Vincent C. LaGuardia, Jr. Music Director/Conductor
About the Arapahoe Philharmonic
Founded in 1954 by the late conductor T. Gordon Parks, the Arapahoe Philharmonic
is amongst the most long-established of Colorado's musical resources, presenting concerts nearly every month throughout
a fall/winter/spring performance season. Current music director Vincent C. LaGuardia, Jr. has led the ensemble
since 1993. Most of the orchestra's musicians are volunteers, playing for the love of music, though there is a
core professional staff to provide performance leadership and ensure the excellence of the product. Repertoire
includes the greatest names of classical music, ranging through centuries of master composers, yet not neglecting
those of more recent times. In fact, when resources allow, the Philharmonic commissions current composers to write
new music for the orchestra. Our geographic base (currently performing at South Suburban Christian Church on South
Broadway in Littleton) allows music lovers to experience high quality performances without the drudgery and expense
of a drive downtown.
In addition to the main orchestra's performances, the Philharmonic also gives attention to the next generation,
presenting annual children's concerts and sponsoring the Arapahoe Philharmonic Youth Orchestra, giving professional
level experience to some of the finest middle and high school age player in the Denver Metro area. They may not
all go on to professional careers, but having a chance to work together toward the goal of a concert is important
to intellectual and emotional development. With many school districts cutting back on music programs, the Youth
Orchestra offers something that some youth would have no other means of experiencing. Along with the Youth Orchestra's
own performances, there is also the annual T. Gordon Parks Memorial Collegiate Competition for college age musicians,
the winner of which will have the excitement of standing in the spotlight in front of the main orchestra and performing
a concerto as the star of the evening.
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From the Conductor
It is with great pleasure and excitement that I welcome you to the Arapahoe
Philharmonic's 2007-2008 season, our 54th. My fourteen years as Music Director of this wonderful orchestra have
been some of the most enjoyable and satisfying of my forty-three year conducting career.
Our musicians are among the most dedicated, talented and enthusiastic that I have met anywhere. They are more than
musicians, they are a musical family. Each volunteers precious time, effort and financial support to insure the
orchestra's musical and organizational success. But more than that, all are team players who support each other
in both their musical and daily lives and who share a genuine love of making music together.
This Board of Directors generously commits valuable time, expertise and substantial financial support so that the
organization can meet the high expectations of both the orchestra members and our audience. Their leadership has
enabled the Arapahoe Philharmonic to consistently accomplish its mission to provide high quality performances to
the community at reasonable prices.
The orchestra's support staff is as professional and efficient as you will find anywhere in the arts community.
Like the orchestra and board members, their time, effort and commitment goes far beyond the "call of duty".
Our staff can best be described by two words, "CAN DO" - and they do it every day!
Many volunteers add to the Arapahoe Philharmonic family tree, without them there would be no ushers for concerts,
coffee and treats at intermission, special events like the Valentine's Day Dinner/Dance, the Silent Auction, Arapahoe
Philharmonic Youth Orchestras, Children's Concerts and any number of other fundraising and support activities.
Yes, the Arapahoe Philharmonic orchestra members are remarkably diverse, talented and truly dedicated people. But
you, the audience, are the essential element that ties us to the community fabric. Your attendance at concerts,
your volunteer support and financila support has sustained this institution for more than a half century and we
truly appreciate and need you. I would like to extend an invitation to you to each of you to get personally involved
in some of our many opportunities to participate with and feel the pride and satisfaction that comes with belonging
to the "Arapahoe Philharmonic Family".
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"If I were not a physicist, I would probably be a musician. I often think in music. I live my daydreams in
music. I see my life in terms of music. ... I get most joy in life out of music."
~ Albert Einstein
"Without music life would be a mistake "
~Friedrich Nietzsche
"Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind,
flight to the imagination, and life to everything."
~ Plato
"Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and
that which cannot remain silent. "
~Victor Hugo
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