a musical celebration like no other featuring the Holiday Singers and Opera Orlando Youth Chorus, in familiar classics and new surprises.- The 9th annual Orlando Pottery Festival is this Saturday and Sunday at the Florida Army National Guard Armory.- Sunday, Messiah Choral Society hosts their 47th Annual Performance at Bob Carr Performing Arts Center.

Connect with your Orlando arts communities and live a more creative life. Here's what's happening "This Week In Art".- This Saturday & Sunday, Bach Festival Society of Winter Park presents Haydn's "The Creation", described as the “chaos” of a non-existent world, the bliss of Adam and Eve, and the humor of a creeping lowly worm.- Saturday, Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra presents Beethoven's 5th, Rei Hotoda, leads your Orlando Philharmonic in the most iconic piece in all of classical music.- Friday & Saturday, Central Florida Community Arts performs A Hero’s Journey. Place yourself in the center of the story as we reflect on what it means, how it sounds, and how it feels to be a hero.- Starting Saturday, Orlando Shakes opens Miss Nelson is Missing!, a musical about a classroom in peril after their teacher goes missing, running through November 16.- Starting Wednesday, Mad Cow Theatre opens Boesman and Lena. The human need for kindness, hope, and compassion is on display during a particularly violent era of governmental racism and suppression, running through November 17.Don't forget, IMMERSE's The Worlds Of CORKCICLE & Architects Of Air are open all this week. Get your ticket at creativecityproject.com/corkcicle2019

Cities shouldn’t be defined by theme parks. They should be defined by artists. Get out and enjoy one of the many events happening this week in Orlando's arts communities.- Wednesday, jump into the scary spirit with Orlando Story Club: Spooked! at The Abbey.- Thursday, (talented or not) sing your heart out when Opera del Sol & Central Florida Vocal Arts present Celebrity Lip Sync Battle & Fundraising Event! also at The Abbey.- You have two weeks left to see Mad Cow Theatre's rendition of the literary classic, Pride and Prejudice.- Friday, Harry P. Leu Gardens hosts Movie Night, featuring the psychological horror film 'The Others'.- Friday & Saturday, celebrate Latinx culture at ARTE BAJO La Sombrilla, a music, art, dance, and food festival at Center for Fine and Performing Arts at Seminole State College.- Saturday, celebrate the Woodstock 50th Anniversary with Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra as they remember legends like Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Santana, Janis Joplin, The Who, and so many more.- Sunday, enjoy four classical orchestras at Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras's 63rd Season Opener.Get out and do something new.

The chill of a thrilling play. The sound of a saxophone. The sweet taste of orange juice. All happening 'This Week In Art'. Get out experience the real Orlando.- Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra starts their season with Opening Night with Branford and Boléro. See America’s most acclaimed saxophonist, Branford Marsalis, joins the orchestra for an unforgettable performance.- Wednesday, Jeff Rupert plays Blue Bamboo Center For The Arts. Jeff is a Yamaha performing artist, record producer, recording artist, freelance tenor saxophonist, full-time professor, and Director of Jazz Studies at the University of Central Florida (UCF).- Also Wednesday, Timucua Arts Foundation hosts Dones and Devlin’s Millenia. This saxophone duo is known for both their masterful musicianship and their engaging personalities.- Get a taste of Orlando's citrus industry at Citrus Pop! A Celebration of All Things Sweet, Fresh, & Juicy opening Friday at Art & History Museums - Maitland.- Friday, get ready for this annual event to go gold. It's La Maschera goes Royal at The Abbey. Live Entertainment by Midnight Mayhem, dancing, silent auction, gourmet food and more!- The Humans opens Friday at Annie Russell Theatre and runs through. The play is at once a witty domestic comedy, intense family drama, and goose-pimply thriller.

It's 'This Week In Art', here to keep you connected to the best in arts & culture in Orlando.- This week is your last chance to catch 'Once' at Mad Cow Theatre. This classic musical tells the story of an Irish musician and a Czech immigrant are drawn together by their shared love of music.- Thursday, a unique show comes to Timucua Arts Foundation. At Jeremy Seghers: Three Stories, watch three different short stories play out, one at a time on each level of the house.- Saturday at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, PechaKucha Night Orlando v26 gives a host of speakers 20 images, 20 seconds each to tell their whatever story they wish.- Also Saturday, it's Liberty Weekend with the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, a free concert getting us ready for The Fourth Of July.Get out and do something new and exciting.

It's never been a better time to get involved with one of Orlando's man artistic communities. Here's what's happening "This Week In Art."- This Sunday, Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras have their 62ND Season Finale Concert at Bob Carr Performing Arts Center.- An 11-year old boy journeys from the boxing ring to a ballet class in Billy Elliott The Musical, continuing through the month of May at Garden Theatre.- Thursday at Blue Bamboo Center For The Arts, experience Orlando's jazz scene at Thursday Night Hang: Marco Bojorquez Band.- Fun for the little ones, Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra presents the Symphony Storytime Series.What'd we miss? Post more Orlando events in the comments!

There's a lot going on in Orlando this week and if you miss all of it, you will regret it. Here's what's happening "This Week In Art".- This weekend, catch one of the four performances of Arcadian Broad's Wonderland: Mad Tales of The Hatter performed by the Orlando Ballet Company and School.- Friday at Blue Bamboo Center For The Arts, experience a fusion of Appalachian old-time, Balkan folk music, Swing Manouche, and early New Orleans Jazz at Resonant Rogues with opening act Beth McKee.- Saturday, Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra celebrates France and its renowned classical composers at "French Soiree."- Saturday & Sunday, Bach Festival Society of Winter Park presents Power of Romanticism and Resurrection.- Sunday, a new show by a local playwright, Joseph Hayes presents "A Slow Ride" at Timucua Arts Foundation. Three generations of women — the eccentric, hold-out-hippie grandmother, her conventional daughter, and the Goth granddaughter who is fed up with both of them — take a Sunday ride.

Orlando is a city rich with culture. Culture that you should experience. Here's what's happening "This Week In Art."- This Sunday, celebrate Florida Cowboy Heritage Day at the Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens.- Friday, Opera Orlando opens Pagliacci/Pulcinella, an emotionally charged show that ranges from high comedy to intense tragedy. It runs until the 26th and features Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra.- Friday and Saturday, UCF Jazz presents the UCF Orlando Jazz Festival, featuring clinics, master classes, and performances by internationally acclaimed artists.- This is your last week to see Hamlet & Gertrude and Claudius at Orlando Shakes.There's a ton happening this week. Go out and experience something amazing!

Orlando! Do you like plants? Ballet? The circus? Orchestra? We're breaking down all the local events happening "This Week In Art."- This Saturday & Sunday, take home a new friend at Leu Gardens' Annual Spring Plant Sale!- Tuesday, get up close and personal with the Orlando Ballet Company and School at Uncorked at The Abbey.- Thursday, the circus marvel returns with Cirque du Soleil in Orlando at The Florida Mall.- Saturday, Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra presents "Mardi Gras in New Orleans" at Bob Carr Performing Arts Center.- Sunday, Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras presents FSYO POPS in the Garden, an orchestral take on hit songs and Broadway tunes.

Are you into classical music? How about rock bands? Dark comedies? Shakespeare? No matter what you like, Orlando has a creative event you need to attend "This Week In Art."- This Friday & Saturday, experience the four season through classical music with Concertos by Candlelight: Four Seasons Around the Globefrom Bach Festival Society of Winter Park.- Saturday, Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra performs the classic Beethoven's 7th at Bob Carr Performing Arts Center.- Also Saturday, Vienna Boys Choir perform at Community Presbyterian Church in Celebration.- ALSO Saturday, see tons of local musicians at Rockin' Robinson in The Milk District.- Saturday & Sunday, stuff your face at Lake Eola for the Downtown Food & Wine Fest 2019.- Opening Wednesday, Orlando Shakes hosts Gertrude and Claudius, the prequel to the classic 'Hamlet'.- Opening Thursday, Mad Cow Theatre hosts Gloria, a dark comedy about the opportunistic culture of modern media.- Opening Friday, Central Florida Community Arts presents My Favorite Year, the story of Benjy Stone, and his dream to be TV writer.Get out and experience something new!

2019 is already proving to be an eventful year for Orlando's creative communities. Here's what's happening 'This Week In Art'.- Art and technology combine at Otronicon. Stop by Orlando Science Center and explore the interactive and creative STEM exhibits, Friday through Monday.- Also at the Science Center, adults 21+ can experience Otronicon in a different way at Adults-Only Science Night Live Featuring Otronicon.- Saturday, Orlando Repertory Theatre hosts Pip Squeak: An Anti-Bullying Magic Show.- Opening Friday and running through Feb. 10, Hand to God is an adult comedy about a not-so-nice puppet. Go see it at Mad Cow Theatre.- Finally, Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra presents their take on the Argentinian style of music, Tango!, this Saturday at Bob Carr Theater.Get out and experience something new!

Stuff your face with your family then take them to one of the many great events happening this weekend in Orlando!- Orlando's inaugural multicultural festival FusionFest is happening this Saturday and Sunday. There will be food, music, fashion, dance, and film representing cultures from all across the world. And it's FREE!- Also on Saturday, Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra presents their annual Christmas event Home for the Holidays.- Opening this weekend at Garden Theatre, the holiday classic A Christmas Story, running through December 23.- Sunday, Messiah Choral Society presents 46th Annual Performance of Handel's Messiah. Go see it. It's FREE!There's so much going on this Thanksgiving Weekend! Get out and enjoy Orlando!

An astrological orchestra, a three-story photo experience, a Halloween classic, and an augmented reality tour through Downtown Orlando. It's "This Week In Art."- Snap! Orlando has been working on an AR app that allows you to walk the streets of Downtown Orlando and see 3D renderings of art on your phone. It debuts at City Unseen - A New [AR]t Experience : Opening nightis this Friday with City Unseen : Guided tour happening on Saturday.- The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra will take their audience on astrological journey Saturday at The Planets. This is a unique orchestral experience that anyone can enjoy.- IMMERSE 2018 may be over, but The Worlds of Corkcicle and The Giant Ball Pit are open every Friday & Saturday through November 10.- Dress up and be prepared for flying rice, The Rocky Horror Picture Show Experience happens this Wednesday at the Garden Theatre.Get out and get your spooks this week!

It's a new week in Orlando, which means a new week full of artistic events. Here's what's happening in your arts community!- This Thursday, The More Q Than A Film Series Presents Head at the newly renamed Rogers Kiene Building formerly the Gallery at Avalon Island. Check out the latest exhibit while you're there!- Friday, Flying Horse Big Band brings their award-winning sound to UCF. Flying Horse is actually the bang band of the Jazz Studies program at UCF.- This Saturday, Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra opens their season at Bob Carr Theatre with Opening Night: Pines of Rome as well as Latin American and Scotish music.- The International Food and Drink Festival Orlando, FL is at Lake Eola this Sunday. It's free and you can taste food and drink from around the globe.Get out and experience something new!

Spring has sprung, so 'This Week In Art' is bringing you three outdoor events happening in the Greater Orlando Area.Help get others outside! Let us know your favorite local outdoor activity.- Saturday & Sunday, come pick up a new friend at Harry P. Leu Gardens' annual Plant Sale.- Also Saturday, Rockin Robinson in The Milk District shuts down the street to bring you 18 bands for $10.- Sunday, Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra is hosting a FREE concert in Winter Park's Central Park.Get out and experience Orlando!

Eric Jacobsen is the music director of the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra. Before that, he was a founding member of string quartet Brooklyn Rider and chamber orchestra The Knights. He spoke with host David MacDonald in April 2017. Thanks to the National Young Composers Challenge for supporting the Timucua Arts Foundation and this episode of Timucua … Continue reading Timucua Presents: Eric Jacobsen

The second in our series of interviews previewing the upcoming season at some of Orlando's top arts organizations. We chat with Christopher Wilkins, Music Director at the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra.

It's been a busy and eventful year for Central Florida's arts organizations. And none more so than the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra. This year, the orchestra appointed a new concert master and delved into the world of opera which it plans to continue doing in 2011.