Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Orchestral

 

The Plaza Theatre Orchestra is a classical music ensemble that has been entertaining audiences for over 30 years. Founded in 1989 by conductor and pianist Richard Glazier, the orchestra has become known for its unique blend of classical and popular music. Glazier, a native of Indiana, began his musical career at the age of six when he started playing the piano. He went on to study at the Indiana University School of Music and later at the Juilliard School in New York City. After completing his studies, Glazier began performing as a solo pianist and quickly gained a reputation for his virtuosic playing and engaging stage presence. In 1989, Glazier founded the Plaza Theatre Orchestra with the goal of creating a new kind of classical music ensemble. Rather than focusing solely on traditional classical repertoire, Glazier wanted to incorporate popular music into the orchestra's performances. He believed that this would help to attract a wider audience and make classical music more accessible to people who might not otherwise be interested in it. The Plaza Theatre Orchestra quickly gained a following in the Los Angeles area, where it was based. The ensemble's first major performance was at the historic Plaza Theatre in El Paso, Texas, which inspired the orchestra's name. The concert was a huge success, and the orchestra went on to perform at other prestigious venues such as the Hollywood Bowl and the Walt Disney Concert Hall. Over the years, the Plaza Theatre Orchestra has featured a rotating cast of musicians, but there have been several core members who have been with the ensemble since its early days. These include violinist Endre Balogh, cellist Armen Ksajikian, and bassist Oscar Hidalgo. These musicians have played a crucial role in shaping the orchestra's sound and helping to bring Glazier's vision to life. One of the highlights of the Plaza Theatre Orchestra's career was its performance at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah. The orchestra was invited to perform at the Olympic Village, where it played a mix of classical and popular music to an enthusiastic crowd of athletes and spectators. The performance was a huge success and helped to raise the orchestra's profile on a national level. In addition to its live performances, the Plaza Theatre Orchestra has also released several albums over the years. These include "From the Heart," a collection of romantic ballads, and "Salute to the Silver Screen," which features classic movie themes. The orchestra's recordings have been well-received by critics and have helped to further cement its reputation as a unique and innovative ensemble. Over the years, the Plaza Theatre Orchestra has received numerous awards and accolades for its contributions to the world of classical music. In 2003, the orchestra was awarded the prestigious ASCAP Award for Adventurous Programming, which recognizes ensembles that take risks and push the boundaries of traditional classical music. The orchestra has also been praised for its commitment to education and outreach, with Glazier and other members of the ensemble frequently giving talks and masterclasses to young musicians. Today, the Plaza Theatre Orchestra continues to perform and record music, delighting audiences with its unique blend of classical and popular music. While the ensemble has undergone some changes over the years, its commitment to innovation and excellence remains as strong as ever.

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