Timucua Arts Foundation Celebrates 25 Years of Bringing Art to Life

This is the fourth in a series of newsroom stories highlighting local arts and culture organizations awarded Cultural Tourism Grants

Strolling along Summerlin Avenue on any given night, you may see theatergoers wandering up a winding path lined with blooming wildflowers leading to the "white house". Arriving patrons are instantly immersed in a welcoming vibe with volunteers offering wine and mingling with guests. They might catch a glimpse of world-renowned composer, conductor, and musician Benoit Glazer prepping talent for the evening's production - which could be a classical chamber ensemble, an electrifying jazz band or an acoustic guitarist. Whatever the genre of music, rest assured, it's top-quality talent hand-picked by Glazer, Timucua Arts Foundation Artistic Director.

"He visualizes, manifests and executes," said Leah Nash, executive director for Timucua Arts Foundation. "I admire him. He walks the walk and talks the talk."

This SoDo neighborhood treasure is a hip gathering spot that draws arts enthusiasts, locals and newbies eager for connection, live entertainment and a glimpse inside the intimate listening room—which also serves as the Glazer family living room.

For 25 years, Benoit Glazer and his talented wife Élaine Corriveau have literally opened the doors to their home to provide engaging musical and visual experiences in a one-of-a-kind venue that artists are thrilled to perform in. Inside this acoustically perfect, three-story mini concert hall, performers and patrons feel like they’re part of something truly special.

“You can feel the intimacy,” said Samantha Barnes Daniel, a member of local vocal ensemble Helena who recently performed The Six Wives of Henry VIII at the “white house”. “This is really a unique venue. It’s like no place I have ever sung. It is a really intimate and lovely place to sing.”

It all started in 1998 when the Montreal native, Glazer, was hired as musical director for Cirque du Soleil’s La Nouba show at Disney World. When he struggled to find compelling live entertainment to enjoy in his free time, he began staging concerts at home with his young family and La Nouba musicians.

Eventually, the concerts outgrew their original home in Orlando's Timucua subdivision. But the show must go on. The couple soon found a way to continue hosting concerts and creating a live music community. They designed and built the "white house", eventually adding the versatile Acoustic Control System (ACS) that can duplicate the ideal environment for a specific musical style by programming settings to reflect a given room or space. "Rooms" at the "white house" include churches or venues where Glazer performed or has a personal connection, including St. Charles de Caplan, a small church in the village where his father was born.

The “white house” hosts 150 shows annually from Grammy award-winning musicians to niche local talent and rising amateurs.

Timucua Arts Foundation was one of 40 organizations awarded cultural tourism grants from the Orange County Tourist Development Tax.

"For us at Timucua, it's a lifesaver. It's a big part of what helps us produce our season," Nash said.

They kicked off 2025 with an International Chamber Music Festival, followed by Timucua Amplifies Black Voices in February. In March, they launched its first-ever Opera Festival showcasing Orlando’s major opera companies. It’s all Jazz in April was followed by World Music Weekends in May. Other events range from poetry readings and meditation sessions to clinics and music lessons.

"Education is part of our mission, and I think every time you come here, you learn something," said Glazer. "We're all artists, we're all musicians. Learning to learn is important. That's my talent and I hope I passed that along to my kids."

Timucua continues to refine festivals and add events like ‘Artists Circle,’ where artists can share their passion for the arts in a safe and inviting environment.

Concerts at the "white house" are affordable, with most events priced around $30. Parking is free; membership opportunities and discounts are offered.

"Community is super important to us. That's what we are here for," Nash said. "The arts are for everyone, and it's important to make performances accessible to everyone."

Glazer envisions expanding. "Presenting shows is my music making," he said. "People say it's a great venue, it's magical. My dream is to have this in two dozen cities."

For more information, visit Timucua.com or @timucuaarts on Instagram.