Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Romantic

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Concerto

 

 

Orchestral

 

The Robin Hood Dell Orchestra was a classical music ensemble that was founded in 1934 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The orchestra was named after the Robin Hood Dell, an outdoor amphitheater located in Fairmount Park, Philadelphia, where the ensemble performed most of its concerts. The founding of the Robin Hood Dell Orchestra was the result of a collaboration between the City of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Orchestra. The city had recently built the Robin Hood Dell amphitheater as part of a Works Progress Administration (WPA) project, and the Philadelphia Orchestra was looking for a way to expand its audience and reach new listeners. The orchestra saw the Robin Hood Dell as an opportunity to perform in a more casual and relaxed setting, and to bring classical music to a wider audience. The first concert of the Robin Hood Dell Orchestra was held on July 11, 1934, and was conducted by Leopold Stokowski, the music director of the Philadelphia Orchestra at the time. The concert was a huge success, with over 10,000 people in attendance. The orchestra continued to perform at the Robin Hood Dell throughout the summer, with a schedule of concerts that included both classical and popular music. Over the years, the Robin Hood Dell Orchestra became known for its innovative programming and its commitment to bringing classical music to new audiences. The ensemble was made up of members of the Philadelphia Orchestra, as well as other professional musicians from the Philadelphia area. The orchestra was led by a series of distinguished conductors, including Eugene Ormandy, who served as the music director of the Philadelphia Orchestra from 1936 to 1980. One of the highlights of the Robin Hood Dell Orchestra's history was its performance at the 1960 Democratic National Convention, which was held in Philadelphia. The orchestra performed a concert at the Robin Hood Dell amphitheater that was broadcast live on national television, and was attended by many of the convention delegates. The concert was a huge success, and helped to raise the profile of the orchestra and the city of Philadelphia. Another notable performance by the Robin Hood Dell Orchestra was its collaboration with the rock band The Who in 1970. The orchestra performed with The Who at the Spectrum in Philadelphia, in a concert that was later released as the album "Live at Leeds". The collaboration was seen as groundbreaking at the time, and helped to bridge the gap between classical and popular music. The Robin Hood Dell Orchestra also received numerous awards and honors over the years. In 1958, the orchestra was awarded the prestigious Peabody Award for its contributions to music education and community outreach. The orchestra was also recognized by the National Endowment for the Arts for its innovative programming and commitment to diversity and inclusion. Despite its many successes, the Robin Hood Dell Orchestra faced financial challenges in the 1980s and 1990s, and was eventually disbanded in 1995. However, the legacy of the orchestra lives on, and its innovative programming and commitment to bringing classical music to new audiences continue to inspire musicians and music lovers around the world.

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