Tracing its roots to the city’s first professional orchestra in 1924, the Oklahoma City Philharmonic formed in 1988 under the musical direction of Joel Levine with the help of dedicated civic leaders and corporations. From its inception, the orchestra has been comprised of some of the most accomplished musicians in the country bringing high-caliber performances to Oklahoma City. In 2018, Alexander Mickelthwate was appointed Music Director, starting a new era for the OKCPHIL. The OKCPHIL exists to bring inspiration and joy to our community through orchestral music. Our vision is to: enrich the lives of those we touch; enhance the cultural life of the community; educate future generations about the value of music; entertain our audiences; elevate the quality of every performance; serve as a leader for positive community growth through the superb performances of symphonic music; and to unite with other arts agencies for the betterment of our community.