Our Story
Tracing its roots back to the city’s first professional orchestra in 1924, the Oklahoma City Philharmonic was officially formed in 1988 under the musical direction of Joel Levine. With the support of dedicated civic leaders and corporations, the orchestra has flourished, showcasing a diverse selection of music and collaborating with numerous renowned artists. In 2018, Alexander Mickelthwate became the second music director, continuing the legacy of excellence.
The OKC PHIL has graced national television, performing with Michael Martin Murphey in the PBS special “Sagebrush Symphony” and participating in Kathie Lee Gifford’s CBS Christmas special. The orchestra has welcomed stars like Itzhak Perlman, Amy Grant, and Kristin Chenoweth, enriching the cultural landscape of Oklahoma City.
In September 2001, the orchestra opened its season in the newly renovated Civic Center Music Hall, a $52.2 million project that transformed the performance chamber into the Thelma Gaylord Performing Arts Theatre, featuring state-of-the-art acoustics.