The Lawton Philharmonic Orchestra is a professional orchestra based in Lawton, Oklahoma. The orchestra was founded in 1946 and is the oldest continuously operating orchestra in Oklahoma.
The Lawton Philharmonic Orchestra performs a variety of classical and popular music throughout the year. The orchestra has also performed with a number of renowned soloists, including Itzhak Perlman, Yo-Yo Ma, and Rene Fleming.
The Lawton Philharmonic Orchestra is an important cultural asset to the Lawton community. The orchestra provides a variety of educational and outreach programs, and it helps to attract visitors to the city.
lawton philharmonic
The Lawton Philharmonic Orchestra is a professional orchestra based in Lawton, Oklahoma. Founded in 1946, it is the oldest continuously operating orchestra in Oklahoma.
- Founded: 1946
- Location: Lawton, Oklahoma
- Genre: Classical and popular music
- Artistic Director: Maestro Leslie Dunner
- Annual Performances: Over 100
- Educational Programs: Youth Orchestra, Music Discovery Series
- Community Outreach: Concerts in parks, schools, and hospitals
- Recordings: Two albums, "Symphonic Dances" and "American Classics"
The Lawton Philharmonic Orchestra is an important cultural asset to the Lawton community. It provides a variety of educational and outreach programs, and it helps to attract visitors to the city. The orchestra has also performed with a number of renowned soloists, including Itzhak Perlman, Yo-Yo Ma, and Rene Fleming.
1. Founded
The Lawton Philharmonic Orchestra was founded in 1946, making it the oldest continuously operating orchestra in Oklahoma. This longevity is a testament to the orchestra's commitment to musical excellence and its deep roots in the Lawton community.
The orchestra's founding was a major cultural event for Lawton. At the time, the city was a growing center of commerce and industry, but it lacked a professional orchestra. A group of local music lovers came together to fill this void, and the Lawton Philharmonic Orchestra was born.
The orchestra's early years were marked by financial struggles and a lack of a permanent home. However, the orchestra persevered, and in 1967 it moved into its current home, the McMahon Memorial Auditorium. The auditorium is a beautiful, state-of-the-art facility that provides the orchestra with a much-needed space to rehearse and perform.
Today, the Lawton Philharmonic Orchestra is a thriving organization that performs a variety of classical and popular music throughout the year. The orchestra has also performed with a number of renowned soloists, including Itzhak Perlman, Yo-Yo Ma, and Rene Fleming.
The Lawton Philharmonic Orchestra is an important cultural asset to the Lawton community. It provides a variety of educational and outreach programs, and it helps to attract visitors to the city.
2. Location
The Lawton Philharmonic Orchestra is located in Lawton, Oklahoma, a city of approximately 90,000 people. Lawton is located in southwest Oklahoma, near the Texas border. The city is home to a number of military installations, including Fort Sill, which is the largest artillery training center in the United States.
Lawton is also a cultural center for southwest Oklahoma. The city is home to a number of museums, art galleries, and theaters. The Lawton Philharmonic Orchestra is one of the city's most prominent cultural institutions.
The orchestra's location in Lawton has a number of advantages. First, Lawton is a relatively affluent community, which provides the orchestra with a strong financial base. Second, Lawton is a growing city, which provides the orchestra with a growing audience. Third, Lawton is home to a number of military families, many of whom are interested in attending classical music concerts.
The Lawton Philharmonic Orchestra is an important part of the Lawton community. The orchestra provides a variety of educational and outreach programs, and it helps to attract visitors to the city.
3. Genre
The Lawton Philharmonic Orchestra is unique among orchestras in Oklahoma for its commitment to performing both classical and popular music. This dual focus allows the orchestra to reach a wider audience and to appeal to a variety of musical tastes.
The orchestra's classical repertoire includes works by Beethoven, Mozart, and Tchaikovsky. The orchestra also performs a variety of popular music, including Broadway show tunes, movie soundtracks, and jazz standards. This eclectic mix of music has helped to make the Lawton Philharmonic Orchestra one of the most popular orchestras in the state.
The orchestra's commitment to both classical and popular music is also reflected in its educational and outreach programs. The orchestra offers a variety of educational programs for students of all ages, including concerts, workshops, and master classes. The orchestra also performs a number of outreach concerts in the community, including concerts in parks, schools, and hospitals.
The Lawton Philharmonic Orchestra's commitment to both classical and popular music is a major factor in its success. This dual focus allows the orchestra to reach a wider audience and to appeal to a variety of musical tastes.
4. Artistic Director
Maestro Leslie Dunner has been the Artistic Director of the Lawton Philharmonic Orchestra since 1998. Under his leadership, the orchestra has achieved new heights of artistic excellence and community engagement.
- Artistic Vision
Maestro Dunner has a clear artistic vision for the Lawton Philharmonic Orchestra. He believes that the orchestra should be a vital part of the community, and he programs concerts that appeal to a wide range of audiences. Maestro Dunner is also committed to performing new and innovative works, and he has commissioned several new pieces from Oklahoma composers. - Education and Outreach
Maestro Dunner is passionate about education and outreach. He believes that the orchestra should be a resource for the entire community, and he has developed a number of programs to reach out to new audiences. These programs include concerts for children, family concerts, and educational workshops. - Community Engagement
Maestro Dunner is a strong advocate for community engagement. He believes that the orchestra should be a partner with other organizations in the community, and he has forged partnerships with a number of local businesses, schools, and non-profit organizations. - Artistic Excellence
Under Maestro Dunner's leadership, the Lawton Philharmonic Orchestra has achieved a new level of artistic excellence. The orchestra has been praised for its technical precision, its musical sensitivity, and its passionate performances.
Maestro Leslie Dunner is a visionary leader who has transformed the Lawton Philharmonic Orchestra into one of the leading orchestras in Oklahoma. His commitment to artistic excellence, education and outreach, and community engagement has made the orchestra a vital part of the Lawton community.
5. Annual Performances
The Lawton Philharmonic Orchestra performs over 100 concerts each year, making it one of the most active orchestras in Oklahoma. This high level of activity is a testament to the orchestra's commitment to serving the Lawton community and to its dedication to musical excellence.
- Educational Outreach
The orchestra's extensive performance schedule includes a number of educational outreach concerts. These concerts are designed to introduce young people to classical music and to the instruments of the orchestra. The orchestra also offers a variety of educational programs, such as workshops and master classes, for students of all ages. - Community Engagement
The orchestra is deeply engaged with the Lawton community. It performs a number of free concerts throughout the year, and it also partners with other organizations in the community to present special events. The orchestra's commitment to community engagement helps to make it a vital part of the cultural life of Lawton. - Artistic Excellence
The orchestra's high level of activity allows it to maintain a high level of artistic excellence. The orchestra's musicians are all professional musicians who are dedicated to their craft. The orchestra's extensive rehearsal schedule ensures that its performances are polished and precise. - Financial Stability
The orchestra's high level of activity also contributes to its financial stability. The orchestra is able to generate a significant amount of revenue from ticket sales and other sources. This revenue helps to support the orchestra's operations and to ensure its long-term viability.
The Lawton Philharmonic Orchestra's annual performance schedule of over 100 concerts is a key factor in its success. This high level of activity allows the orchestra to fulfill its mission of serving the Lawton community, to engage with the community, to maintain a high level of artistic excellence, and to ensure its financial stability.
6. Educational Programs
The Lawton Philharmonic Orchestra offers a variety of educational programs for students of all ages, including the Youth Orchestra and the Music Discovery Series. These programs are designed to introduce young people to classical music and to the instruments of the orchestra.
- Youth Orchestra
The Youth Orchestra is a full symphony orchestra for students in grades 9-12. The orchestra rehearses weekly and performs several concerts throughout the year. The Youth Orchestra provides students with an opportunity to learn and perform classical music at a high level. - Music Discovery Series
The Music Discovery Series is a series of concerts designed for young children and their families. The concerts are interactive and educational, and they introduce children to the instruments of the orchestra and to the basics of classical music.
The Lawton Philharmonic Orchestra's educational programs are an important part of its commitment to the community. These programs help to introduce young people to classical music and to the instruments of the orchestra. The orchestra's educational programs also help to the next generation of musicians.
7. Community Outreach
The Lawton Philharmonic Orchestra is deeply committed to community outreach. The orchestra performs a number of free concerts throughout the year in parks, schools, and hospitals. These concerts are designed to bring classical music to people who might not otherwise have the opportunity to experience it.
The orchestra's community outreach concerts are an important part of its mission to serve the Lawton community. These concerts help to introduce new audiences to classical music and to the instruments of the orchestra. They also help to build relationships between the orchestra and the community.
The orchestra's community outreach concerts have a number of positive benefits. They help to:
- Introduce new audiences to classical music
- Build relationships between the orchestra and the community
- Provide educational opportunities for students
- Enhance the quality of life in the community
The Lawton Philharmonic Orchestra's community outreach concerts are an important part of its commitment to the community. These concerts help to bring classical music to people who might not otherwise have the opportunity to experience it. They also help to build relationships between the orchestra and the community.
8. Recordings
The Lawton Philharmonic Orchestra has released two albums, "Symphonic Dances" and "American Classics". These albums showcase the orchestra's versatility and commitment to performing a wide range of music.
- Symphonic Dances
The album "Symphonic Dances" features a collection of dances from around the world. The album includes works by composers such as Edvard Grieg, Antonn Dvok, and Maurice Ravel. The album was praised for its "spirited" and "colorful" performances. - American Classics
The album "American Classics" features a collection of American classical music. The album includes works by composers such as Aaron Copland, George Gershwin, and Leonard Bernstein. The album was praised for its "patriotic" and "uplifting" performances.
The Lawton Philharmonic Orchestra's recordings are an important part of its legacy. The recordings allow the orchestra to share its music with a wider audience and to preserve its performances for future generations.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Lawton Philharmonic Orchestra
The Lawton Philharmonic Orchestra is one of the leading orchestras in Oklahoma, known for its diverse repertoire, educational programs, and community engagement. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about the orchestra:
Question 1: What is the history of the Lawton Philharmonic Orchestra?
The Lawton Philharmonic Orchestra was founded in 1946, making it the oldest continuously operating orchestra in Oklahoma. The orchestra has a long and rich history of serving the Lawton community, providing high-quality musical performances and educational programs.
Question 2: Where is the Lawton Philharmonic Orchestra located?
The Lawton Philharmonic Orchestra is located in Lawton, Oklahoma, a city of approximately 90,000 people. Lawton is located in southwest Oklahoma, near the Texas border.
Question 3: What kind of music does the Lawton Philharmonic Orchestra perform?
The Lawton Philharmonic Orchestra performs a wide range of music, including classical, popular, and Broadway show tunes. The orchestra's diverse repertoire allows it to appeal to a wide range of audiences.
Question 4: Who are some of the famous soloists and conductors that have performed with the Lawton Philharmonic Orchestra?
The Lawton Philharmonic Orchestra has performed with a number of renowned soloists and conductors, including Itzhak Perlman, Yo-Yo Ma, Rene Fleming, and Maestro Leslie Dunner.
Question 5: What educational programs does the Lawton Philharmonic Orchestra offer?
The Lawton Philharmonic Orchestra offers a variety of educational programs for students of all ages, including the Youth Orchestra, the Music Discovery Series, and masterclasses. These programs are designed to introduce young people to classical music and to the instruments of the orchestra.
Question 6: How can I support the Lawton Philharmonic Orchestra?
There are a number of ways to support the Lawton Philharmonic Orchestra, including attending concerts, making a donation, or volunteering your time. Your support helps the orchestra to continue to provide high-quality musical performances and educational programs for the Lawton community.
The Lawton Philharmonic Orchestra is a valuable asset to the Lawton community. The orchestra provides a variety of musical and educational programs that enrich the lives of people of all ages. We encourage you to support the orchestra in any way you can.
To learn more about the Lawton Philharmonic Orchestra, please visit their website at www.lawtonphilharmonic.com.
Tips by Lawton Philharmonic
The Lawton Philharmonic Orchestra is one of the leading orchestras in Oklahoma, known for its diverse repertoire, educational programs, and community engagement. Here are a few tips from the Lawton Philharmonic that can help you get the most out of your orchestral experience:
Tip 1: Arrive early.
This will give you time to find your seat, get settled in, and enjoy the pre-concert atmosphere. It will also help you avoid any last-minute stress.
Tip 2: Dress comfortably.
You don't need to dress up in your finest clothes to attend an orchestral concert. However, you should dress comfortably so that you can relax and enjoy the performance.
Tip 3: Be respectful of the musicians and other audience members.
This means turning off your cell phone, not talking during the performance, and avoiding any other distractions. This will help to create a more enjoyable experience for everyone.
Tip 4: Applaud when you enjoy the performance.
Applause is a great way to show your appreciation for the musicians and their hard work. It also helps to create a more lively and engaging atmosphere.
Tip 5: Take advantage of the orchestra's educational programs.
Many orchestras offer educational programs, such as pre-concert talks, lectures, and masterclasses. These programs can help you learn more about classical music and the instruments of the orchestra.
Tip 6: Support your local orchestra.
Orchestras are non-profit organizations that rely on the support of the community. There are a number of ways to support your local orchestra, such as attending concerts, making a donation, or volunteering your time.
By following these tips, you can help to ensure that you have a positive and enjoyable orchestral experience. We encourage you to attend a Lawton Philharmonic Orchestra concert soon and experience the power of live music.
To learn more about the Lawton Philharmonic Orchestra, please visit their website at www.lawtonphilharmonic.com.
Conclusion
The Lawton Philharmonic Orchestra is a vital part of the Lawton community. The orchestra provides a variety of musical and educational programs that enrich the lives of people of all ages. The orchestra is committed to artistic excellence, education and outreach, and community engagement.
We encourage you to support the Lawton Philharmonic Orchestra in any way you can. Attending concerts, making a donation, or volunteering your time are all great ways to show your support. Your support helps the orchestra to continue to provide high-quality musical performances and educational programs for the Lawton community.
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