Whoever coined the phrase, “The lazy days of summer” certainly wasn’t talking about the newly renamed Traverse City Philharmonic, or as we say to our friends, the TC Phil!
While some activities wind down for the summer months, the TC Phil is winding up for one of the busiest periods in our organization’s history! Construction of our new facility is well underway at what is now being called the CLEAR Center, formerly the Kmart building at the Cherryland Center. Our space will be called the Traverse City Philharmonic Center, which will house our offices, rehearsal hall/performance venue, and perhaps most importantly, our new Community Music School.
Amidst all of that work, we have a super exciting three-concert summer season planned at the Civic Center Amphitheater focusing on an eclectic mix of music for film. Since this summer will not see the popular TC Film Festival taking place, we are going to try and fill that void by staging a sort of “film music festival.”
Our three concerts are on successive Thursdays running July 11, 18, and 25 at 7:30 p.m. at the Civic Center Amphitheater.
Things get going on July 11 with our Jazz Orchestra and regular singers, Lynne Church, Kate Botello, Jane Rhodes, and a special guest performing with us for the very first time, Rick Stewart. Rick is known regionally for his Frank Sinatra stylings, so you can count on some movie tunes from “Old Blue Eyes.” Jane, Lynne, and Kate will be doing a wide range of numbers including music from the James Bond films, “Mama Mia,” “The Graduate,” and “9 to 5,” while the band will give fans of retro some hits from the disco era, the swing era, and much more.
July 18 we present a mashup of historical proportions when we put music from two costume/period dramas on the bill. Music featured in the hit series, “Bridgerton” will blend worlds with music from one of the greatest geniuses to ever live, Mozart, and music featured in the still popular cinematic milestone, “Amadeus.” I will be at the piano and joined by a string quartet, for some chamber music by Mozart and we include two marvelous singers from the summertime Interlochen faculty, soprano Autumn West and baritone André Chiang. Music from the wonderful world of Mozart’s operas will ring out in the park with excerpts from The Magic Flute, Marriage of Figaro, and Don Giovanni. We’ll also be playing some classical music featured on “Bridgerton” from Schubert and Beethoven as well as some of those fun classical versions of modern pop songs.
July 25 sees the full TC Philharmonic take the stage with a concert that promises fun for the whole family with great music from Fantasy and Sci-Fi films. Listeners can count on some of that great John Williams music featured in his incredible Star Wars collaborations with George Lucas as well as music from Lord of the Rings, Pirates of the Caribbean, Dune, Disney favorites, and much more. Have the kids (and parents) break out the lightsabers, magic wands, capes, and whatever costume they want for a memorable night of fun, music, and magic in the park!
Additionally, we kick off the whole month of music by participating in Cherry Fest and giving a free community concert on July 4th of patriotic tunes at Rotary Square, at the corner of State and Union! Stay tuned for more info.
And last, but not least in our jam-packed July, we have our summer fundraiser July 8, “Fun Fiesta with the Phil!” This will be an exciting evening of south-of-the-border music with a 20-piece live band, live auction and silent auction, and great food and drink–like going to the old Hollywood Copacabana!
Summer tickets are available for both general admission and reserved seats online, $25-$45. Students are $10 off, children 12 and under are free. Online ordering for the 2024-25 Season begins June 1! Get tickets and more info for all of our upcoming events at TCPhil.org, or call 231-947-7120.