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FCO's
inaugural performance in January 1996 presented classical
chamber music to an audience of
200 people at the Colonnade Hotel. Since that time, the
reputation and audience of FCO has
grown -drawing as many 1800 people to venues such as the Dade
County Auditorium.
FCO has remained committed to making classical music accessible
to all audiences. Classical
programs have included "Magic Strings"(1997), "Barroco
Concert" (1997), the "Petite Concert for
Opera" (1997), and "Homage to Garcia Lorca"
(1998), "Famous Cuban Classics"( 1999) among
others.
FCO has presented a number of programs giving classical
treatment to specific cultural traditions:
traditional French music for Bastille Day (1996); Spanish music
in a series of collaborations with
flamenco dancers Angela Rhea & Co. (1997), 1998, 1999);
Argentine music with singer Daniel
Bouchet (1998, 1999); African American and Latin Jazz with the
group Hot Club USA (1998,
1999); Cuban music with popular singers Albita Rodriguez, Luis
Bofil and Maggie Carles.(1997,
1998, 1999); Cuban classical music with Ada de Luque (1999); and
Afro-Cuban folklore with the
dance company Ife-lle (1996).
FCO has participated in community festivals such as the Miami
Centennial at Bayfront Park(1996),
Festival CEA at Dade County Auditorium (1997, 1999), and
Carnaval Calle Ocho at the
Colonnade Hotel (1999). FCO has contributed to the community
through benefit concerts for
organizations such as GRASP -Guantanamo Refugee Relief- (1996);
the Make a Wish Foundation (1997); and the Latin Builders
Association (1998).
FCO represented South Florida throughout the state on a tour of
"Spanish Extravaganza" ( 1998)
and plans an upcoming tour of Argentine music and dance with
Arie Kadurie Enterprises. The
upcoming tour will significantly increase both the orchestra's
exposure and budget.
FCO has been supported through concert revenues, private
donations, corporate sponsorships,
and grants from the Miami-Dade County Cultural Affaris Council.
Corporate sponsors include
Bacardi, Hispamusic, Ocean Bank, and United Airlines.
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