Philip Fortenberry began his career in New York, becoming the musical director, and on-stage pianist for the long-running off-Broadway satirical revue, Forbidden Broadway. He was also the musical supervisor for the West End version of the show in London. Philip has also played for many Broadway productions and national tours including such shows as Cats, J esus Christ Superstar, Saturday Night Fever, Ragtime, Seussical--The Musical, Sideshow, and The Lion King. Philip Fortenberry now tours as a solo concert pianist and master teacher offering programs and concerts and when not on the road touring is the associate conductor for Jersey Boys in Las Vegas.
Philip has also toured the U.S. and Canada in concert performances of The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber, starring Michael Crawford, and he has been a frequent guest with Lincoln Center’s “Meet the Artists” series. In the autumn of 2001, Philip was the pianist for Harry Connick, Jr. and Susan Stroman’s Broadway production of Thou Shalt Not.
He was the pianist for the Roundabout Theater’s Broadway revue of the music of Burt Bacharach and Hal David, The Look of Love. Philip was the associate music director for Barry Manilow and Bruce Sussman’s pre-Broadway workshop production, Harmony. Philip made his Carnegie Hall debut in 1986 as the pianist/conductor for Eartha Kitt, and he returned to Carnegie hall in 2001 with The Three Irish Tenors for their Christmas concert. He has also performed as pianist for Charlotte Church at Avery Fisher Hall at New York City’s Lincoln Center.
In 1990, Philip accompanied internationally renowned mezzo-soprano Frederica Von Stade at the Oregon Bach Festival. They were invited to perform at the White House for the summit conference between Mikhail Gorbachev and George Bush. Later that year, by invitation of President Bush, ‘Flicka’ and Philip performed at the Economic Summit of Industrialized Nations.
Philip performed at the 40th Annivesary Celebration of the United Nations. In 1996, he was privileged to accompany singer Laurie Beechman at the 70th birthday gala for Lady Margaret Thatcher in Washington D.C.
Currently a resident of Las Vegas, Philip was the associate conductor for Hairspray at the Luxor Theater, as well as the North American premiere of the rock musical extravaganza, We Will Rock You at the Paris, Las Vegas. He has played and conducted Mamma Mia! at the Mandalay Bay, and he is currently the associate conductor for the Las Vegas production of the hit musical, Jersey Boys at the Palazzo. Philip Fortenberry tours his various concert productions with over fifty performances annually in performing arts centers in the United States and is exclusively represented by KMP Artists Management. (www.philipfortenberry.com)
Video Link:
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