Star Spangled Birthday Concert

(Orlando, FL – August 10, 2012) – On Saturday, October 20, The Orlando Family Stage (The REP) and the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra will celebrate their respective 10th and 20th seasons with a FREE outdoor concert celebration from 5 to 9 p.m. in Loch Haven Park (Princeton Ave and 17-92, Orlando), sponsored by Dr. Phillips Charities, with additional support from Walt Disney World Resort and Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. The Star Spangled Birthday Concert will include food trucks and an instrument petting zoo beginning at 5 p.m., pre-concert entertainment by Mr. Richard & The Pound Hounds at 6 p.m., and a 7 p.m. concert of patriotic music by the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, featuring The REP’s Power Chords, and a scene from The REP’s production of Chasing George Washington. 

Orlando City Commissioner Robert Stuart will serve as narrator for James Beckel’s Liberty for All, a stirring patriotic orchestral work that incorporates quotes from Patrick Henry, George Washington, Abraham Lincoln and John F. Kennedy. In addition, Commissioner Stuart will narrate The New Colossus, the poem at the base of the Statue of Liberty, which will serve as an introduction to God Bless America.

“We are deeply honored that Commissioner Stuart has agreed to participate in this wonderful concert,” said Orlando Philharmonic Executive Director David Schillhammer. “Both the Philharmonic and Orlando Family Stage thank him for his ongoing service to our community, and his support for the arts.”

“Community collaboration has always been a hallmark of the Orlando Philharmonic,” said Executive Director Schillhammer. “We are particularly proud to partner with The REP in celebrating our birthdays with this free concert, and additionally thankful to Dr. Phillips Charities for sharing our vision for this event by providing generous support.”

The REP’s Executive Director, Gene Columbus, says he is also looking forward to the event:

“It is a great opportunity to introduce our young theatergoers to the excitement of hearing a live orchestra, and we know there will also be many families introduced to The REP for the first time, “ he said. “What I wish for on our birthday is to have Loch Haven Park full of families enjoying both of our organizations.”

The Star Spangled Birthday concert is funded by Dr. Phillips Charities, and will be performed in honor of Della Phillips, the wife of early citrus pioneer, Dr. Philip Phillips, once the largest producer of citrus in the world. Mrs. Phillips was known for her love of classical music, especially works by Mendelssohn, and for hosting outdoor concerts on the lawn of the

Phillips family home on Lake Lucerne in downtown Orlando. Mrs. Phillips’ interest in music stemmed from early training in piano and music theory while attending private schools in New Orleans and Mobile.

“Della Phillips shared her love of classical music with family and friends by hosting performances of many world class musicians on the lawn of the Phillips family home,” said Rob Mellen, President of Dr. Phillips Charities. “Dr. Phillips Charities is pleased to renew this tradition in her honor and help celebrate the birthdays of two outstanding arts organizations with sponsorship of the Star Spangled Birthday Concert. We hope this family friendly event will introduce classical music to a whole new audience in the Central Florida community and not only entertain, but intellectually stimulate, children and adults alike.”

The Star Spangled Birthday Concert is a family-friendly, alcohol-free event. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own picnics and seating. Leashed pets are permitted in the park. In the case of rain, call the Orlando Philharmonic Box Office to confirm the concert will take place as scheduled. Parking, facebook event and other information at www.OrlandoPhil.org/Birthday, or call 407-770-0071.