The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra

Select dates Sept.-Nov. 2025

The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra is in trouble! The evil, anti-musical mastermind, Dr. Monotone wants to take over the world and put an end to music forever with his new weapon: The Monotonizer 3000. This powerful device is capable of transforming all the musical notes that ever existed into one, singular, ear-piercing, terrible- sounding honk. What would our world be with one note, one instrument, one culture, one language?

Our narrator, a brand new spy on her very first mission under Maestro Enterprises, Inc., has T-minus 45 minutes to travel the world in search of Dr. Monotone’s secret lair. Grab your high tech gadgets and spy gear as we explore cultures and countries for clues. Only with the audience’s imaginations, problem-solving skills, and musical insight will we be able to prevent the end of diversity in music as we know it!

Narrated by Lizzy Allen

Written and Illustrated by Candace Neal

Repertoire slected by Chris Confessore

Soprano: Alexandra Kzeski 

Baritone: Logan Tarwater

Featuring dancers from the Orlando Ballet

Alabama Symphony Orchestra

Oct 1. and 2 | 10:00AM

Alys Robinson Stephens Center in Birmingham, AL

The Alabama Symphony Orchestra and Maestro Chris Confessore invite your students in grades 3–6 on a whimsical, educational adventure in this interactive concert experience! Set in a lively library-themed world where music and language collide, this imaginative program is designed to engage elementary students through storytelling and symphonic sound.

Commissioned by the Alabama Symphony Orchestra and written by Candace Neal Pappas, celebrate the WORLD PREMIERE of Treble in the Library—where Lexi the Librarian and her Junior Librarians discover that with the power of words and the magic of music, even the most cursed library can come back to life! ASO is excited to welcome Candace to Birmingham stages for a third time. Don’t miss out!

Host, Candace Neal

Conductor, Chris Confessore

The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra

Oct. 11, 2025 | 10:00 and 11:30AM

Oct. 12, 2025 | 10:00 and 11:30AM

The Plaza Live

This instrument is just right! A musical retelling of a beloved family classic, The Goldilocks Quartet tells the story of a budding musician finding the perfect match for her musical talents, all before the bears return home. Join the OPO’s String Quartet as they tell this story of exploration, discovery, and the universal language of music. The Goldilocks Quartet is a children’s book written by Dr. Leia Barrett and illustrated by Candace Neal. In this special performance, Dr. Barrett will be narrating the book and have books available to purchase! Meet the author, hear the story, and experience the music together.

Narrated by Author, Dr. Leia Barrett

Charlotte Symphony Orchestra

Oct 18, 2025 | 11:00AM

The Knight Theatre in Charlotte, NC

Prokofiev's timeless musical tale brings storytelling to life as each character -- Peter, his animal friends, and the cunning wolf -- is represented by a different instrument in the orchestra. With lively narration and colorful orchestration, this beloved classic is the perfect way to introduce young audiences to the magic of music. All original illustrations are handdrawn by Candace Neal.

Program

MOZART The Marriage of Figaro Overture

MICHAEL DJUPSTROM The Seahorse and the Crab

JOHN WILLIAMS Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone Suite, I. Hedwig's Theme

PROKOFIEV Peter and the Wolf

Artists

Christopher James Lees, conductor

Candace Neal, narrator

Alabama Symphony Orchestra

Wed, Oct 29th, 2025 at 2:00 pm EDT

Thu, Oct 30th, 2025 at 10:30 am EDT

Thu, Oct 30th, 2025 at 12:00 pm EDT

Thompson High School Performing Arts Center

The Alabama Symphony Orchestra and Maestro Chris Confessore invite your students in grades 3–6 on a whimsical, educational adventure in this interactive concert experience! Set in a lively library-themed world where music and language collide, this imaginative program is designed to engage elementary students through storytelling and symphonic sound.

Commissioned by the Alabama Symphony Orchestra and written by Candace Neal Pappas, celebrate the WORLD PREMIERE of Treble in the Library—where Lexi the Librarian and her Junior Librarians discover that with the power of words and the magic of music, even the most cursed library can come back to life! ASO is excited to welcome Candace to Birmingham stages for a third time. Don’t miss out!

Host, Candace Neal

Conductor, Chris Confessore

The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra

Dec. 6, 2025 | 10:00 and 11:30AM

Dec. 7, 2025 | 10:00 and 11:30AM

The Plaza Live

Nine flying Reindeer? Five shiny instruments? One incredible show! Join our Merry Mathematician as they lead us through a musical journey around the holidays during our favorite season, and learn about art, culture, and the power of cooperation along the way. Countdown with the OPO’s Brass Quintet and Percussion to Holiday Harmonies!

Written and Illustrated by Candace Neal

Narrated by a fabulous local host in Orlando, Fl!

Brevard Symphony Orchestra

Tue, Feb 3rd, 2026 at 10:30 am EST

Tue, Feb 3rd, 2026 at 12:00 pm EST

Wed, Feb 4th, 2026 at 10:30 am EST

Wed, Feb 4th, 2026 at 12:00 pm EST

King Center for the Performing Arts

Candace Neal - host

Eliza Healy - mezzo-soprano

Sean Stork - baritone

The Brevard Symphony Orchestra and Maestro Chris Confessore join Dr. Susie Sonata in this engaging, full STEAM ahead Great Orchestra Experiment! This interactive concert is sure to engage all the senses as students experience the orchestra through the lens of science, technology, engineering, and math! Written by Candace Neal Pappas, come celebrate “The Great Orchestra Experiment- Where Science Meets the Symphony!”

The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra

Mar. 21, 2026 | 10:00 and 11:30AM

Mar. 22, 2026 | 10:00 and 11:30AM

The Plaza Live

Put on your red capes! A story about responsibility, second chances, and really great snacks, Little Red Riding Hood is the adventure of a lifetime. Featuring our friends from the OPO’s woodwind quintet and piano, join us on the exciting journey through the deep woods to grandmother’s house we go!

Written by Paul Patterson

Illustrated by Candace Neal

Narrated by a fabulous local host in Orlando, Fl!

The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra

May 16, 2026 | 10:00 and 11:30AM

May 17, 2026 | 10:00 and 11:30AM

The Plaza Live

Based on a traditional African folk tale, A Treeful of Monkeys tells us the story about a hat seller who takes a nap under a tree, only to wake up and discover that monkeys have stolen all of his hats! Can our Mixed Ensemble get his hats back? Can our Hat Seller learn about generosity and being careful? Only one way to find out!

Written by Daniel Dorff

Illustrated by Candace Neal

Narrated by a fabulous local host in Orlando, Fl!