The Orchestra Today
Today, the Fort Wayne Philharmonic carries on its musical tradition with 480 orchestra and chamber ensemble performances are attended by more than 220,000 people. Since 1980 the orchestra has won five awards for adventuresome programming from ASCAP, the American Society of composers, Authors and Publishers. In addition, its Education Programs are created to inspire the love of classical music in people of all ages. The Fort Wayne Philharmonic Chorus, directed by Robert Nance, participates in several concerts each year.
The current season runs from September through May. Concerts are divided into several categories:
- Masterworks Series – devoted to major orchestral works, sometimes with instrumental and/or vocal soloists, usually at the Embassy Centre.
- Signature Series – devoted to works for chamber orchestra, sometimes with soloists drawn from orchestra principals, usually held at the Arts United Center, featuring narration by the conductor.
- Pops Concerts – devoted to light works, often featuring guest soloists and/or conductors, usually held at the Embassy Centre.
- Freimann Series – chamber music concerts featuring principal players of the Philharmonic, held in various venues.
In addition, the Philharmonic's chamber orchestra has performed a few concerts during the summer. Members of the orchestra have also participated in the "Summer Symphony", founded by Joseph M. Woods in 1956, who played with the Philharmonic from 1948-1950. Concerts have taken place at the Foellinger Theatre in Franke Park, now led by principal trombonist David Cooke.
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