by Larry Oskin, Lake Community Arts
The Howey Music Series is bringing the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra to Lake County for the first time with a free children’s concert program. Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra is providing an exciting Instrument Petting Zoo before and after the two performances to give children the opportunity to see, touch and try a variety of instruments with guidance from LCA musicians and teachers. LCA is helping to coordinate partnership with the Orlando Philharmonic, while the Howey Music Series is producing and funding this event.
The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra and Lake Community Arts will help present their beloved Symphony Storytime Series with Spooky Serenades on Saturday, October 24 with two performances starting at 10:30 and 11:30 am at the Far Reach Ranch in Tavares. This will be an amazing program designed for children ages 3 to 7 with their families, and with slightly older kids as well. These concerts will include a live telling of an original story accompanied by arrangements of classical pieces performed by the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra String Quartet, while providing original illustrations and accompanying coloring pages, and free cookies sponsored by AdventHealth, as well as a cash bar for the parents.
LCA is directly involved with the Howey Music Series as a partner for this event. Debbie Fahmie of the LCA has been involved in the original planning to get Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra Symphony Storytime here since the very beginning of this series. She serves on the LCA Board as well as with being on the Education Committee for the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra. She is credited with having the connection that Howie Music Series needed. LCA is actively promoting this event as they are providing LCA musicians to man the Instrument Petting Zoo that will happen pre and post for each OPO performance. The Lake Community Arts organization is also involved as their vice president Christopher Fahmie, will be the stage actor and narrator for the Lake County performance.
Amy Conrod of the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra shares, “We are excited to once again expand the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra’s reach into Lake County with our Symphony Storytime performance next month. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with new audiences and share the joy of music and storytelling with families throughout the community.”
The Orlando Philharmonic’s Symphony Storytime Series combines live orchestral music with narration and beautiful hand-drawn illustrations that bring children’s stories to life. Children are welcome to sit right up close to the musicians and to experience the performance however they feel comfortable — with singing, dancing, wiggling, cheering and making plenty of noise. All are welcome.
Emily Heuman of the Howey Music Series notes, “We’re very happy to have LCA involved with a very important new partnership.”
LCA is continuing to expand their reach by creating more opportunities in music, theatre, dance, and visual arts — while engaging individuals of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds, and strengthening our community through the power of the arts.
While admission is free, advance registration is strongly recommended. Visit: Symphony Storytime on the Farm with the Howey 
Music Series Spooky Serenades at: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/howeymusicseries/2343957 at the Far Reach Ranch, 1255 South Dora Boulevard, Tavares, FL 32778. For more information, visit: https://www.howeymusicseries.org/
LCA’s ongoing choir and band performances will include public concerts and special events to showcase local talent and foster a sense of belonging for both performers and audiences while increasing important artistic impact in Lake County. LCA will continue to celebrate the joys that music and the creative arts bring to life for our Lake County community. Businesses, organizations and families are encouraged to make donations, sponsorships and tax deductible gifts at: LakeCommunityArts.org/support.
For more information, visit: www.LakeCommunityArts.org. Follow Lake Community Arts on Facebook at :https://www.facebook.com/lakecommunityarts/ and on social media @LakeCommunityArts.
