SEU string faculty members Ronald and Annabelle Gardiner will be performing in collaboration with the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra in a Disney television special titled “The Most Magical Story on Earth: 50 Years of Walt Disney World.” ABC will be airing this special program on Friday, October 1, at 8 p.m.
In conjunction with the orchestra, the Gardiners will be performing alongside musical guests Christina Aguilera and Halle Bailey in front of Cinderella’s Castle at Magic Kingdom Park. The star-studded event will be hosted by Whoopi Goldberg and feature guest appearances from John Stamos, Candace Cameron-Bure, Tom Brady, Phil Simms, Bob Chapek and more.
The Gardiners have been involved with the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra since 2006. Annabelle currently serves as the associate concertmaster, and Ron is the principal cellist. However, this is not their first time working with Disney, as they have consistently performed in the Disney Candlelight Orchestra for many years.
The Gardiners have had the opportunity to play numerous shows and tour with popular artists such as Josh Groban, Andrea Bocelli and Carrie Underwood. Their music abilities have been featured in commercials for local and national television, including an XFinity Commercial for the 2020 Summer Olympics. Most recently, the Gardiners performed in the orchestra at the Getty Sing 2021 Conference in Nashville, where they played alongside Keith and Kristyn Getty, Chris Tomlin, Shane and Shane, Matt Papa and Matt Boswell.
In addition to Orlando Philharmonic, they have also been members of the Malaysia Philharmonic Orchestra and played with Opera Tampa.
