Doctor’s Orders

The Phillips family loved music. So they made sure that their wealth would nurture the arts just as it had their citrus groves. By Randy Noles From their grand Victorian home on Lake Lucerne in downtown Orlando, citrus magnate Dr. Philip Phillips—his friends called him “Doc”—and his golden-haired wife, Della, routinely hosted community musicales featuring […]

United Arts Awarded The Dr. Phillips Leadership Award

United Arts was awarded  The Dr. Phillips Leadership Award at the “Celebrating 150 Years of Dr. Phillips’ Legacy” gala held October 17, 2024, at the Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center. This award recognizes nonprofit organizations that demonstrate outstanding community leadership, financial stewardship, and sustainable, life-changing programs. The award comes with $150,000 As we celebrate 150 […]

Making Strides

John Sinclair

Arts Organizations Are Celebrating Milestones, Changing Executives and Planning Expansions. By Randy Noles At the risk of stating the obvious, it has been a busy year for local arts groups. Not only are most bouncing back to pre-pandemic levels of support and attendance, many are also celebrating anniversaries, welcoming new leaders and planning major moves. The downside: […]

Defiant Requiem

Verdi’s masterwork was life itself at Terezín. Now the world needs it again. By Catherine Hinman First performed in 1874, Giuseppe Verdi’s Requiem is today one of the most widely performed choral masterworks anywhere. The very aspect of this Catholic funeral mass that made it controversial among clergy in the latter part of the 19th […]

Spooky Nights

Looking for a ghoul time? Get your fear factor Fluttering with these haunted happenings. By G.K. Sharman Make no bones about it! Halloween has shocked and slashed its way to cultural celebratory superiority. Candy and costumes help. But events—those bonding experiences that we share with family, friends and perfect (or perfectly creepy) strangers—help make the […]

After the Fair

Tiffany’s chapel made a long, strange trip to Winter Park. By Randy Noles The 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago—also known as the Chicago World’s Fair—saw the debut of the Ferris wheel. Less over-the-top (but not by much) was a small jewel-box of a chapel interior designed by an artist named Louis Comfort Tiffany. The […]

Hundreds of Live Music Shows

Central Florida’s Fall Music Season 2024 is filled with Jazz and Classical music, alongside tributes to rock and pop stars. With over 100 shows spanning eight weeks from September through October, this season is set to showcase the region’s vibrant music scene.   Jazz and Classical: The Heart of the Season  The spotlight this season […]

Art Tours in Central Florida

Exploring Central Florida’s Vibrant Cultural Scene with Guided Tours  Discover the thriving local arts and culture scene.    Although Central Florida is mostly known for its theme parks, the region boasts an array of world-class arts destinations and talent that reflect its diverse community and rich history. United Arts of Central Florida, in partnership with […]

10 Arts & Culture Must Do’s in June

Central Florida is a vibrant hub of arts and culture, offering a myriad of destinations and events. This month immerse yourself in the creativity that our region has to offer. Here are ten must-experience arts and culture events spread throughout Central Florida, including Loch Haven, Downtown Orlando, SODO, Maitland and Winter Park. 1. The Florida […]