Young People’s Concerts are a one-of-a-kind collaboration between the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, Orlando Ballet, and Opera Orlando, bringing music, dance and song together on one stage. For years, students from Orange, Osceola, Seminole, and Volusia counties have been invited to enjoy these free performances. This year, for the first time, the concert is also coming to Lake County students.
The 55-person orchestra performed at Lake Minneola High School on Thursday, November 13, for an audience of fifth-grade students. The performance will be repeated at Leesburg High School on Friday, November 14, at 10:30 a.m. and at noon for more fifth-graders. For years, Lake County educators have gone above and beyond to bring students to Orlando for the performances, often at a financial cost. With this expansion, all of the fifth-grade students will have access to this musical experience right in their own community, free of charge.
“This expansion is years in the making,” said Amy Conrod, the Orlando Philharmonic’s Director of Education and Community. “We are deeply grateful for the teachers, administrators, and community advocates who believed in this program and worked tirelessly to make it a reality.”
Through a vibrant storyline and dynamic performances, students who attend the concerts are taken on an inspiring musical journey that sparks imagination and encourages creativity. The program features a mix of beloved classical works and popular favorites while also integrating STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) learning principles. The Lake Minneola performance included dancers from the Orlando Ballet, a singer from Opera Orlando, and a professional actor who narrated. Because the Leesburg stage is smaller, the dancers will not perform on Friday, but the singer and narrator will be included.
“We know some students don’t have the opportunity to go to the orchestra,” Conrod said. “Our goal is to create lifelong lovers of music by bringing the orchestra to them.”
The performances are presented by Walt Disney World with 2025 support provided by Pabst Steinmetz Foundation, Cornelia T. Bailey Foundation, the Chesley G. Magruder Foundation, The Martin Andersen-Garcia Andersen Foundation, Kay Hardesty Logan Foundation, Publix Super Markets Charities, TD Charitable Foundation, Duke Energy Foundation, Lewis & Massey, P.A. Attorneys at Law, AdventHealth, and United Arts of Central Florida.