EXPERIENCE LIVE CLASSICAL MUSIC IN NEW ORLEANS: ATTEND A LOUISIANA PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA PERFORMANCE AT THE HISTORIC ORPHEUM THEATER
Among the historic architecture of one of New Orleans’s most beautiful live music venues, the Orpheum Theater, visitors can experience a two-hundred-year-old tradition. From classical to pop, the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra (LPO) is putting on performances for everyone to enjoy this spring.
What is the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra (LPO)
Since 1991 the LPO has provided the Gulf South Region with live orchestral music and a full-scale symphonic orchestra. Every year, 67 of the most talented musicians in the city put on over 120 performances throughout its 36-week season.
In addition to performing locally, the orchestra nurtures the community by partnering with other organizations, such as the New Orleans Opera Association and the New Orleans Ballet Association. LPO’s dedication to community outreach and its collaborative internal government sets it apart from all other orchestras in the United States.
The History of the LPO
After the controversial collapse of the New Orleans Symphony Orchestra, musicians needed to carry on the traditional live orchestra in a new way. The previous orchestra fell due to top-down corruption, so musicians formed the LPO with a small amount of cash and a few donors. The new model, where musicians are the stakeholders, nurtures diversity and autonomy, allowing the organization more creative freedom and funding for community-based outreach.
The Artistic Direction of the LPO
Pushing boundaries and encouraging cultural diversity are the leading goals for the LPO. As the only full-time professional orchestra in the state, it invests time and resources into curating a spectrum of engaging programming for all who attend. The LPO believes that innovation and creativity sustain the two-hundred-year tradition of live orchestration.
The Mission of the LPO
The LPO supports and educates artists in the Greater New Orleans Area just as much as it performs. “The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra’s mission is to transform people and communities through music,” says the organization’s website.
Some of the most popular events put on by the LPO include Early Explorer arts integration programs for public schools, Soul Strings music therapy sessions, Music for Life training programs, and virtual field trips.
Upcoming LPO Events
Live music lovers can experience the LPO throughout March at several New Orleans locations. The Orpheum Theatre hosts the organization’s Orpheum Sessions on the following Thursdays:
- March 2 at 7:30 p.m.
- March 16 at 10:00 a.m. (open rehearsal)
- March 16 at 7:30 p.m.
- March 30 at 10:00 a.m.
- March 30 at 7:30 a.m.
Additional events take place at City Park, Loyola University, Mahalia Jackson Theater, and NOLA Jazz Market.
Stay at Maison Dupuy
One of the best ways to experience the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra is by staying at a hotel in the middle of it all. Maison Dupuy is ideally situated in the heart of the French Quarter. Make a reservation at Maison Dupuy today.