Sigmund Romberg (1887-1951) was Hungary's gift to melody-loving Americans. Befriended by the famous operetta composer Franz Lehar (Merry Window), Romberg decided to become a professional musician.
After World War 1, his career as a composer of operettas with Viennese flavors really blossomed. During the 1920's, he wrote Blossom Time, The Student Prince, Desert Song, Rosalie, and The New Moon. Among his friends and musical collaborators were Al Jolsen, Oscar Hammerstein II, Cole Porter, George Gershwin, Gus Kahn, and Irving Berlin.
With the advent of sound films, Romberg moved to Hollowood in 1929. More than a half dozen of his film operettas were released between 1929 and 1954, including the original Viennese Nights.
Throughout the 30's and 40's he hosted weekly radio programs that included his own songs and works by other popular composers. In early 1940, Romberg organized his first concert tour. The New Sigmund Romberg Orchestra not only played the music of Broadway, but also "popular classics." Still he found time to compose work for the New York musical theatre, including Up in Central Park and My Romance
Natali Cordone & Shawn Kilgore
Natalie Cordone and Shawn Kilgore first met over a decade ago when they were cast as husband & wife in the Tony Award winning musical, Baby, right here in Florida. After weeks of sharing beautiful harmonies, tons of laughs and a bed for a set, they knew that they had something special. They began conceiving, writing and producing shows that have led them from Orlando to cities like Las Vegas, Miami, New York, Sarasota, Greensboro and Nashville. Natalie and Shawn’s shows combine their witty banter and powerhouse voices to bring sophisticated pop music to life. As Mark Fischer, Director of Artistic Operations for the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra raved, “Cordone and Kilgore were the highlight of Fireworks at the Fountain, with an attendance of over 150,000. Between productions of their own shows, you can find Cordone and Kilgore as soloists with various symphoneies, starring
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in musicals, hosting events for Fortune 500 companies, bringing characters life in new works and voicing audiobooks. In theirlimited free time, they love relaxing with family and playing with their four dogs in Central Florida.Natalie and Shawn are thrilled to reunite with the Hollywood Concert Orchestra invarious programs during the 2023-24 season.
Musical Journey to Broadway Gallery
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