Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra Awards John O. Blackburn Distinguished Service Award For the Second Time Ever
Who is John O. Blackburn?
John O. Blackburn, who held a doctorate in economics, spent the majority of his career as professor of economics at Duke University, later serving as provost and then as chancellor. He then brought his financial principles to the Philharmonic. Using the solid foundation of fiscal prudence established by Blackburn, the orchestra has remained in the black every year for its entire 19-year existence.
About The Blackburn Distinguished Service Award
The Blackburn Distinguished Service Award was created in remembrance of volunteer finance director and treasurer John O. Blackburn, who served the orchestra from 1993 until 2006. The award is not presented annually, but be presented on the occasion that the board deems someone is deserving of the honor. The recipient of the John O. Blackburn Distinguished Service Award must exemplify the following criteria, all of which Blackburn demonstrated: 1) a passion for orchestral music; 2) longevity of service; 3) commitment to financial stewardship; 4) a legacy of endowment building. This is the second time the award has been given. The award was presented for the first time in 2011, to Board member and community volunteer Carol Stanley Fenner.
Lynn and Charles Steinmetz
Charles and his late wife, Lynn, who passed away on October 1, were well known for their support of the orchestra and of the Central Florida arts community. Steinmetz and his granddaughter, Kayla, will accept the award at the Philharmonic’s November 17 concert.
For over 40 years together, Lynn and Chuck passionately supported many deserving non-profits in the Central Florida region. But it was Lynn's commitment to the Orlando Philharmonic during the past 20 years that makes this award so special. It is safe to say, that without Lynn and Chuck's philanthropy of endowing the Concertmaster Chair, the Orlando Philharmonic would not be the organization it is today.
The orchestra’s November 17 concert opens with the world premiere of “Into Light,” a new work by Composer Stella Sung, commissioned in honor of the Steinmetzs. The concert continues with a heroic theme, featuring Elgar’s Enigma Variations, written in honor of the composer’s closest friends; and Beethoven’s ‘Emperor’ Concerto, performed by Grammy Award-winning pianist Yefim Bronfman.
For over 40 years together, Lynn and Chuck passionately supported many deserving non-profits in the Central Florida region. But it was Lynn's commitment to the Orlando Philharmonic during the past 20 years that makes this award so special. It is safe to say, that without Lynn and Chuck's philanthropy of endowing the Concertmaster Chair, the Orlando Philharmonic would not be the organization it is today.
The orchestra’s November 17 concert opens with the world premiere of “Into Light,” a new work by Composer Stella Sung, commissioned in honor of the Steinmetzs. The concert continues with a heroic theme, featuring Elgar’s Enigma Variations, written in honor of the composer’s closest friends; and Beethoven’s ‘Emperor’ Concerto, performed by Grammy Award-winning pianist Yefim Bronfman.