The curtain rises on two great cultural ArtsFest events in the International Drive Resort Area Feb. 16, at Darden Auditorium at Rosen College of Hospitality. The program gives visitors an opportunity to add world-class entertainment to their vacation plans…and at a great price: free!

 

ArtsFest is an annual celebration that kicks-off the United Arts of Central Florida campaign. Presented by Bank of America and sponsored by the Orlando Sentinel, Progress Energy and the International Drive Improvement District, it includes free arts and cultural events that are held in various locations throughout Lake, Orange, Osceola, and Seminole Counties to provide visitors with a taste of everything the area arts community has to offer.

 

Highlight of the event is the Orlando Philharmonic’s performance of Around the World in 80 Minutes at 2 p.m. Feb. 16. Performing this energetic program is the popular Sovereign Brass ensemble, known to breathe fresh life and lighthearted humor into the otherwise serious world of brass and chamber music. The ensemble presents a musical travelogue around the world featuring music from the far corners of the globe with folk songs and classical music from many nations and cultures.

 

Guests will enjoy selections including Vivaldi’s Concerto for Two Trumpets, Brahms’ Hungarian Dance No. 5, Grecian-inspired Zorba’s Dance, Canadian folk songs of the Suite from the Monterigian Hills and take a visit to Ireland for a brass rendition of the beloved Danny Boy.

 

At 7:30 p.m., Voices of Valencia will present a mixture of songs that feature songs of the infamous Rat Pack. There will also be two small groups present, The Juliettes (Sweet Adeline’s) and Intone (Mixed A Cappella). The program is “kid-friendly.”

 

Both performances will take place at the Darden Auditorium at the Rosen College of Hospitality, 9907 Universal Boulevard. Parking is free. For detailed driving directions and maps, please visit http://www.hospitality.ucf.edu/ and click “contact” or call 407-896-1700. For a full schedule of ArtsFest events, please visit www.redchairproject.com.

 

For information on planning a vacation in the International Drive Resort Area, visit www.InternationalDriveOrlando.com for details on accommodations, attractions, dining shopping and entertainment.

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