Ellen's "Orchestral Excursions" Receives World Premiere Performance by the Palm Beach Symphony

On February 5, the Palm Beach Symphony led by Music Director Gerard Schwarz performed the world premiere of Ellen’s Orchestral Excursions, a work inspired by the artwork of Gilbert Maurer and commissioned by Bonnie McElveen-Hunter. On January 25, Ellen participated in a panel discussion with Gil Maurer, Gerry Schwarz, and Palm Beach Symphony Director of Artistic Operations Olga Vazquez, and on the day of the premiere she attended a luncheon hosted by former U.S. ambassador to Finland McElveen-Hunter.

After the premiere, Schwarz invited Ellen to the stage to acknowledge a standing ovation. The South Florida Classical Review described the work as “a series of mini-tone poems that were accessible, melodic, brightly orchestrated and atmospheric.” Read the full review here.

Olga Vazquez, Gilbert Maurer, Ellen Taaffe Zwilich, Gerard Schwarz at Norton Museum of Art, January 25, 2024. Photo courtesy Palm Beach Symphony

Gilbert Maurer, Ellen Taaffe Zwilich, and Bonnie McElveen-Hunter at the February 5 luncheon. Photo by Capeheart Photography

Ellen Taaffe Zwilich and Gerard Schwarz at the luncheon, with Jody Schwarz in the foreground. Photo by Capeheart Photography

Ellen Taaffe Zwilich acknowledging the standing ovation at the Kravis Center, Feb. 5, 2024. Photo by IndieHouse Films