Josh Garrick: Culture for Your Calendar

Now – Dr. Phillips Center named to ‘50 Best Places in the South Now’

When Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer took his unprecedented fifth oath of office and talked about how we can all work together to “make Orlando proud,” he did not know that within a few days, our brand new Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts would be recognized in Southern Living Magazine’s celebratory 50th issue as No. 10 of the “Best Places in the South Now.” That’s number 10 in the whole Southern United States! We are literally bursting with “Orlando Proud,” as we thank Southern Living Magazine for acknowledging what we all know; the Dr. Phillips Center brings greatness to our community with every performance they present. Here is what they said: “10. It’s Showtime in Orlando: Orlando’s new Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, a hub for performance, community outreach, and arts education, completed the first phase of a $514 million project in November 2014. Visit drphillipscenter.org or southernliving.com/travel/best-things-to-do-in-south

Current – Winter Park High Orchestra honored by Orlando Philharmonic

Last week the Orlando Philharmonic announced the winner of the first annual Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra High School Orchestra of Distinction program. High school orchestras from Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties were invited to submit their top orchestras in recorded auditions to be judged by orchestra experts. Judges attended concerts performed at each of the semi-finalist schools with Winter Park High School, directed by Laurie Bitters, named as the first High School Orchestra of Distinction. “This young Orchestra is superb; the students play way beyond their years,” said Dr. Mary Palmer, UCF Professor Emerita and Education Chair of the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra.

Current – Opera Orlando – New name and new administrators

Building on that pride, Opera in Central Florida is due for a major lift. Since 2009, Florida Opera Theatre has offered performances – including the first opera to be presented in our new Performing Arts Center. At a press conference on Jan. 27, the company officially changed its name to Opera Orlando and presented dynamic new leadership including baritone Gabriel Preisser as executive/artistic director, and Vince Connor as general director. Preisser, a native of Orlando, earned degrees from Florida State University and the University of Houston. Connor, a native Floridian, also studied voice at FSU and earned his master's degree from the University of Arizona. Their first production will be a double-bill of Mozart’s “The Impresario” and Poulenc’s “Les Mamelles de Tiresias” set for April 22, 23 and 24 at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. Visit operaorlando.org

Now through May 1 – ‘The Wizard of Oz’ at the Orlando Science Center

“The Wizard of Oz” Educational Exhibit is a journey of discovery at the Orlando Science Center. Guests travel from the farm to the land of Oz to explore Munchkinland, the Witch’s Castle and the Emerald City before heading back home. Create a tornado in Dorothy’s bedroom, explore Munchkin houses, and enter the Emerald City to create a “Horse of a Different Color.” Climb the mountain to the castle of the Wicked Witch to capture her broom and finally, click your heels three times remembering, “There’s no place like home.” Call 407-514-2000 or visit osc.org

Now to Feb. 6 – Tables Extraordinaire Expo and Gala Event 2016

Creative hosts and hostesses, brides-to-be, and those who simply want to get lost in a little luxury need to visit Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Maitland to tour 30 tablescapes of amazing creativity. The tablescapes are on display from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Feb. 4 and 5. Then, after touring the tables, visit the Mediterranean Café for real, hand-made-by-mama Greek food. Admission is $15 per person. The event culminates on the evening of Feb. 6 with a gala and silent auction beginning at 6 p.m. with Gala tickets at $150 per person. The Church is at 1217 Trinity Woods Lane in Maitland. Highly recommended. Call 407-774-2744 or visit facebook.com/tablesextraordinaire

Feb. 4 to April 2 – The 10th annual Central Florida Watercolor Society Exhibition

Founded in 1998, the CFWS is proud of its heritage of being open to anyone interested in watercolor, regardless of expertise. The organization’s 10th annual Members Exhibit will be held at the SoBo Gallery in Winter Garden, featuring recent works by CFWS members. The opening on Feb. 4 at 5:30 p.m. includes an awards ceremony, and is free and open to the public. Visit centralfloridawatercolor.org

Feb. 5 to March 22 – Donna Dowless + Amber Higgins = HeArt & Soul

The Grand Bohemian Gallery, in the hotel of the same name, will present the 12th annual “HeArt & Soul” exhibition featuring contemporary artist Donna Dowless’s mixed media works and Canadian artist Amber Higgins’ stellar glass jewelry designs. Each year thousands of fans acknowledge the coming of Valentine’s Day with Orlando’s Ambassador of Love – Donna Dowless — and her partner artist to celebrate the art of love. This year’s opening is on Feb. 5 from 6 to 9 p.m. The Gallery is at 325 S. Orange Ave. in Orlando. Call 407-581-4801 or visit heartartist.com

Feb. 5 to 7 – Orlando Ballet: ‘The Firebird’ & ‘To Familiar Spaces In Dream’

A prince, a princess, and a demon ruler create the enchantment, romance and mystery of “The Firebird,” danced to Igor Stravinsky’s classic score and based on the Russian legend of an exotic bird’s magical feathers. This production, with fresh choreography by Robert Hill, will be presented by the Orlando Ballet in three performances from Feb. 5 to 7. The program will also include “To Familiar Spaces In Dream” by Jessica Lang, danced to music by Philip Glass, John Cage, and Craig Armstrong. Call 844-513-2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

Feb. 6 to March 25 – Harold Garde at the Henao Center

Harold Garde is a living legend, a brilliant working artist who paints every day, with an extraordinary career that spans over 70 years. Graduating from Columbia University in 1951, Garde was immersed in the New York art world as Abstract Expressionism brought the world’s attention to NYC. Now, direct from his retrospective at the Orlando Museum of Art, the Henao Center presents “Harold Garde: The Last of the Game Changers” with all works for sale. An opening – public invited – will be held on Feb. 6 beginning at 7 p.m. at the Henao Center on Edgewater Drive in Orlando. Call 407-272-0317 or visit henaocenter.com

Feb. 6 – The Festival Singers to perform at Winter Park Presbyterian

In a concert titled “Awakening,” the Festival Singers will present a free choral concert featuring music by American composers including works by Richard Bjella, Jake Runestad, Ryan Murphy, Joseph Martin, Stephen Paulus, and Stacey Gibb. Dr. Kevin Fenton of Florida State University directs the Festival Singers, made up primarily of music educators. Winter Park Presbyterian is located at 400 S. Lakemont Ave. in Winter Park, and the show will begin at 7:30 p.m. Admission is free, and donations will be accepted. Visit fsof.org

Feb. 8 – An evening with 2CELLOS

The two young Croatian heartthrob cellists, Luka Sulic and Stjepan Hauser, known as 2CELLOS, have achieved international success by taking the cello to a new level with their incredible talent and passion. They have broken down the boundaries between classical and film music to pop and rock, and are equally impressive whether playing Bach and Vivaldi or rocking out to AC/DC and Iron Maiden. Up-price VIP packages are available for those who wish to meet-and-greet the two performers. The show is Feb. 8 at 8 p.m. Call 844-513-2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

Feb. 9 and 10 – Shen Yun at the Dr. Phillips Center

Shen Yun is traditional Chinese culture as it was meant to be experienced. Capturing the spirit of ancient China, the show moves seamlessly from one story, region, and dynasty to the next. Dozens of dancers fly across the stage in an array of flips, spins, jumps, and aerials, leading audiences on a journey from ancient legends to contemporary tales of courage. Amazing backdrops and costumes transport audiences to this distant land as the orchestra, combining Western and Chinese instruments, adds to the excitement. In two performances a the Dr. Phillips Center, call 844-513-2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

Feb. 10 to March 27 – Shakespeare’s ‘The Tempest’

Orlando’s brilliant Shakespeare Theater begins its annual repertory season with Shakespeare’s final and much-loved play, “The Tempest.” Prospero, the Duke of Milan, finds himself stranded on a remote island in this mystical play that defies expectations as it weaves its tale of love and monsters, love and spirits, and love and mercy. Arrive early and 30 minutes before each performance an Orlando Shakes actor will lead the audience through a discussion of the plot and themes of the production, which makes the experience that much more enjoyable. Call 407-447-1700 or visit orlandoshakes.org

Feb. 13 – Dr. Phillips Center presents Yanni

A legendary composer and performer, Yanni has brought millions of people together through his albums and live concerts. Over 2 billion more have experienced the magic of his music through television in Yanni’s unforgettable performances at the Acropolis in Greece, the Taj Mahal in India, the Forbidden City in China, and El Morro in Puerto Rico. The Greek "modern day composer" creates amazingly pure melodies as witnessed by more than 40 platinum and gold albums worldwide. Join Yanni live at the Dr. Phillips Center in Orlando. Call 844-513-2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

Feb. 13 – Orlando Philharmonic’s ‘Barber to Bolero’ at the Bob Carr

Join the Boston Symphony Orchestra’s Associate Conductor Marcelo Lehninger and pianist Stewart Goodyear as they take the Orlando Philharmonic for an adventurous ride, with twists and turns, raucous jazz rhythms, and a charming detour, culminating in a triumphant crescendo. They will perform Barber’s “Overture to The School for Scandal,” Gershwin’s Concerto in F, Stravinsky’s “Pulcinella Suite,” and Ravel’s “Bolero” as part of the Orlando Philharmonic’s Classics Series at the Bob Carr. Call 407-770-0071 or visit orlandophil.org

Feb. 14 – St. Valentine’s Day – A friendly reminder

This is, for the most part, a note to the guys who read my column. Of the two or three dates in the year you want to remember, this is one of them … tickets to the theater or a live concert could make you a Valentine’s Day hero.