Role

:

Ensemble

Genre

:

Orchestral

 

 

Symphony

 

The Florida Philharmonic Orchestra was a classical music ensemble based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. It was founded in 1985 by a group of local musicians and music lovers who wanted to bring high-quality classical music to the South Florida community. The orchestra's first music director was Emerson Buckley, a renowned conductor who had previously worked with the New York City Opera and the Metropolitan Opera. Under Buckley's leadership, the Florida Philharmonic quickly established itself as one of the premier orchestras in the region. Over the years, the orchestra attracted many talented musicians from around the world, including several who had previously played with major orchestras such as the New York Philharmonic and the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Some of the orchestra's most notable members included concertmaster Glenn Dicterow, principal cellist Lynn Harrell, and principal clarinetist Richard Stoltzman. The Florida Philharmonic Orchestra performed a wide range of classical music, from the works of Bach and Beethoven to more contemporary pieces by composers such as John Adams and Philip Glass. The orchestra also collaborated with many renowned soloists and conductors, including Yo-Yo Ma, Itzhak Perlman, and Leonard Slatkin. One of the highlights of the Florida Philharmonic's history was its performance at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia. The orchestra was chosen to represent the United States at the Cultural Olympiad, a series of events showcasing the arts and culture of the participating countries. The Florida Philharmonic performed a program of American music, including works by George Gershwin and Aaron Copland, to great acclaim. The Florida Philharmonic Orchestra also received many awards and accolades over the years. In 1991, the orchestra was awarded the prestigious ASCAP Award for Adventurous Programming, which recognizes orchestras that perform a diverse range of contemporary music. The orchestra also received several Grammy nominations for its recordings, including a nomination for Best Classical Album in 1995 for its recording of the music of Samuel Barber. Despite its many successes, the Florida Philharmonic Orchestra faced financial difficulties in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The orchestra was forced to cancel several concerts and reduce its staff in an effort to stay afloat. In 2003, the orchestra filed for bankruptcy and ceased operations. Today, the legacy of the Florida Philharmonic Orchestra lives on through the many recordings and performances that the orchestra left behind. The orchestra's commitment to bringing high-quality classical music to the South Florida community continues to inspire musicians and music lovers alike.

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