The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in Orlando is hosting a newly imagined, six-night crossover event in its Steinmetz Hall Oct. 3-8.
The series of shows, collectively called The Residency Festival, will bring legendary artists and critically acclaimed arts groups together with London’s Royal Philharmonic Orchestra to create never-before-seen concerts that blend music in new and exciting arrangements.
“Creating and producing this festival is another way to globally expand our vision of Arts for Every Life,” said Kathy Ramsberger, President and CEO of the Dr. Phillips Center, in a press release. “Pairing one of the world’s greatest orchestras with popular artists, this festival gives Orlando’s visitors and our hometown guests a chance to hear their music in unexpected ways in Steinmetz Hall.”
The festival will see the likes of Diana Ross, Harry Connick Jr., Beck and more take center stage accompanied by the world-renowned orchestra in what is expected to become an annual pairing of one of the world’s greatest orchestras with popular artists.
“The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra is proud to be returning this October to the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts for a unique Residency that truly reflects the diverse spectrum of orchestral music,” said James Williams, managing director of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, in a statement. “From the legendary musical worlds of Diana Ross, Beck and Harry Connick Jr, through to the exquisite beauty of Birmingham Royal Ballet’s dancers, the RPO’s 85 musicians will be bringing alive the world-class acoustics of the Steinmetz Hall to create exclusive musical experiences. We look forward with great anticipation to our forthcoming Residency and to reconnecting with Orlando’s audiences.”
Steinmetz Hall, the newest theater at the Dr. Phillips Center, is “one of the world’s most remarkably acoustic spaces” and is “one of the very few theaters in the world that can transform in shape, seating and sound to accommodate a variety of art forms and events.”
“Since January 2022, the biggest names in music and dance have graced its stage from Jennifer Hudson to the National Ballet of Ukraine, and more,” raved the performance center in a release. “Steinmetz Hall also ranked on Architecture Digest’s list of ‘The 11 Most Beautiful Theaters in the World’ alongside storied venues such as Australia’s Sydney Opera House and the Opéra Garnier in Paris.”
To celebrate the inaugural festival, Dr. Phillips Center will host a gala dinner on Oct. 5, prior to Connick’s concert, as well as offer pre-show dinners for the other performances.
For tickets and more information, visit DrPhillipsCenter.org. The Residency Festival’s full 2023 schedule is below.
Birmingham Royal Ballet & Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Paul Murphy, present “An Evening of Music & Dance”
Oct. 3 at 7:30 p.m.
Birmingham Royal Ballet is one of the world’s greatest dance companies. This performance brings together both the Birmingham Royal Ballet and the Royal Philharmonic in the North American premiere of their Royal Albert Hall performance in London.
Beck
Oct. 4 at 7:30 p.m.
Beck’s singular career has seen him explore all genres and eras of music, blurring boundaries and blazing a path into the future while foraging through the past. Having amassed a kaleidoscopic catalog of gold and platinum albums that consistently straddle the mainstream and avant-garde, the eight-time Grammy winner will make his debut performance with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at this festival.
Harry Connick Jr.
Oct. 5 at 8 p.m.
Harry Connick, Jr. is the definition of a multi-talented star. He has had notable triumphs as an actor and television personality, but the foundation of his art remains his music and his legendary live performances. Now, fall in love with his musical virtuoso as he joins the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra for one special evening of big symphonic sounds and classics from his remarkable career.
Diana Ross
Oct. 6 at 8 p.m.
Diana Ross defines an icon. A national treasure who has changed the course of music history. Ross’ unprecedented career has made her one of the most successful recording artists and entertainers of all time. She has received The Kennedy Center Honors, National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences Highest Honor, The Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, a Golden Globe Award, a Tony Award, the list goes on and on. If music moves you, this is an evening you will never forget.
Broadway Royalty: Sutton Foster and Brian Stokes Mitchell
Oct. 7 at 8 p.m.
An evening bringing together Broadway royalty, Sutton Foster and Brian Stokes Mitchell, with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra performing their greatest hits from Broadway and other standards. Their careers would be a dream come true for any aspiring Broadway performer. Each of these artists with the Royal Philharmonic would be a memorable evening but together it is a not-to-be-missed concert for Broadway lovers and anyone who loves great singing.
Bach Festival Choir & Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, a part of The Great Orchestra Series
Oct. 8 at 7:30 p.m.
Returning by popular demand, Bach Festival Society of Winter Park joins the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in an evening of the most beautiful and passionate music composed for orchestra and chorus. A portion of the program is dedicated to works performed by members of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at the coronation of HM King Charles III, including the world premiere of the orchestration of Tarik O’Regan’s Coronation Agnus Dei.
