The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts to Mark Historic Completion in January 2022
Never-been-done-before collaborations to showcase Steinmetz Hall pair London’s Royal Philharmonic Orchestra with the Royal Ballet, Jennifer Hudson, Leon Bridges, Lyle Lovett, the Bach Festival Choir and the world premiere of Duke Ellington's Brown, Black and Beige & Sacred Music featuring Bethune-Cookman University Concert Chorale and The Jazz Orchestra at Dr. Phillips Center
ORLANDO, Florida (November 3, 2021) – Following a 19-year journey, the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts today announced the biggest names in music and dance will share the stage for the celebration of the arts center's highly anticipated completion with the debut of Steinmetz Hall, an acoustically perfect concert hall in January 2022, and Judson's, a cabaret-style space in May 2022.
“We set out to build one of the greatest performing arts centers in the world—one that could transform our region and serve as a model for the future, and I think we did exactly that,” said Jim Pugh, Chairman of the Board at the Dr. Phillips Center. “Opening Steinmetz Hall and Judson’s completes the building as it was originally designed when we first started this project some 20 years ago. This is a place that will inspire Orlando for generations to come.”
“This has been one of the most ambitious performing arts development projects of the 21st century,” said Kathy Ramsberger, President and CEO of the Dr. Phillips Center. “Our approach all along was to redefine the role, and the perception, of a modern performing arts center—so we placed it in the heart of Orlando, surrounded by the true culture of our city—where Arts For Every Life® would always have a home.”
“Our collective vision for this building and its purpose was achieved thanks to the perseverance of our board, partners, donors, colleagues and the entire community,” Ramsberger added. “Since opening phase one in 2014, more than 2.4 million people have joined us for 2,400 performances, and more than 14,000 donors helped make this vision a reality. Seeing it all come to life now...It’s an incredible moment, both for the community that built it, and for the entire world to now be able to enjoy it.”
On Friday, January 14, the Grand Celebration will kick off with two weeks of events, including:
- Ceremonial ribbon-cutting and open house*
Date: Jan. 14
The entire community is invited to tour the building, including Steinmetz Hall, and enjoy a day of live music and entertainment inside the arts center. - Rise & Shine - Orlando’s best on the world stage of Steinmetz Hall
Date: Jan. 14 and 16
The opening weekend will feature ‘Rise & Shine', a two-day celebration bringing more than 250 of Orlando’s best on the world stage of Steinmetz Hall for unique performances that embody the spirit of Orlando. - One-of-a-kind collaborations pair The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra with different popular artists
Date: From Jan. 19 to Jan. 26
Celebrating 75 years as one of the world’s greatest orchestras, London’s Royal Philharmonic Orchestra will showcase the acoustic depth and flexibility of Steinmetz Hall globally with one-of-a-kind collaborations with popular artists across different genres during a 10-day residency in Orlando—their first at a performing arts center in the U.S.
The performances include a never-been-done-before collaboration with The Royal Ballet and shows with Grammy-winning singer Jennifer Hudson and soul and R&B singer Leon Bridges, who are debuting new charts for the occasion, country artists Lyle Lovett, who will pay homage to the U.S. with his performance, and the Bach Festival Choir for a classical performance of Beethoven's Symphony No. 9.
The group will end its Orlando residency by joining the world premiere of Duke Ellington's Black, Brown and Beige & Sacred Music, featuring The Jazz Orchestra at Dr. Phillips Center and the Bethune-Cookman University Concert Chorale.
About Steinmetz Hall
Named after philanthropists Chuck and Margery Pabst Steinmetz, Steinmetz Hall is the third theater that completes the original design. It will be one of the world's most acoustically perfect spaces designed to reach the lowest levels at which humans can detect sound in a modern building. The multi-form venue is also one of the very few theaters in the world that can transform in shape, seating and sound to accommodate a variety of art forms and events.
"When guests come to the arts center 100 years from now, we want them to say there must have been some people involved that were very devoted to the community because this is what they created—and that is what we are most proud of," said Chuck and Margery Pabst Steinmetz, Vice Chairman of the Dr. Phillips Center Board.
About the Judson’s Green Room
Named after Joyce and Judson Green, Judson's is a dynamic, cabaret-style space where guests can enjoy intimate performances and events. Construction on the space, formally known as the Green Room, began in late-September 2021and is expected to open in May 2022.
"This marks the start of a new chapter. We know the arts center is going to bring joy to a lot of people, and we are thankful for everyone involved who made our dream a reality," said Joyce, widow of the late Judson Green and Board Member of the Dr. Phillips Center.
What’s next:
Following the Grand Celebration of Steinmetz Hall, the Dr. Phillips Center will continue its 2021/2022 season of celebration by welcoming more compelling content and programming in the building for guests, including shows in the comedy, film & family, jazz, classical, dance, country, education, Broadway and commercial series. More information will be distributed in the coming weeks.
"Despite many challenges caused by the pandemic, the arts are thriving in our community. Orlando's arts scene continues to grow and will be elevated to new heights in 2022 when Steinmetz Hall opens, and the vision for the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts becomes a reality," said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer. "The arts help connect us as a community and enrich our lives. We should all be proud of how the arts are alive in Orlando," said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer.
"Enhancing our culture is a great way to invest in our community," said Orange County Major Jerry Demings. "The performing arts center will contribute significantly to our economy and quality of life."
Visit drphillipscenter.org/grandcelebration for more information, including dates/times and on-sale information.
About Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts is a private, not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization operating the state-of-the-art performing arts center in downtown Orlando. Located on the north side of the 698,312-square-foot facility across from Orlando City Hall, the new Steinmetz Hall and Joyce and Judson Green Room are joined by the 2,711-seat Walt Disney Theater, an amplified theater and the art center’s largest performance space used for traveling Broadway shows, concerts and events; the 300-seat Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater, an intimate, community theater ideal for plays, music and education; the 3-acre front lawn, including Seneff Arts Plaza, that served as a safe space for the community to gather during the pandemic thanks to the innovative outdoor Frontyard Festival™, supported by AdventHealth; as well as the AdventHealth School of Arts, and DeVos Family Room, a popular space for large events, including weddings, conferences and corporate meetings. Dr. Phillips Center collaborates with the City of Orlando, Orange County, the City of Winter Park, the State of Florida and generous donors.