Our History
The Oak Ridge Philharmonia made its debut in the Summer of 1993 as a group formed in support of the Music Arts Scholarship Fund Drive. The orchestra was originally referred to as the Oak Ridge Community Orchestra, and its first conductor, Philip Hansen, was a Music Arts faculty member, a conducting student of Kirk Trevor, and principal cellist of the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra.
In 1996, the orchestra began rehearsing year-round, making the group Oak Ridge's only year-round orchestra. A long-term goal was fulfilled in 1997 when the group was granted full membership in the Oak Ridge Arts Council. A second goal was achieved in 1998 when the orchestra gained nonprofit status, finishing the framework for the orchestra's current operations.
Throughout the years, the Oak Ridge Philharmonia has been a focal point in the cultural life of the Oak Ridge community. It has performed at the Oak Ridge Civic Center, in the Oak Ridge High School Auditorium, the First Methodist Church, Roane State Community College, and many other venues in and around the city. It has participated yearly in the Secret City Festival with a rehearsal open to the public, showcasing the community’s musical talents. More recently, it has been invited to participate in the Dogwoods Arts Festival.
The Oak Ridge Philharmonia has collaborated with many outstanding soloists such as Ilia Steinschneider, Bernadette Lo, Daniel Webb, Kathryn Frady, Taylor Stone, April Hill, Ryan Colbert, Marshall Rollins, Dallas Norton, Mattia D’Affuso, Dr. Chih-Long Hu, and many others.
Dr. Marcelo Urias currently holds the position of Artistic Director of the Oak Ridge Philharmonia. Through innovative and creative programming, Marcelo has led this orchestra to new heights of artistic excellence and public recognition.
Previous Oak Ridge Philharmonia conductors include Stacy Taylor (1995-2005), John Pippen (2006-2008), William Burkhardt (2011-2014), Gabriel Leifkowitz (2014-2015), and Dr. Marcelo Urias (2009-2010 and 2015-present).