Oklahoma City Philharmonic

The Oklahoma City Philharmonic, known colloquially as OKCPHIL, is a prestigious American orchestra based in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Founded in 1988, the Philharmonic has become a central figure in the city's cultural landscape, providing inspiration and joy through orchestral music for over three decades. Under the baton of its current music director, Alexander Mickelthwate, the Oklahoma City Philharmonic offers a rich array of musical performances, including a Classics series, orchestral Pops concerts, and Discovery Family series, designed to engage audiences of all ages. The Philharmonic also extends its reach through various community engagements and educational programs, impacting over 35,000 individuals annually. The mission of the Oklahoma Philharmonic Society, Inc., the governing body of the OKCPHIL, is to inspire and bring joy to the community through the power of orchestral music. The organization's vision is to enrich lives, enhance the cultural offerings of the community, educate future generations on the value of music, and serve as a leader in positive community growth. The Philharmonic upholds core values such as excellence, integrity, tradition, creativity, innovation, diversity, collaboration, education, gratitude, enjoyment, inclusivity, and sustainability. The history of professional orchestral music in Oklahoma City dates back to 1924 with the city's first professional orchestra. The current Oklahoma City Philharmonic was formed in 1988 with Joel Levine as the founding music director, thanks to the efforts of dedicated civic leaders and corporations. Levine served until 2018, when Mickelthwate took over the musical leadership. Throughout its storied history, the Philharmonic has collaborated with numerous renowned guest artists, including Itzhak Perlman, Amy Grant, Yo Yo Ma, Joshua Bell, Tony Bennett, and Kristin Chenoweth, among others. The orchestra has also made significant appearances on national television, such as PBS's "Sagebrush Symphony" and CBS's Christmas special "Just in Time for Christmas" with Kathie Lee Gifford. A landmark moment for the Philharmonic was the opening of its 2001 season in the newly renovated Civic Center Music Hall, which underwent a $52.2 million renovation as part of the Metropolitan Area Projects (MAPS). The Thelma Gaylord Performing Arts Theatre within the Civic Center Music Hall boasts state-of-the-art acoustics and can be transformed to accommodate both concert and Broadway theatre productions. The Oklahoma City Philharmonic's commitment to music education is evident in its numerous school and university programs, as well as initiatives for adults. These educational efforts ensure the orchestra's role in nurturing the next generation of musicians and music lovers. The Oklahoma City Philharmonic continues to honor its past while looking towards the future, celebrating the contributions of its music directors and the ongoing support of its community. With a dedicated staff, board of directors, and the OKC Orchestra League, the Philharmonic is poised to continue its tradition of excellence and service to the Oklahoma City community.