Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Vocal

 

St. John's Episcopal Cathedral Festival Orchestra is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 1982 in Jacksonville, Florida. The orchestra was established as a part of the St. John's Cathedral Arts Series, which aimed to bring high-quality music performances to the community. The founding members of the orchestra were a group of professional musicians who were passionate about classical music and wanted to share their love for it with the community. The orchestra's first conductor was Dr. John Barry Talley, who was the Director of Music at St. John's Cathedral at the time. Over the years, the orchestra has grown in size and reputation, attracting talented musicians from all over the country. Today, the orchestra is made up of over 70 musicians, including professional musicians, music educators, and advanced students. The orchestra's main members include its conductor, Dr. Marguerite Richardson, who has been leading the orchestra since 2012. Dr. Richardson is an accomplished conductor and music educator who has worked with many orchestras and music organizations throughout the United States. Other key members of the orchestra include its concertmaster, Dr. Simon Shiao, who is a renowned violinist and music educator, and its principal cellist, Dr. Nick Curry, who is a sought-after performer and teacher. The St. John's Episcopal Cathedral Festival Orchestra has performed many notable concerts and events over the years. One of its most significant performances was in 1993 when the orchestra performed at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. The concert was part of the Kennedy Center's Millennium Stage series, which featured performances by some of the world's most renowned musicians. The orchestra has also performed at many other prestigious venues, including Carnegie Hall in New York City, the Lincoln Center in Washington, D.C., and the Royal Albert Hall in London. In addition to its performances, the orchestra has also received many awards and accolades over the years. In 2015, the orchestra was awarded the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville's Arts Award for its contributions to the cultural life of the community. The orchestra has also been recognized for its commitment to music education. In 2018, the orchestra received the Music Education Advocacy Award from the Florida Music Education Association for its work in promoting music education in the community. Overall, the St. John's Episcopal Cathedral Festival Orchestra is a highly respected and accomplished classical music ensemble that has made significant contributions to the cultural life of Jacksonville and beyond. With its talented musicians and dedicated leadership, the orchestra is sure to continue to inspire and delight audiences for many years to come.

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