New Orleans may just boast more livestream videos than any other city in the world right now. Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra (LPO) isn’t abandoning the livestream train, as they announce details for their 2020-21 seasons. In response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, LPO will offer a variety of digital and safe in-person opportunities to experience new performances by the musician members of the LPO.
“In a city with a 200-year classical music tradition, the LPO is resiliently developing new programs and initiatives to connect with audiences and foster spirit and pride in our community,” said Interim Executive Director Scott Harrison. “As our city reopens and the economy rebounds, the LPO is here to share music with New Orleanians safely and accessibly. We are embracing our role in helping to energize the unique culture of our region.”
Programming offerings include The Orpheum Sessions, featuring ensembles of up to 30 LPO musicians film in HS from the orchestra’s home base, The Orpheum Theater. Audiences will be able to watch on demand starting Friday, October 2 starting at 7 p.m. CDT. This first session, America Rising, features a tapestry of 20th and 21st century American composers, including Aaron Copland (“Fanfare for the Common Man”), George Walker (“Lyric for Strings”), Clarice Assad (“Impressions”) and the LPO’s newly-appointed Creative Partner and New Orleans native Courtney Bryan (“Blooming”). Conductor Lina González-Granados, named to El Mundo’s “Latino 30 Under 30” list for her advocacy of Latin American music, will take the podium for her LPO debut.
Inaugural episodes will broadcast every other Friday from October 2 to January 8, 2021. The eight inaugural episodes premiere every other Friday, from October 2 to January 8. Future highlights include Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons” with LPO musicians as soloists, a program pairing works of Mozart, Joseph Bologne Saint-Georges, and New Orleans composer Tucker Fuller, and collaborations with Cyril Neville and Tank and the Bangas.
Access to the Orpheum Sessions is included with all 2020-21 subscription packages or passes are available for $115, providing access to more than 15 programs this season. Additional episodes will be released through the end of the season, with more details to be announced in December.
Starting Thursday, October 1, 6:00 pm LPO chamber ensembles perform at iconic NOLA museums in Music at the Museum. Strict safety and distancing protocols will be in place for limited capacity live audiences. Upcoming performances will take place at Hermann-Grima Historic House, New Orleans Botanical Garden, Longue Vue House & Gardens, and the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden.
LPO also announces Suite Sundays, interactive programs that feature LPO chamber ensembles online. Present in HD with clear and crisp audio, the audience will experience chamber music with intimate and engaging concert experiences and storytelling from LPO musicians. Upgrade packages are available and include a limited edition 30th Anniversary LPO wine and dessert delivered by an LPO musician. The series begins on October 11, 2020 at 2:30 pm with the LPO Woodwind Trio, with subsequent performances streaming every other Sunday. Future program details will be announced for a string quartet program of music by Haydn and Debussy; viola and bassoon duets; and Courtney Bryan joins the LPO Chamber Players.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the LPO site.
