“The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra will introduce a new concert series this Tuesday at the Plaza Live—but its three shows will go beyond the classical realm,” write Matthew J. Palm in Saturday’s (11/26) Orlando Sentinel. “The first performer in ‘Women in Song’ is opera performer Ariadne Greif, a classically trained [soprano]…. Following her … are Sara Watkins [February] and Aoife O’Donovan [March], whose songs are influenced by indie rock, pop, folk and bluegrass. ‘I just love the idea that this venue we have can present anything,’ says Eric Jacobsen, the Philharmonic’s music director…. In planning the series, orchestra leaders focused on ‘mixed genres, intimate concerts and world-class artists,’ Jacobsen says. The series is designed to be informal: Shows will run about an hour and be followed by what the orchestra’s calling ‘hang time’ at the Plaza’s bar for mingling. Jacobsen will play cello for some pieces on the opening program, which features music by Schubert and Dvorák, as well as Walt Whitman’s poetry underscored by Philharmonic musicians. Greif says the inspiration behind the program is: ‘If you went to Schubert’s house, what kind of things might be played?’ ”
Posted November 29, 2016
