Country

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Sweden

Genre

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Orchestral

 

The Palm Court Theatre Orchestra is a classical music ensemble that has been entertaining audiences for over three decades. Founded in 1984 by conductor and pianist, Richard Stephenson, the orchestra has become known for its unique blend of classical and popular music, performed in the style of the early 20th century. Stephenson, a classically trained pianist, had a passion for the music of the early 1900s, particularly the music played in the Palm Court of London's Ritz Hotel. He wanted to recreate that experience for audiences in the United States, and so he founded the Palm Court Theatre Orchestra. The ensemble's main members include Richard Stephenson on piano, along with a rotating cast of musicians on violin, cello, clarinet, and other instruments. The orchestra's repertoire includes music from the early 1900s, including popular songs, waltzes, and other dance music, as well as classical pieces by composers such as Johann Strauss II and Edward Elgar. One of the highlights of the Palm Court Theatre Orchestra's career was their performance at the White House in 1993. The orchestra was invited to play for President Bill Clinton and First Lady Hillary Clinton at a state dinner honoring the President of Mexico. The ensemble's performance was well-received, and they were praised for their ability to transport the audience back in time to the early 1900s. In addition to their performance at the White House, the Palm Court Theatre Orchestra has played at numerous other prestigious venues, including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and the Kennedy Center. They have also performed at private events for celebrities and dignitaries, including Oprah Winfrey and Queen Elizabeth II. The orchestra has received several awards and accolades throughout their career. In 1995, they were awarded the National Endowment for the Arts' National Heritage Fellowship, which is the highest honor given to traditional artists in the United States. They were also awarded the Governor's Arts Award by the state of Arizona in 2001. The Palm Court Theatre Orchestra has released several albums over the years, including "The Palm Court Theatre Orchestra Plays the Music of Noel Coward" and "The Palm Court Theatre Orchestra Plays the Music of Ivor Novello." Their recordings have been well-received by critics and audiences alike, and they have been praised for their ability to capture the spirit of the early 1900s. Despite their success, the Palm Court Theatre Orchestra remains committed to their mission of preserving and promoting the music of the early 1900s. They continue to perform at venues across the United States, and their unique blend of classical and popular music continues to delight audiences of all ages.

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