Orlando Philharmonic offers odes to life in concert thriller | Review
In a triumphant night of life-affirming music, the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra played the world premiere of one symphony and a rousing rendition of another, one of the world’s best-known and best-loved pieces of music.
Beethoven’s famed 9th symphony, with its “Ode to Joy,” was the headliner of the program, in Steinmetz Hall at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. But the concert opened with the premiere of James Lee III’s Symphony No. 2, “Resolute Souls.”
The composer was in attendance, and in remarks from the stage explained that the work represents the “indomitable human spirit,” particularly in our determination to remove life’s obstacles. I think I would have understood that just by listening to Lee’s music, which opens with pleasing tension as the melody lines attempt to reach upward.
In the second movement, those obstacles really make themselves known, particularly through Carl Rendek’s booming timpani and other percussive instruments, before the third movement provides a soothing, restful oasis in the storms of life’s journey. Flute and trumpet lend their voices to this hopeful moment of respite throughout the movement Lee confessed was his favorite.
Finally, in the concluding movement - titled “Rising Joy” - we once again hear the themes from the start. But in this case, they sound clearer, more certain. It felt as if the music was saying life is always playing the same music - but as we gain experience along the journey, we hear the notes differently.
Joy, of course, is also the culminating factor in Beethoven’s great work, which premiered in 1824. But, as in life, it takes work to get there.
Under the baton of Philharmonic music director Eric Jacobsen, the first movement announced itself confidently with a pleasing precision to the turmoil unleashed. That precision carried into the second movement, with its distinctive rests carefully but never mechanically conducted by Jacobsen.
“Wow,” a woman seated somewhere behind me softly - and understandably - breathed at movement’s end.
The enticing texture of the adagio came through loud and clear with the pizzicato playing in the strings, all leading to the crashes of the finale, which saw the orchestra joined by a quartet of soloists and the singers of the University of Central Florida University Choir, prepared by their conductor, Jeffery Redding.
Itzhak Perlman headlines Orlando Philharmonic 2026-27 season
The singers were as precise as the players, and they made as strong an emotional impact. The forte entrance on the final “Ode to Joy” chorus? Breathtaking.
And speaking of joy, here’s something to be very happy about. Before the music started, there was a special presentation by the Friends of the Orlando Philharmonic, the volunteer-led nonprofit that supports the orchestra. The group presented the Phil with a $50,000 donation - to help the radiant music play on.
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What’s ahead
• Pops Series: The Orlando Philharmonic presents “Cirque Musica: Heroes and Villains,” featuring familiar orchestral themes accompanying circus-arts performers. 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. May 23 at Steinmetz Hall.
• Classics Series: The Orlando Philharmonic’s season finale features a performance of Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov’s “Scheherazade,” along with the world premiere of Jessica Meyer’s “Turbulent Flames” and Manuel de Falla’s “Nights in the Garden of Spain.” Earl Lee conducts the program, at 7:30 p.m. June 6 and 2:30 p.m. June 7 in Steinmetz Hall.
• More info:orlandophil.org
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This story was originally published May 10, 2026 at 5:14 AM.