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2023 - 2024 SeasoN

 
 
 

The Lexington Philharmonic proudly announces the 2023-2024 Season, a dynamic celebration of EPIC VOICES through vibrant performances that tell powerful stories.

EPIC highlights include the combined choral and orchestral forces for Carmina Burana, the cinematic writing of John Williams’ film scores, the awe-inspiring pairing of music and nature at Symphonic Stroll, Tchaikovsky’s triumphant Symphony No. 4, and the world premiere of a newly arranged orchestral work, Two Black Churches, by LexPhil’s 2023-2024 Saykaly Garbulinska Composer-in-Residence, Shawn E. Okpebholo. 

This season features the VOICES of living composers, through multiple commissions and premieres, collaborations with local talent from The Lexington Singers and the University of Kentucky, acclaimed soloists Will Liverman (baritone) and Mary Elizabeth Bowden (trumpet), and a tribute to the iconic Aretha Franklin. The 2023-2024 season is an epic adventure through the power, potential, and joy that music holds.

 

MUSIC DIRECTOR

 

Mélisse Brunet

LexPhil’s 2023-2024 Season is Mélisse Brunet’s
second season in her role as Music Director, and her first season programming the repertoire, collaborations and artists appearing this season.

“I am beyond thrilled to present for our community a season that fully lives up to the “epic” title. From some of the most loved stories of all time told through the music of John Williams, to the powerful works of our Composer-in-Residence Shawn E. Okpebholo, we can’t wait to take our audiences on this adventure through the power, potential, and joy that music holds. ”

MÉLISSE BRUNET

 

COMPOSER-IN-RESIDENCE

 

SHAWN E. OKPEBHOLO

Supported by:
SAYKALY GARBULINSKA
COMPOSER-IN-RESIDENCE FUND

The Lexington Philharmonic announces composer Shawn E. Okpebholo as the Saykaly Garbulinska Composer-in-Residence for the 2023-2024 Season.

This season, LexPhil is excited to reignite and reimagine the Saykaly Garbulinska Composer-in-Residence program through the appointment of Lexington-born composer Shawn E. Okpebholo. He is the sixth composer to be named LexPhil’s Composer-in-Residence. Shawn’s works will be performed on multiple programs throughout the season with a culminating performance of the LexPhil co-commissioned world premiere of a newly arranged orchestral work, Two Black Churches in May 2024.

 
 
 

 

2023-2024 SEASON EVENTS

 
 
 

2024/25 SEASON ANNOUNCEMENT

TUESDAY, MAY 7, 2024 | 6PM - 8PM

Epping’s on Eastside
National Room
264 Walton Avenue
Lexington, KY

Join LexPhil and Music Director Mélisse Brunet for an inside look at LexPhil’s upcoming 24/25 Season on Tuesday, May 7th! Your $50 ticket includes one drink and delicious appetizers from Epping’s on Eastside. Space is limited, buy your ticket now!

 
 
 

MAESTRA AT
THE KENTUCKY THEATRE

THURSDAY, MAY 9, 2024 | 7:15 PM

The Kentucky Theatre
214 East Main
Lexington, KY

Maestra, directed by Maggie Contreras, follows five internationally-based women including LexPhil Music Director Mélisse Brunet as they prepare for and perform in La Maestra, the only competition in the world for female orchestra conductors. Personal stories of survival, passion and perseverance are woven together with the drama and excitement of this one-of-a-kind event created to break yet another glass ceiling for women.

The Kentucky Theatre will give the one-night only Lexington premiere of Maestra on Thursday, May 9th at 7:15PM as part of their new Art on Screen series, featuring a Q&A with LexPhil Music Director Mélisse Brunet. Tickets on sale now!

 

EVENT PARTNER
Special thanks to Ballast for their support of Maestra at The Kentucky Theatre.

 
 
 
 

Tickets: $28 - $78
Youth (17 & under) and Students: $11

TWO BLACK CHURCHES:
OKpebholo world premiere

SATURDAY, MAY 18, 2024 | 7:30 PM

Singletary Center for the Arts
405 Rose St.
Lexington, KY 40508

Mary Watkins - Soul of Remembrance ^
Shawn E. Okpebholo - Two Black Churches for orchestra *#
Will Liverman, baritone
Camille Saint-Saëns - Symphony No. 3, “Organ Symphony”

* Lexington Philharmonic co-commission
^ Kentucky Premiere
# World Premiere

 

CONCERT PARTNERS
Special thanks to the Saykaly Garbulinska Composer-in-Residence Fund and VisitLEX
for their support of Two Black Churches: Okpebholo World Premiere.

 
 
 

LEARNING & PARTNERSHIP
PROGRAMS

 

Through collaborative music-making activities and events designed for people of all ages and types of musical abilities, LexPhil’s Learning and Partnership programs create space for learning, joy, and community building throughout Lexington and beyond. 

The 2023-2024 season will expand and build on programs launched in 2022-2023. Highlights include increasing the number of school residency partners, expanded opportunities for students to Meet, Play, and Learn with guest artists and LexPhil musicians, and continued partnerships with arts and civic partners to connect with our community.

We look forward to continuing to develop and offer programs that serve and engage central Kentucky in new and different ways as we strive to expand the role of the orchestra in our community.

Click the buttons below to learn more about LexPhil’s Learning Programs.