Grab your personal calendar and start saving the dates to attend musical concerts, theater productions, art exhibits, and many other cultural activities in and around Lake and Sumter counties. You don’t have to leave the area to see top-quality entertainment or visit interesting museums and galleries. With hundreds of local and regional listings in Lake & Sumter Style’s third annual Fall Arts Preview, you can choose from activities at all price levels and at many convenient times and locations.
Along with the event listings, this year’s Fall Arts Preview features stories about venues that are getting bigger and better. Thanks to visionary leaders, theaters like the Historic State Theatre in Eustis and the Tropic Theatre in Leesburg have been reincarnated to meet today’s needs. And in a few years, Lake and Sumter counties may become a cultural mecca with not one, but two performing arts centers. Turn the pages and read about the people who hope to make this area one of Florida’s top cultural destinations. Don’t forget to buy your tickets and experience firsthand what the arts have to offer right here at home.
THEATER
Historic State Theatre
109 North Bay Street, Eustis
(352) 357-7777 • www.Baystreetplayers.org
Now in their 33rd year, the Bay Street Players continue to celebrate the theater with an enchanting season of comedy and music productions. This year, the group will present five mainstage productions. From musicals and comedies to romance, there’s something for everyone.
MAINSTAGE PRODUCTIONS 2007-2008 Schedule:
I Do I Do (Sept. 28-Oct. 21)
A wonderful comedy-musical featuring two characters who have been married a long time and their reflections on marriage.
Everybody Loves Opal (Nov. 30-Dec. 16)
This is a comedy about Opal Kronkie, an older woman who never fails to pour kindness and gratitude on the most undeserving, even as a murder plot is formed against her for her money.
She Loves Me (Feb. 1-24)
This musical-comedy chronicles the escapades of two bickering clerks in a cosmetics shop who are each corresponding with a secret pen pal—until they learn that they are actually writing to each other.
The Miracle Worker (Apr. 11-May 4)
The life story of Helen Keller and how she triumphed over her severe handicaps. An uplifting story of how someone can overcome overwhelming obstacles.
The Sound of Music (July 11-Aug. 3)
This glorious and beloved musical tells the story of a would-be nun who becomes the governess of an incorrigible family of seven children and one handsome, widowed father.
YOUNG PEOPLE’S THEATRE 2007-2008 Schedule:
Disney’s The Jungle Book (Feb. 10)
The Jungle is Jumpin’ with Jazz in this Exciting Disney Classic!
Blather, Blarney, & Balderdash (Apr. 20-22)
A marvelous journey inspired by the Folk & Fairy Tales from the Emerald Isle!
Bang, Bang You’re Dead (Apr. 20-21)
Catch a performance or book the advanced acting troupe of YPT, the finest young actors in Lake County!
James & the Giant Peach (Apr. 21-22)
A magical fantasy adventure for children of all ages!
Helen Stairs Theatre
203 S. Magnolia Avenue, Sanford
(407) 321-8111 • www.Helenstairstheatre.com
Each year, the Helen Stairs Theatre brings a variety of vocal, theater, and instrumental productions to the residents of Central Florida.
2007-2008 Schedule:
Encore (Sept. 8)
Three talented gals and a six-piece band present the best of Broadway, radio days, and good old patriotism through a variety of themed medleys, costumes, and props. A great way to kick off the new season!
Oliver (Sept. 14-23)
This musical is based on the classic tale Oliver Twist, a story about an orphan trying to survive on the streets of London.
Las Vegas Revue (Sept. 29)
A first-class impressionist show with superior vocal stylings and a barrage of elaborate costumes brings to the stage artists from Liza, Barbara Streisand, Neil Diamond, and Tom Jones to the King of Rock n’ Roll and more.
The Legends of Doo Wop (Oct. 6)
The Doo Wop show of original group members from days gone by, bringing back some of rock ‘n rolls top 100 hits as only they can sing them.
Tom Sawyer (Nov. 9-11)
Based on the beloved novel by Mark Twain, all the famous adventures are included, climaxing with the life-or-death battle with Injun Joe in the cave.
Smokey Joe’s Café (Nov. 17)
The longest running musical revue on Broadway ever! In this musical there are over 40 chart-topping songs written by Lieber & Stoller that will have you singing along—from “Jailhouse Rock” to “Stand By Me.”
The Sounds of Harry James and The Andrews Sisters (Dec. 8)
This blockbuster tribute immortalized Harry James of the big band era spotlighting the close up harmonies of the phenomenal Andrews Sisters. Enjoy the look, style, and classic harmonies from close up.
Kiss Me, Kate (Feb. 8-17)
This is a take of actors whose performances are complicated by their off-stage lives… including a debt to gangsters.
Toxic Audio (Dec. 28-29)
A hometown phenomenon, this a cappella group of national acclaim present their dynamic stage show of musical humor with only their voices as their instruments. This is a New Year’s tradition at Helen Stairs Theatre.
Liberace (Jan. 5)
A fabulous Las Vegas style stage show featuring the only “Liberace” endorsed by the original’s estate. Music, song, humor, and dazzling costumes in a memorable style.
The Fabulous Hubcaps (Jan. 19)
One of the nation’s most sought after oldies song and dance show groups, the “Caps” continue their high energy musical tributes to Little Richard, Elvis, The Platters, Buddy Holly, Fats Domino, Ray Charles, The Shirelles, and more!
Men of the Deeps (Feb. 2)
Renowned in Canada as a musical cultural experience, the Men’s Chorus of Canadian Miners tell their story through song and pageantry—hauntingly beautiful voices in an impactful and inspirational performance new to the U.S.
Ken McBride (Mar. 15)
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with this awesome Irish entertainer who performs an extraordinary number of tunes spanning the gap from current ballads to old folk songs. Irish favorites to Broadway standards.
The Diamonds (Mar. 29)
Best known for the rock ‘n roll classic “Little Darlin’,” The Diamonds offer tight harmonies, humor, and lively choreography, in a blast from the past celebration featuring fabulous Diamond hits like “The Stroll,” “Why Do Fools Fall In Love,” and “Silhouettes.”
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Apr. 11-20)
The Biblical saga of Joseph brought to life in this multi-genre musical that is great for the whole family!
In The Mood (Apr. 26)
A big band stage show with a big band orchestra, singers, and dancers, “In The Mood” presents a retro 1940s musical. Experience the music that moved the nation’s spirit and helped the war. This was the last time when all of America was listening and dancing to the same music.
Gold City Southern Gospel Quartet (May 17)
They are back! One of Southern Gospel’s most popular groups ever. If you love great music, this is the night of inspiration for you.
Gone with the Breeze (June 6-8)
This is a musical about a movie maker’s ploy to keep the star in their next major flick in line, which leads to more than they could have ever bargained for.
The Nifty Fifties (June 20-22)
A musical comedy tribute to the 1950s, Gracie Stanley has gotten herself in hot water by promising to deliver her distant rock star cousin for the high school Hippity Hop.
Icehouse Theatre
1100 North Unser Street, Mount Dora
(352) 383-4616 • www.Icehousetheatre.com
So named because the original location was an abandoned ice house in Mount Dora, the Icehouse Theatre opened to a full house in February 1949 with its production of Return Engagement. More than 50 years later and with the addition of The Box Theatre, The Icehouse Theatre and the Mount Dora Theatre Company continue to provide quality productions year after year.
MAINSTAGE PRODUCTIONS 2007-2008 Schedule:
Moon Over Buffalo (Sept. 14-Oct. 7)
It’s 1953 in Buffalo, and fading theatrical stars, George and Charlotte Hay, are touring with their small troupe playing Private Lives and Cyrano De Bergerac in repertory. On the brink of a disastrous split-up caused by George’s dalliance with an ingénue, one last shot at stardom arrives!
The Spitfire Grill (Nov. 9-Dec. 2)
Can a girl with no past save a town with no future? A heart-warming story of hope and redemption… this is an upbeat tale with a well-crafted, folksy score filled with numerous soaring melodies.
Crazy For You (Jan. 11-Feb. 10)
Winner of the 1992 Tony Award for Best Musical. Bobby Child is a stage-struck playboy in a Nevada mining town whose dream in life is to dance. He heads to New York City where romance, mistaken identities, and show-stopping musical numbers all add up to irresistible fun.
The Sugar Bean Sisters (Mar. 7-30)
An offbeat story of romance, murder, and alien abduction! Stir in old-time Florida tall tales, wacky UFO supermarket tabloid headlines, and some sparkling hot one-liners and you have this delightful comedy.
Melon Patch Playhouse
311 North 13th Street, Leesburg
(352) 787-3013
www.Businessmasters.net/melonpatch
As a regional theater company, The Melon Patch Players puts on six shows each year including lavish musicals, laugh-out-loud comedies, and serious dramas.
2007-2008 Schedule:
Godspell (Through Sept. 2)
Based on the Gospel According to St. Matthew, and featuring a sparkling score by Stephen Schwartz, Godspell boasts a string of well-loved songs. Drawing from various theatrical traditions, such as clowning, pantomime, charades, acrobatics, and vaudeville, Godspell is a groundbreaking and unique reflection on the life of Jesus, with a message of kindness, tolerance, and love.
The Glass Menagerie (Sept. 28-Oct. 14)
The play is set during the ever huge Great Depression and deals with the troubled relationship between an aging mother and her painfully shy daughter, as told from the memory of the son and brother.
The Sound of Music (Nov. 16-Dec. 9)
This glorious and beloved musical tells the story of a would-be nun who becomes the governess of an incorrigible family of seven children and one handsome, widowed father.
The Prisoner of Second Avenue (Feb. 22-Mar. 9)
The story revolves around the escalating problems of a middle-aged couple living on Second Avenue on the Upper East Side of New York City. The main character has just lost his job after many years and now has to cope with being unemployed at middle age.
Nunsense (Apr. 11-27)
A hilarious spoof about the misadventures of five nuns trying to manage a fundraiser. Sadly, the rest of the sisterhood died from botulism after eating vichyssoise prepared by Sister Julia. Thus, the remaining nuns stage a talent show in order to raise the money to bury their dearly departed.
Crossing Delancey (May 23-June 8)
An engrossing treatise on familial love, the sting of loneliness, and how sometimes we must reach into the past to jumpstart the future.
Warehouse Theatre
732 B West Montrose Street, Clermont
(352) 319-1116 • www.Moonlightplayers.com
The Warehouse Theatre is home to Lake County’s The Moonlight Players. In 1994, the Players performed their first production, The Sound of Music, at the South Lake High School auditorium. More than 50 productions later, the group is still going strong.
2007-2008 Schedule:
Peter Pan (Sept. 14-Oct. 7)
No Way to Treat a Lady (Oct. 26-Nov. 18)
Guys and Dolls (Jan. 11-Feb. 10)
Barefoot In The Park (Feb. 29-Mar. 16)
Clue, The Musical (Apr. 11-May 4)
The Dinner Game (May 30-June 14)
Nine Months (July 4-13)
Shakespeare Young People’s Production (Aug. 8-31)
Ocala Civic Theatre
In the Appleton Cultural Center
4337 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala
(352) 236-2274 • www.Ocalacivictheatre.com
Ocala Civic Theatre produces more than 10 fully-staged productions each season, in addition to hosting touring companies. This volunteer-based organization is one of the largest community theaters in the state and serves more than 50,000 Marion, Citrus, and Lake County residents each season.
2007-2008 Schedule:
Thoroughly Modern Millie (Sept. 6-30)
In 1922, a young lady moves to New York in search of a new life for herself, finding a city full of intrigue and jazz at a time when women were entertaining the workforce, and the rules of love and social behavior were changing forever. Filled with frisky flappers, daring leading men, and a dragon lady of villainess, it’s a musical romp that will have you dancing the Charleston!
The Woman In Black (Oct. 4-14)
A solicitor, sent to an isolated northern marshland to settle the estate of an elderly recluse, encounters a spectre seeking vengeance for the death of her young child. When she attaches herself to the solicitor, it unleashes a macabre sequence of events culminating in a chilling twist in the play’s final moments.
On Golden Pond (Nov. 1-25)
A couple returns to their summer home for the forty-fourth year and ends up taking care of a teenager who becomes the “grandchild” they have always wanted. As they teach the boy to fish and enjoy good books, they learn something of modern children (and slang). As the summer ends, they are brought even closer by approaching ill health. Filled with humor and rare simplicity, this is heartwarming comedy.
I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change (Dec. 28-Jan. 13)
A celebration of the mating game, which begins by exploring the journey from dating to love and marriage—and ends with the agonies and triumphs of in-laws, newborns, family car trips, and pickup techniques of the geriatric set. It’s a hilarious tribute to those who have loved and lost, who have fallen on their face in romance, or who have dared to ask, “Say, what are you doing Saturday night?”
This play contains strong language and subject matter which may be offensive to some people.
All I Really Need To Know I Learned In Kindergarten (Feb. 14-22)
An intimate combination of theater and storytelling, this play takes a look at what is profound in everyday life. A tightly-woven adaptation of the book, it’s an evening of monologues, dialogues, and narration featuring colorful characters celebrating life from the whimsy of childhood to the wisdom of old age.
God’s Favorite (Mar. 31-Apr. 6)
It’s the Book of Job transferred to a Long Island mansion, wherein resides a tycoon, his wife, a prodigal son, and a pair of kooky twins. When the tycoon is visited by a messenger from God, everything becomes a test of his faith.
The Music Man (May 8-June 1)
A fast-talking traveling salesman cons the people of River City, Iowa, into buying instruments and uniforms for a band he vows to organize, despite the fact that he knows nothing about music. An acclaimed Broadway classic filled with rousing marches, barbershop quartets, and sentimental ballads, this is family entertainment at its best.
Museum/Exhibits
Austin Carriage Museum
3000 Marion County Rd., Weirsdale
(352) 750-5500 • www.Austinhorsepark.org
Educational in purpose and character, the Austin Carriage Museum weaves the presentation and enjoyment of carriages and their appointments together with their history, restoration, preservation, and conservation.
Eustis Historical Museum & Preservation Society
536 North Bay St., Eustis • (352) 483-0046
www.Eustishistoricalmuseum.com
The day-to-day operation of the museum is through the efforts of the members of the Eustis Historical Museum & Preservation Society, Inc. The museum features exhibits of local history including miniature models of past buildings and early fashions seen throughout Lake County. The museum also operates the Citrus Museum, Florida’s only independently owned citrus museum.
Lake County Historical Museum
317 W. Main Street, Tavares
First Floor of the Historic Courthouse
(352) 343-9600
The museum offers an exciting and informative view of the history of Lake County. Contact the museum for exhibit information.
Lake Eustis Museum of Art
113 North Bay Street, Eustis • (352) 483-2900
The permanent collection of the Lake Eustis Museum houses paintings by local artists and includes pottery, photographs, and paintings. Exhibits rotate every eight weeks and include a variety of styles and mediums.
Leesburg Center for the Arts
429 West Magnolia Street, Leesburg
(352) 365-0232 • www.Leesburgcenter4arts.com
The Leesburg Center for the Arts houses an art gallery, the Art Institute, and an interactive art museum for children. The center hosts the Leesburg Fine Art Festival each year in March. As part of its mission, the center supports the Lake County schools by providing a venue to exhibit student work, scholarships for school supplies, and after-school arts programs in the elementary schools of Leesburg.
2007-2008 Season:
Portraits of Leesburg (Sept. 6-Oct. 19)
An exhibit of portraits in various mediums featuring Leesburg residents past and present as the subjects.
Native American Art (Nov. 1-Dec. 14)
A celebration of the Native American culture.
Leesburg Fine Arts Festival (Mar. 3-4)
This 30th Annual arts festival will include over 140 fine artists, live entertainment, Sunday afternoon “Jazz on the Square,” and a student Art Exhibit.
Mount Dora Center for the Arts
138 East Fifth Avenue, Mount Dora
(352) 383-0880
www.Mountdoracenterforthearts.org
Since 1985, the Mount Dora Center for the Arts has provided quality art experiences in the Lake County region of Central Florida. It is dedicated to fostering an understanding and appreciation of art and culture through exhibitions, arts education programs, and the annual Mount Dora Arts Festival. The center maintains a year-round calendar of arts-related events and activities for the whole family. Exhibits and events will take place at the Mount Dora Center for the Arts unless otherwise noted.
2007-2008 Schedule:
Art and Mystery (Sept. 14-Oct. 9)
Delve into the mysterious world of Jeanne Bussey and her mixed media vintage collage, well traveled photographer Connie Macloed, and Josephine Getz whose evolved mosaics will prove to inspire.
Student – Teacher Exhibit (Oct. 26-Nov. 16)
The art community is apparent in this colorful and dynamic exhibit featuring artwork by students and teachers of the Studio Arts Program.
The Great Holiday Gift Show (Nov. 25-Jan. 4)
Member artists of the Mount Dora Center for the Arts display a wide variety of creative items. This exhibit provides the community with an alternative holiday shopping experience. An anticipated annual event!
National President’s Hall of Fame
123 US Hwy. 27, Clermont
(352) 394-2836 • www.Presidentshalloffame.com
The museum displays a miniature replica of the White House including rooms not shown to the general public. Memorabilia and collectibles from various administrations are also on display. Check with the museum for exhibit information.
Lake County Tourism and Business Relations
20763 US Highway 27, Groveland
(352) 429-4755
Lake County Tourism and Business Relations works to build new events as well as to strengthen their established organizations like the Florida Lake Symphony, the Bay Street Players, Melon Patch, IceHouse, and Moonlight Theatre Groups. Here are just a few of their great cultural events.
2007-2008 Schedule:
Mount Dora Music Festival (Feb. 21-24)
Presents outstanding artistic programs in music
including jazz, classical, and big band. Visit
www.mountdoramusicfest.com. (352) 383-2627.
Arts in Public Places
Call Brenda Heim and Doug Hays at
(352) 357-4838 or email brenda@heimart.com.
Appleton Museum of Art
4333 NE Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala
(352) 291-4455 • www.Appletonmuseum.org
The Appleton Museum of Art is one of the South’s premier art repositories and education centers. Originally built to display and preserve the collection of Arthur Appleton, the museum has expanded to include traveling exhibitions, educational programs, and cultural events. Check with the web site for changed or new events, information on After Hours, and all their programs available.
2007-2008 Schedule:
Diana, Princess of Wales: Dresses for a Cause (Oct. 14-Dec. 30)
Showcases designer gowns worn by the late princess and sold at auction for charity as well as personal mementos. Proceeds benefit breast cancer prevention and awareness programs in Central Florida. Special admission $12.
Surrounded by Family and Friends (Oct. 14-Dec. 30)
Featuring life-sized fabric and thread works by artist Deidre Scherer depicting diverse intergenerational and non-traditional families dealing with end-of-life issues.
My Favorite Thing (Through Dec. 31)
Features popular works from the Appleton’s
permanent collections.
John Kingerlee: Recent Works (Jan. 26-Mar. 30)
Influenced by modern literature and Surrealistic painting, Kingerlee’s work includes abstracted compositions influenced by color and surface texture.
Young in Art/Sixth Congressional District Art Competition (May 2008)
Appleton Biennial (Summer 2008)
Royellou Museum
450 Royellou Lane, Mount Dora
(352) 383-0006
The museum is housed in the former jail and fire department of Mount Dora. Nine jail cells still exist. The museum depicts the history of the town with household objects, vintage clothing, artifacts, military, and sport memorabilia.
Orlando Museum of Art
2416 North Mills Avenue, Orlando
(407) 896-4231 • www.Omart.org
Founded in 1924, the Orlando Museum of Art’s purpose is to enrich the cultural life of Florida by providing excellence in the visual arts. To meet this objective, the OMA has dedicated itself to collecting, preserving, and interpreting notable works of art. The museum presents exhibitions of local, regional, national, and international significance and develops first-rate educational programs throughout the community.
2007-2008 Schedule:
Puerto Rican Art: Image of a Culture From the Collection of Cooperativa de Seguros Múltiples de Puerto Rico (Through Oct. 28)
In 1980, Cooperativa de Seguros Múltiples de Puerto Rico, Inc. started its Puerto Rican Contemporary Art Collection with the purpose of conserving and preserving an important part of the artistic wealth of the people of Puerto Rico. This exhibition will consist of 30-40 paintings by notable Puerto Rican artists of the last 60 years.
Collector’s Choice III (Dec. 8-Feb. 3)
In 1996 and 2000 the Orlando Museum of Art has presented exhibitions celebrating the private collections of important contemporary art in Central Florida. This third exhibition will showcase new works and reveal the extraordinary growth of important collections in our community in the past six years. This exhibition will consist of 30-40 works and will be accompanied by a small catalogue.
MUSIC
Lake-Sumter Community College Performing Arts Series
The 2007-2008 George O. Pringle Performing Arts Series offers an unparalleled array of opera, theater, music, and live dance right here in Lake and Sumter counties. Art enthusiasts will have the opportunity to enjoy the eclectic line up of professional entertainment. The performances take place at the Paul P. Williams Auditorium on the Lake-Sumter Community College Campus. For additional information and reservations, call (352) 365-3506.
2007-2008 Schedule:
Lake County Swing Band (Oct. 13)
The Lake County Swing Band under the direction of Larry Lutte will bring you back to a time when jazz was the tune and swing was the rule! The Lake County Swing Band’s energetic show will have you tapping your feet along to the beat, as you enjoy some of the great sounds of the Big Band era.
Dukes of Dixieland (Oct. 27-28)
Riding in from the heart of the Big Easy, the Grammy nominated Dukes of Dixieland reinvigorate old New Orleans street songs with hot jazz and cool blues. This festive and lively ensemble may be rooted in a musical tradition that dates back to the last century, but its fresh and innovative take on old-time jazz will make you feel like marching down the avenues of Bourbon Street singing and dancing!
Passion, Power & Peril (Nov. 3-4)
Experience the best vocal music has to offer in this fully-staged performance. Highlighting the overall spectacle of opera, operetta, and Broadway, this show features some of the finest selections from Carmen, La Boheme, Pagliacci, Rigoletto, Romeo and Juliet, West Side Story, Cabaret, Trouble in Tahiti, and Man of La Mancha. It’s a perfect evening’s entertainment for all!
Glenn Miller Orchestra (Jan. 12-13)
The public first embraced the sound of the Glenn Miller Orchestra more than 50 years ago. Today, they are still the most sought after big band in the world. Considered the greatest band of all time, its unique sound is enjoyed by all. Playing an average of 300 performances a year, this band, now led by musical director and trombonist Larry O’Brien, has captivated audiences with its classics like “In The Mood,” “Chattanooga Choo-Choo,” and “Rhapsody in Blue.”
Forever Plaid (Feb. 16-17)
You’ve heard of the Four Freshmen and the Lettermen, but wait until you hear the Plaids! This comedy hit follows the Plaids, a fictional 1950’s boy band, who have been miraculously brought together for one last performance. This show will leave you with song in your heart as they perform hit after hit, including “Three Coins in a Fountain,” “Catch a Falling Star,” “Magic Moments,” and “Day-O.” With brilliant harmonies, outlandish choreography, and witty humor, Forever Plaid will put a smile on everyone’s face.
A Musical Tribute to Liberace (Mar. 29-30)
For 15 years, this phenomenal showman has stunned audiences all over the world with his tribute to the great Liberace! Now, there’s a way to remember the legendary entertainer. In addition to the flamboyant costumes, jeweled pianos, and humor, fans can hear the music that made Liberace one of Las Vegas’ most beloved performers. Classical, pop, and jazz—all in true Liberace style.
Florida Lakes Symphony Orchestra
Throughout the 2007-2008 season, the Florida Lakes Symphony Orchestra, directed by Michael J. Garasi and featuring European Pianist Guy Saint-Clair, will perform in several areas of Central Florida including Mount Dora and Clermont. Shows take place at the St. Patrick Catholic Church on Old Hwy. 441 in Mount Dora and the First United Methodist Church on Hwy. 50 in downtown Clermont. Call for specific showtimes and ticket information.
(352) 429-4650.
2007-2008 Schedule:
Dazzling Dances for Orchestra (Mount Dora Oct. 11, Clermont Oct. 12)
Around The World Dance Festival — The passionate “Bolero” by Maurice Ravel begins the 3rd Season of the Florida Lakes Symphony Orchestra. Other highlights: “Swedish Rhapsody” with Guy Saint-Clair at the piano, Russian Sailor’s Dance. Fiery and unforgettable.
Centennial Celebration (Mount Dora Jan. 10, Clermont Jan. 11)
LeRoy Anderson Centennial Spectacular—The man behind the Boston Pops and Arthur Fiedler’s tremendous success is the incredible composer/arranger, Leroy Anderson, born 100 years ago, whose compositions are beloved to all Americans. Guy Saint-Clair will perform Anderson’s hauntingly beautiful piano concerto.
Evening at the Opera (Mount Dora Feb. 21, Clermont Feb. 22)
Exciting moments from famous operas are showcased by the symphony in this concert. Their fabulous operatic guest soloists will delight with scenes from that “other world,” the Opera: Verdi, Puccini, Mascagni, Kabalevsky, Gershwin.
Cowboy Concerto (Mount Dora Apr. 3, Clermont Apr. 4)
A Real Symphony Hoe-Down—From the “Lone Ranger” to Grofe’s “On the Trail” to Copland’s “Rodeo Hoe-Down” and some surprises, this will be Symphony Cowboy at its best!
Symphony Spectacular—A River Runs Through It (Mount Dora May 1, Clermont May 2)
The overwhelmingly beautiful “Moldau” by the Czech composer Smetana is the sparkling river which separates the very French “Symphony Cevenole,” by Vincent D’Indy, piano soloist Guy Saint-Clair, and the powerful Tschaikowsky’s “War of 1812,” performed with a full choir.
Lakeridge Winery
19239 US 27 North, Clermont
(800) 768-WINE • www.Lakeridgewinery.com
With 77 acres of vineyards, the Lakeridge Winery produces some of the most delicious tasting wines in the state of Florida. Each year, the winery hosts a variety of community activities including music series and festivals.
2007-2008 Season:
Jazz at the Winery (Sept. 22-23)
Live jazz, food, and wine. $2. Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 11am-5pm.
Vintage Venture (Oct. 6-7)
Live 50s and 60s music, food, wine, and vintage car show. $2. Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 11am-5pm.
17th Annual Holiday Open House (Nov. 9-11)
Arts and crafts, food, wine, live music. Free. Friday and Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 11am-5pm.
19th Annual South Lake Animal League Arts & Crafts Show (Dec. 8-9)
Arts and crafts, food, wine, and live music. $2. Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 11am-5pm.
Mount Dora Community Showtime Concerts
4425 N Highway 19A, Mt Dora
(352) 383-1165
Performances take place at Lake Receptions and all begin at 7:30pm.
Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra
Performances at the Bob Carr Performing Arts Center, Orlando
(407) 770-0071 • www.Orlandophil.org
The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra is Central Florida’s resident orchestra, appearing in more than 105 performances each season. As a fully professional ensemble, the Orlando Philharmonic utilizes the talents of more than 80 professional musicians from around the globe.
2007-2008 Schedule:
Amadeus meets Sheherazade (Sept. 29)
The great Kavafian sisters make an elegant pair, as they interweave their intricate lines in one of Mozart’s most beautiful works.
The Mozart Family Grand Tour (Oct. 8)
A glimpse into the waning days of Imperial Europe, Mozart family dynamics, and one of the most precocious creative minds in musical history.
Marvin Hamlisch: A Night at The Movies (Oct. 20)
Hamlisch leads the Philharmonic in a program of hits from the movies, including music from Gigi, My Fair Lady, The Way We Were, and Out of Africa.
Symphonic Sorcery (Nov. 3)
Thirteen year-old Conrad Tao, already a nationally renowned artist, performs Saint-Saëns’s dramatic and playful piano concerto; but Conrad might just as easily have appeared as a violinist or composer, so sweeping is his talent.
Rusty in Orchestraville (Nov. 4)
Conrad Tao on the piano bringing the audience the story of Rusty. Rusty is like a good many other girls and boys. He takes piano lessons and balks at daily practicing. One night Rusty has a dream about an orchestra. In his dream all the instruments in the symphony come to life.
Home for the Holidays (Nov. 24)
Let the Orlando Philharmonic warm your heart with beautiful music of the holiday season. This festive concert will feature the exceptional voices of the Holiday Singers and will certainly be a special holiday treat for the entire family.
Splendors of the Baroque (Dec. 10)
This is a kaleidoscopic display of dramatic, energetic, and ornate creations by Baroque masters, including polychoral brass canzonas of Gabrieli, Corelli’s setting of the Christmas passages from St. Luke’s gospel, and famous works of Bach and Handel.
Celtic Tapestry (Feb. 23)
For 20 years, Cherish the Ladies have proven themselves worthy of these accolades and more, and have become one of the most engaging ensembles in the history of Irish music.
Peter and the Wolf (Feb. 24)
Nowhere in his works does Prokofiev speak to us so freely and happily as in Peter and the Wolf. The story of Peter is wonderfully easy to follow and needs little explanation—remember to listen for Peter (the strings), his friends the Bird (flute), the Duck (oboe), the Cat (clarinet), the Hunters (drums), Peter’s Grandfather (bassoon), and of course the Wolf (horns).
Rockwell Rhapsody (Mar. 1)
Composer Stella Sung—immensely popular with Orlando audiences—has written a new work for the Philharmonic, to be performed with live projections of Norman Rockwell’s paintings. Terrence Wilson delivers the Rhapsody that changed American music forever.
Copland Chronicles (Mar. 10)
The astonishing voices of the Jones High School Concert Choir join us for this exploration of Aaron Copland’s treatment of rural American life, in partnership with the Orlando Museum of Art’s American Chronicles: The Art of Norman Rockwell.
Joshua Bell (Mar. 22)
Joshua Bell’s lyrical instincts and technical gifts have inspired a generation, and his talents are on full display in Mendelssohn’s romantic and brilliant violin concerto.
Beethoven Lives Upstairs (Apr. 13)
Christoph is a young boy in 1820s Vienna. His father has just died and he resents the arrival of the new tenant upstairs. But soon Christoph comes to understand that his tenant is no ordinary man, but the gifted and tormented Beethoven. Through the use of many short musical examples of Beethoven’s works, Christoph and the audience come to know this troubled and brilliant man.
Petite Sweets (Apr. 14)
“Petite Sweets” is a program of chamber music of composers normally associated with larger orchestral works. Gounod’s Petite symphonie, composed for nine wind instruments, is full of wit, beautiful melodies, and delicate harmonies in the best French tradition.
Come to the Cabaret (Apr. 19)
Two-time Grammy Award winning singer Sylvia McNair takes the stage for a program of all-time favorites from musical theater and the Great American Songbook, featuring the music of Jerome Kern, Harold Arlen, and Irving Berlin.
Verdi Requiem (May 10)
In an historic first, the Orlando Philharmonic and the Bach Festival Choir combine forces in Verdi’s powerful and moving Requiem. The music begins in hushed, prayerful tones, and closes with an impassioned plea for salvation. It is a representation to rival Michelangelo’s.
Savannah Center
1545 Buena Vista Blvd., The Villages
(352) 753-3229 • www.thevillages.net/boxoffice
The Savannah Center in The Villages provides an eclectic schedule of events. Concerts cover all the musical genres from rock to jazz to opera. Other events throughout the year include the Broadway series, the Great Pretenders, and special guest speakers.
Bach Festival Society
Rollins College
1000 Holt Avenue, Winter Park
(407) 646-2182 • www.Bachfestivalflorida.org
Their 73rd year, the Bach Festival Society is one of the premier classical music organization in the state of Florida and one of the longest continuously operating Bach Festivals in the country. The Bach Festival Society brings the highest caliber of classical music to Central Florida. Performances are held in the intimate setting of the Tiedtke Concert Hall and the Knowles Memorial Chapel on the beautiful campus of Rollins College.
2007-2008 Schedule:
The Academy of St. Martin in the Fields Chamber Ensemble (Oct. 12-13)
This ensemble is one of the most recorded ensembles in history. Don’t miss this chance to see truly world-class musicians playing works by Mendelssohn, Dvorák, and Shostakovich.
Carmina Burana (Oct. 27-28)
Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana is one of the most exciting works of the 20th century, well known to the world not only on the concert stage but also through its frequent appearance in television and film. This program also features a Barber cello concerto with soloist Chris Rex and the premiere of a commissioned work by award-winning composer Keith Lay.
Horacio Gutiérrez (Nov. 3)
Cuban-born pianist Horacio Gutiérrez is applauded in concert halls around the world for his phenomenal technique, depth of interpretation, and wide repertoire. This program includes Chopin’s Twenty-Four Preludes, Op. 28, and pieces by Franz Liszt, including the brilliant Mephisto Waltz No. I.
Holiday Choral Concert (Dec. 15-16)
Join the Bach Festival Choir and Orchestra in one of Central Florida’s favorite musical traditions. This program features old classics and new favorites that embody the magic of the beloved holiday season.
Anonymous 4 (Feb. 15-16)
Anonymous 4 is renowned for its exquisite vocal blend and virtuosic ensemble singing.
Leon Fleisher in a program of Mozart and Beethoven (Feb. 23-24)
The eminent concert pianist, Leon Fleisher, and his wife, Cathy Jacobson Fleisher, play Mozart’s Concerto No. 12, K. 414 and Beethoven’s Choral Fantasy.
Haydn’s The Creation (Mar. 1)
One of the great oratorios, The Creation demonstrates a colorful and textually imaginative style that has engaged audiences since its first public performance in 1799.
J.S. Bach’s St. Matthew Passion (Mar. 2)
The Bach Festival presents an incomparable performance of one of Bach’s most profound and dramatic sacred works.
Chamber Orchestra Kremlin (Mar. 28-29)
Comprising 18 of Russia’s finest young string players, Chamber Orchestra Kremlin displays a warmth and high energy that creates entrancing performances that stay with you long after the last note has been played.
Gustav Mahler Symphony No. 2 (Apr. 12-13)
Mahler’s Symphony No. 2, known as “the Resurrection,” is the composer’s most popular work, exploring themes of death and resurrection while combining orchestral and choral forces to create a work that at times feels like both a symphony and an oratorio.
The Waverly Consort (Apr. 18)
The Bach Festival Society is pleased to present the Waverly Consort’s signature program, The Year 1492, which evokes the mysterious and exotic musical legacy of that irrevocably lost faraway time.
