A noted violinist and New York dance company are set for performances in Central Florida this months.
A notable friend of Opera Orlando is helping the arts group kick off its new season. Violinist and violist Matitiahu Braun, who played with the New York Philharmonic for nearly 40 years, will headline a free concert Sunday at Park Lake Presbyterian Church in Orlando.
Braun will be joined by pianist Holly Small, who has worked with Orlando Opera and the Messiah Choral Society.
“I’ve never stopped playing, loving or teaching the violin,” Braun says. “Only now, I get to choose where and when I pick up the bow.”
Born in Israel, Braun came to the U.S. in 1962 to study at The Juilliard School in New York and won the Naumburg Prize for young classical-music performers. While at the New York Philharmonic, from 1969 to 2006, he also served as principal and solo violist for the Dallas Symphony in the 1970s.
Braun moved to Central Florida in 2006, after retiring from the Philharmonic.
Sunday’s program will feature soprano Elizabeth Ingram and baritone Chevalier Lovett and include music by Vivaldi, Mozart, Kreisler, Puccini and Jean Alard.
“Opera Orlando has a program I’ve admired, so the chance to make a contribution to what they are up to pleases me greatly,” Braun says.
Park Lake Presbyterian is at 309 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando. The concert is at 2 p.m. and is followed by a reception. For more information, go to operaorlando.org or call 407-512-1900.
Lehrer Dance performance
Lehrer Dance Company, based in Buffalo, will work with students at Dr. Phillips High School in southwest Orlando this month — and Central Florida dance fans of all ages have the chance to check out the troupe.
Dr. Phillips High is a visual and performing arts magnet school, and members of Lehrer Dance hold workshops and master classes with students. But the troupe’s residency ends with a public performance.
Founded in 2007 by Jon Lehrer, the company has toured Europe and Russia multiple times. The Russian performances were sponsored by the U.S. State Department. Lehrer’s choreography is inspired by jazz and modern techniques, and often incorporates humor.
The troupe’s hometown newspaper, the Buffalo News, has this to say: “Lehrer Dance has built its fan base through the sheer creativity of its work, the incredible athleticism of the dancers and irresistible vibe of a company that has figured out how to strike that elusive balance between art and entertainment.”
The Lehrer Dance performance will be at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 23 at the Dr. Phillips High School Performing Arts Center, 6500 Turkey Lake Road, Orlando. Tickets are $20. For more information, go to dpdancemagnet.ocps.net. mpalm@ orlandosentinel.com