News & Reviews
News & Reviews
Latest News
Broadway’s ‘piano man’ joins The Florida Orchestra Saturday
Sep 12, 2023When Michael Cavanaugh performs out in front of The Florida Orchestra Saturday at the Mahaffey Theater, he brings not only tremendous talent and a site-specific expertise, but a CV with one-of-a-kind credentials. Full Story
Meet Ignacio Barrón Viela, the orchestra’s new leader
Jun 19, 2023It was the power of music, Ignacio Barrón Viela contends, that caused him to pivot 180 from a successful career in engineering to the somewhat less-profitable world of orchestra management. Full Story
The Florida Orchestra announces a new CEO. Here’s what to know about him.
Jun 13, 2023Here is when Ignacio Barrón Viela will start. Full Story
Wagner’s lyric-less ‘Ring’ gets the TFO treatment
May 16, 2023The final Masterworks concert series in The Florida Orchestra’s 55th season brings forth music by German composer Richard Wagner, whose musical innovations, in classical music and in opera, are still in use today. Full Story
Florida Orchestra announces wild Beethoven x Coldplay fusion concert this May
May 12, 2023St. Pete is about to experience a musical performance like it’s never seen before. The Florida Orchestra is hosting Beethoven x Coldplay for one night only. Full Story
The Florida Orchestra gave the percussionist a pop gun solo and it’s a very funny watch
May 12, 2023The Florida Orchestra is well known not just for its musical prowess but also for its sense of humour. Full Story
Florida Orchestra free community concert ‘Pops in the Park’ returns for Mother’s Day
May 10, 2023The Florida Orchestra’s biggest concert of the Spring is this weekend’s “Pops In The Park” at Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park in downtown Tampa. Full Story
“One of the most mesmerizing experiences in music”
Apr 19, 2023Florida Orchestra Embraces Leaner Bruckner in Chamber-Size Seventh Symphony Full Story
Bruckner Writ Small? Handful Of Floridians Tap Into Heart Of 7th
Apr 19, 2023Mention the name Anton Bruckner and you might expect crickets from friends and two-for-one tickets at the box office. Full Story
Florida Orchestra’s 2023-24 season shines light on American composers
Apr 11, 2023The season is inspired by the 100th anniversary of George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue.” Full Story
Arts Alive! podcast: Michael Francis, The Florida Orchestra
Apr 07, 2023Just as The Florida Orchestra was announcing its 56th season, Music Director Michael Frances dropped by the studio for an Arts Alive! podcast. It was a freewheeling, fun conversation. Full Story
Gershwin takes the spotlight in next Florida Orchestra season
Apr 06, 2023Music director Michael Francis and The Florida Orchestra will salute the iconic American composer George Gershwin with several concerts in the 2023-2024 season, which will begin in September. Full Story
Florida Orchestra chamber series begins this week
Feb 07, 2023The Florida Orchestra’s “Soundwaves” concerts are scheduled for Clearwater and St. Pete. Full Story
Florida Orchestra’s ‘Soundwaves’ chamber music series is coming to Clearwater’s gorgeous Church of the Ascension
Jan 19, 2023The shows happen in February, March and April. Full Story
Florida Orchestra concerts to spotlight the tuba
Jan 03, 2023Consider the tuba, the Rodney Dangerfield of brass instruments. When it comes to powerhouses of the orchestra, there’s just no respect there. Full Story
Violin Concerto Weaves Classic Strands: Fugue, Passacaglia, ‘Odyssey’
Dec 08, 2022TAMPA — It’s heartening to see an orchestra commission a major piece from a hometown composer who basically grew up at their feet. Full Story
6,000 Tampa Bay area students given the gift music with annual Steinbrenner Christmas Concert
Dec 08, 2022Three Tampa Bay area venues came alive with holiday spirit this week for the annual Steinbrenner Christmas Concert. Full Story
The Florida Orchestra Names New Cello Lead
Dec 02, 2022For the first time in nearly 35 years, The Florida Orchestra has named a new principal cello. Full Story
Tampa native’s violin concerto will be performed for the first time ever this weekend
Dec 01, 2022The Florida Orchestra will perform the piece composed by Michael Ippolito for concertmaster Jeffrey Multer. Full Story
Mary Corbett: Positive Energy Creates Positive Outlook
Dec 01, 2022Violinist Mary Corbett believes another prime requirement is a positive attitude, backed by good energy. Full Story
The Florida Orchestra will present its most ‘substantial’ world premiere this weekend
Nov 29, 2022The concert will feature new music by Tampa-born composer Michael Ippolito. It’s a violin concerto that came about partly because of a comment concertmaster Jeffrey Multer made to Ippolito in 2018. Full Story
‘Champion’ of women composers to lead The Florida Orchestra this weekend
Nov 03, 2022Buffalo Philharmonic Music Director JoAnn Falletta leads the Florida Orchestra in concerts about two strong women — one fictitious, the other real. Full Story
The Florida Orchestra brings Haunted Halls Family Concert just in time for Halloween
Oct 20, 2022The concert happens on Oct. 30 at the Mahaffey Theater in St. Petersburg. Full Story
TFO’s Francis: Stravinsky work is no ‘darling bud of May’
Oct 19, 2022Behind every great work of art, there’s always a story. Full Story
Your weekend arts forecast: The Florida Orchestra returns
Oct 07, 2022Carl Orff’s sprawling cantata Carmina Burana comprises the bulk of The Florida Orchestra’s season-starting concerts this weekend. Full Story
Hurricane Ian postpones Florida Orchestra concert with Itzhak Perlman
Sep 29, 2022Due to Hurricane Ian, The Florida Orchestra is postponing its 55th Celebration benefit concert featuring violin legend Itzhak Perlman scheduled for this Saturday, Oct. 1, at the Mahaffey Theater. Full Story
The Florida Orchestra welcomes 8 new musicians
Sep 28, 2022The Florida Orchestra will welcome eight musicians to their first full season with TFO this month. Full Story
Evening Masterwork: Frederick Delius’s Florida Suite for September 29, 2022
Sep 28, 2022Franz Schubert was just 16 when he completed his First Symphony, and it was one of the composer’s best pieces to date. Full Story
Florida Orchestra postpones Itzhak Perlman concert
Sep 27, 2022Saturday’s Florida Orchestra concert featuring iconic violinist Itzhak Perlman, a celebration of the orchestra’s 55th anniversary, has been postponed because of Hurricane Ian’s imminent arrival. Full Story
Meet the Florida Orchestra’s New Assistant Conductor
Sep 27, 2022We’re meeting The Florida Orchestra’s new Assistant Conductor Chelsea Gallo, who has conducted and studied all over the world. Full Story
Florida Orchestra news: Itzhak Perlman, public tickets and new contracts
Aug 08, 2022The Florida Orchestra’s 55th season will begin a week earlier than previously announced; apparently the opportunity to book iconic violinist Itzhak Perlman as a guest soloist was just too good an opportunity to pass up. Full Story
UNIONS The Florida Orchestra and musicians union ratify new contract that delivers 12 percent raise over three years
Aug 05, 2022Musicians with the state’s largest professional orchestra will earn a base pay of $43,316 for the 2022–23 season. Full Story
The Florida Orchestra fights back with music from nonbinary composer
May 28, 2022Ahmed Al Abaca’s ‘Ode to Liberty’ serves as an expression of despair, defiance and hope amid pain and oppression. Full Story
Florida Orchestra Announces Season Masterworks Series
May 24, 2022Music lovers, mark your calendars. Full Story
Musician retires after 47 years with The Florida Orchestra
May 19, 2022It takes nearly 70 musicians to make beautiful music in The Florida Orchestra, but there’s one musician who’s been making the music beautiful longer than you might imagine. Full Story
The Florida Orchestra announces its 2022-23 season
May 06, 2022The varied season includes ‘Carmina Burana,’ a mini Rachmaninoff festival and the world premiere of Michael Ippolito’s Violin Concerto. Full Story
The Florida Orchestra announces its 2022-23 concert season
May 04, 2022Looking backwards has never been a priority for Michael Francis, musical director of The Florida Orchestra. The maestro is always focused on the now, the new, the next big thing. Full Story
Meet Chelsea Gallo, the new Florida Orchestra Assistant Conductor
May 04, 2022Along with the premiere (for Tampa Bay) performances of several beloved classical works, during its 2022-23 season (announced today) The Florida Orchestra is introducing a new Assistant Conductor, Chelsea Gallo. Full Story
British stage star joins The Florida Orchestra for ‘Broadway Pops’
Apr 08, 2022The most appreciable difference between Broadway and London’s West End theatre district, according to the very British performer Scarlett Strallen, is the audience reaction. Full Story
Review: Josh Groban salutes teachers, skips most of his own catalog at Florida Orchestra gala event in St. Pete
Feb 07, 2022“It’s so important that we keep arts education alive right now, especially,” he said. “Art, as it always does, has continued to survive and thrive during difficult times.” Full Story
French horn player brings the buttery velvet in upcoming Holiday Brass Concert
Dec 15, 2021It’s time for practice at David Smith’s house. Full Story
Josh Groban to perform in St. Petersburg at The Florida Orchestra’s 2022 gala
Dec 09, 2021Josh Groban will perform in St. Petersburg with The Florida Orchestra at its gala concert in February. Full Story
Grammy-nominated singer Josh Groban set to perform with The Florida Orchestra in 2022
Dec 09, 2021Grammy, Tony and Emmy Award-nominated singer Josh Groban is set to grace the stage at Mahaffey Theater in 2022 to perform with The Florida Orchestra (TFO). Full Story
Josh Groban to sing with The Florida Orchestra Feb. 5
Dec 07, 2021Singer Josh Groban, who has sold more than 35 million albums worldwide, will perform with The Florida Orchestra at the annual TFO gala concert, Feb. 5 at the Mahaffey Theater in St. Petersburg. Full Story
Josh Groban will join Florida Orchestra for 2022 gala concert in St. Pete
Dec 07, 2021The Florida Orchestra (TFO) and Musical Director Michael Francis continue their tradition of linking up with Grammy-winning vocal powerhouses for gala concerts by welcoming Josh Groban to join the ensemble next year. Full Story
Florida Orchestra announces ‘Goblet of Fire’ Harry Potter concert in downtown Tampa
Nov 30, 2021Harry Potter fans rejoice! This spring, Tampa’s Straz Center welcomes back its film concert series celebrating the magical universe of Harry Potter where the movie plays while the Florida Orchestra does the score. Full Story
Florida Orchestra brings Elton J, Billy J and ‘Final Fantasy’ to the Mahaffey stage
Nov 17, 2021There’s certainly a difference between a tribute band, and a band that plays only the music of a specific artist. It’s not just the splitting of hairs. Full Story
Take it from the top: The Florida Orchestra returns
Sep 22, 2021The long-awaited return of The Florida Orchestra begins with a trio of big theater concerts, the regular three-venue roundabout, starting Friday, right? Full Story
Florida Orchestra returns to full concerts in Tampa Bay
Sep 22, 2021The season kicks off with Beethoven’s ‘Fifth’ and Vivaldi’s ‘Four Seasons.’ Full Story
Florida Orchestra Opens Season with New Resolve Amid Pandemic
Sep 21, 2021Unlike many other orchestras, the state’s largest performing arts organization did not fully succumb to the pressures of COVID. Full Story
One Small Act: Repairing violins, one at a time
Sep 01, 2021After more than 50 years in woodworking, Dunedin’s John Sweeny decided to try something new. Full Story
The Florida Orchestra To Open The Fall Season With Beethoven’s Fifth And Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons
Aug 09, 2021The Florida Orchestra has announced a full schedule of epic symphonies and beloved concertos featuring world-class soloists. Full Story
Florida Orchestra, YMCA make free music and arts lessons available for St. Pete youth
Jul 15, 2021The partnership gave participants an in-depth experience in a blend of violin, keyboarding and visual arts. Full Story
Opera Tampa, The Florida Orchestra reunite for 2022 season after 20 years apart
Jun 17, 2021TAMPA, Fla. — For the first time in 20 years, two of Tampa’s most treasured performance groups, Opera Tampa and The Florida Orchestra, will be teaming up once again. Full Story
Opera Tampa will partner with The Florida Orchestra
Jun 11, 2021The orchestra will provide the live music for Opera Tampa’s 2022 season. Full Story
Music never stopped for The Florida Orchestra
May 20, 2021The Florida Orchestra played 80 concerts this past year at the Mahaffey Theater in St. Petersburg. That’s just about more than any other orchestra in the country but far fewer than the 130 scheduled during a normal season. Full Story
The Florida Orchestra announces its 2021-2022 season
May 19, 2021The orchestra returns with a full symphony, full audiences and multiple venues. Full Story
Francis, Florida Orchestra set a ‘normal’ concert season, to start in September
May 19, 2021Michael Francis is on the phone, talking about The Florida Orchestra’s most recent big score: Eighty concerts since October, for 80 live audiences, in a safe and socially-distanced environment. Full Story
Free summer of music lessons available for St. Pete youth
May 16, 2021The next Mozart could be right here in St. Petersburg, and a new program at the YMCA hopes to find him or her. Full Story
Florida Orchestra joins forces with YMCA for free summer arts camp
Apr 28, 2021Open houses in May will let families learn about the camp and catch a performance by the Florida Orchestra string ensemble. Full Story
Florida Orchestra will score Roald Dahl’s ‘Snow White,’ alongside work from artist Ya La’ford
Apr 23, 2021The Florida Orchestra (TFO) brings Roald Dahl’s “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” to life for a one-time performance at St. Petersburg’s Mahaffey Theater on Sunday, May 16. Full Story
Florida Orchestra, YMCA to introduce summer music camp
Apr 21, 2021The Florida Orchestra and the YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg have come together to give underserved children the gift of music this summer. Full Story
Florida Orchestra Welcomes ‘Serenity’ Seekers
Mar 11, 2021This weekend, the Florida Orchestra is putting on two concerts called Serenity. Full Story
‘Serenity,’ Mozart and a big ol’ basset horn
Mar 11, 2021Our featured photo today is of Joseph Beverly, who plays clarinet and bass clarinet with The Florida Orchestra. Full Story
Florida Orchestra performs 50th live concert amid pandemic
Mar 11, 2021ST. PETERSBURG — One year after the coronavirus brought our world to a standstill, The Florida Orchestra has hit a milestone filled with hope: TFO has now performed more than 50 concerts for live audiences at the Mahaffey Theater since October, all following CDC guidelines for health and safety. Full Story
Daniel Black conducts TFO brass and percussion concerts
Feb 27, 2021The Florida Orchestra comes blasting back today with a full-blooded pops program of music for brass and percussion at the Mahaffey Theater. Full Story
The Florida Orchestra Can Set the Stage for Musical Dates at Home or at the Theater
Feb 15, 2021The Scoop: Since the 1960s, The Florida Orchestra has impressed audiences with concerts that put Tampa Bay’s most talented musicians in the spotlight. Full Story
Tony winner Debbie Gravitte sings with TFO: ‘I hope I don’t weep through the entire show’
Feb 12, 2021She won a Tony Award in 1989 for Jerome Robbins’ Broadway, and the list of her stage accomplishments is impressive. Full Story
Whitney Houston, The Florida Orchestra and the 1991 Super Bowl
Feb 03, 2021It was the song heard ‘round the world. Full Story
Florida Orchestra brings back 1991 Whitney Houston national anthem with video performance
Feb 03, 2021The orchestra played with Houston at Super Bowl 25 in Tampa. Full Story
Pianist Natasha Paremski joins The Florida Orchestra this weekend
Jan 19, 2021What do you suppose classical musicians listen to when they’re relaxing at home? For pianist Natasha Paremski, 33, the answer is: Pretty much anything but classical music. Full Story
The Florida Orchestra debuts on WEDU-PBS television
Dec 15, 2020The performance of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 was recorded during a live concert. Full Story
TFO, violinist Multer put the spotlight on strings
Dec 03, 2020The Florida Orchestra’s concertmaster, violinist Jeffrey Multer, has curated a trio of Mahaffey Theater concerts this weekend that will focus squarely on strings. Full Story
With a passion to play, kids can reach prodigy-potential through cultural arts program
Nov 18, 2020TAMPA, Fla. – Standing tall and proud in her kitchen, 9-year old Lalya plays her favorite song as if she were first chair in an orchestra. Full Story
The Florida Orchestra Entertains Couples on Dates With Digital & Live Concerts
Nov 09, 2020The Florida Orchestra has brought music, romance, and wonder to the Tampa Bay area for over 50 years, and not even a global pandemic can stop its vibrant performances. Full Story
The Florida Orchestra returned last weekend and has plans for even more concerts at St. Pete’s Mahaffey Theater
Nov 05, 2020Only 25% of available seating is sold at the socially-distanced shows. Full Story
The Florida Orchestra performs live concert in St. Petersburg, its first since March
Nov 03, 2020The orchestra performed Beethoven’s ‘Symphony No. 7’ to an enthusiastic, reduced audience. Full Story
For The Florida Orchestra, the show must go on – this weekend
Oct 30, 2020The Florida Orchestra is back, and no one is happier than Michael Francis. Full Story
Limited Florida Orchestra tickets are on sale now
Oct 14, 2020The Florida Orchestra’s highly anticipated return to the stage happens in just a few weeks, when their season kicks off Oct. 31 with Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7, conducted by music director Michael Francis. Full Story
The Florida Orchestra is back: Here’s the revised fall season
Sep 23, 2020A robust lineup of smaller concerts returns to the stage beginning Oct. 31. Full Story
The Florida Orchestra unveils upcoming socially-distanced season
Sep 22, 2020The Florida’s Orchestra’s music director Michael Francis has been in Germany for the past couple of months, conducting his “other group,” the Deutsche Staatsphilharmonie Rheinland-Pfalz. Full Story
Staying in tune: Music and the pandemic
Sep 15, 2020The performing arts, which by definition require a crowd of people in a single space, took a major hit from the pandemic. Full Story
Michelle Painter – TFO Free Violin Lessons
Sep 15, 2020Michelle Painter, The Florida Orchestra violin teacher, joined AM Tampa Bay to discuss how you can get free violin lessons for your kids. Full Story
The Florida Orchestra announces changes to their fall season
Aug 13, 2020The season won’t start until October, performances will be shorter and they will offer livestreams of select Masterworks concerts. Full Story
Benefits of Music Education
Jul 06, 2020Michelle Painter, TFO’s Prodigy coordinator and violin instructor, talks about the benefits of music education and free virtual violin lessons available. Full Story
Learn to play the violin for free this summer
Jul 02, 2020The global coronavirus pandemic has not stopped The Florida Orchestra. Full Story
The Florida Orchestra is planning its eventual return
Jun 30, 2020“What we’re doing right now,” says Florida Orchestra CEO Mark Cantrell, “is we’re trying to do a giant jigsaw puzzle while water skiing.” Full Story
Tampa violin teacher coaches student from hundreds of miles away
Jun 25, 2020Alanis Trejo had to make an emergency trip to Mexico. Her instructor started coaching violin from Tampa. It’s created a special playing opportunity for the family. Full Story
Florida Orchestra providing free virtual violin lessons to children
Jun 17, 2020The Florida Orchestra (TFO) has partnered with the University Area CDC’s Prodigy Cultural Arts Program and is offering free virtual violin lessons. Full Story
The Florida Orchestra Shares Virtual Concerts
May 08, 2020Inspired by the 100th anniversary of women’s right to vote, The Florida Orchestra and The Master Chorale of Tampa Bay brought together about 50 musicians for a virtual performance of the 19th century anthem Daughters of Freedom. Full Story
The Music Isn’t Stopping For The Florida Orchestra
May 07, 2020Francis, TFO’s music director, shared his thoughts with Tampa Mayor Jane Castor during a Facebook Live interview last week. Full Story
How does he do it? Daniel Black on those Florida Orchestra videos
Apr 30, 2020Our choice for TFO MVP – The Florida Orchestra’s Most Valuable Player – is associate conductor Daniel Black. Full Story
Florida Orchestra cancels season due to coronavirus
Apr 20, 2020Performances around Tampa Bay had already been shut down into May. Full Story
How TFO Is Keeping Music Going During COVID-19 Outbreak
Apr 20, 2020Michael Francis, Music director of The Florida Orchestra, joined AM Tampa Bay to discuss what The Florida Orchestra is doing to keep the music going during the COVID-19 outbreak. Full Story
43 Florida Orchestra musicians unite for virtual performance
Apr 17, 2020Recording from their homes, musicians recreated a symphony-sized snippet of Tchaikovsky. Full Story
The Florida Orchestra says ‘Thanks’ and more
Apr 17, 2020The Florida Orchestra’s music director, Michael Francis, appeared in a wide-ranging Catalyst Sessions interview earlier this week. During a discussion of the organization’s new TFO At Home initiative, he described “a lot of content from us really trying to make sure people will feel very connected.” Full Story
‘Catalyst Sessions’ recap: Michael Francis of The Florida Orchestra
Apr 15, 2020If there’s one positive takeaway from the enormity of all the Covid-caused cancellations, Michael Francis said on Tuesday’s edition of The Catalyst Sessions, it might be the end of that old “Are the arts really necessary?” argument. Full Story
Florida Orchestra extends canceled shows through May 10
Apr 03, 2020There remains some hope the orchestra could close out the 2019-20 season. Full Story
‘Believe in the pencil’: At the Florida Orchestra, the music’s in the margins
Mar 23, 2020How does an orchestra make a masterwork its own? Thousands of tiny, hidden, hand-drawn markings. Full Story
A Season of Highs, a Sudden Silence – and Reflection on the Power of Music
Mar 18, 2020The viral pandemic gripping our planet has put much of humanity in a lockdown mode, changing how we socialize, travel, dine and earn a living. Full Story
The Florida Orchestra, moving forward: ‘All options are on the table’
Mar 17, 2020“The amount of healing an orchestra can help the community do is tremendous,” he believes. Full Story
Florida Orchestra suspends performances into April due to coronavirus
Mar 13, 2020The orchestra is offering ticket exchanges and gift certificates, but for now, no refunds. Full Story
Sunday afternoon at the Florida Orchestra brings time together
Mar 11, 2020The Florida Orchestra, however, is tough to beat for beautiful accuracy, live excitement, and life-long training on full display. Full Story
Florida Orchestra’s new season: A spate of super-sized symphonies
Feb 27, 2020Salutes to ‘Star Wars’ and hip-hop dance will pack in crowds, but for the second straight year, nothing will pack the stage like Beethoven. Full Story
St. Pete to the Super Bowl: Meet Nicole Stott, Tampa Bay’s astronaut
Feb 21, 2020Maybe you saw the Clearwater native in an ad for Olay. Next up, she works with the Florida Orchestra. Full Story
PJ Library partners with The Florida Orchestra for family-friendly event
Feb 07, 2020A full house of children and adults joined The Florida Orchestra at The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art on Sunday, Feb. 2. Full Story
Bernadette Peters brings Broadway razzle-dazzle to Florida Orchestra gala
Feb 02, 2020The Tony-winning actress delivered a whole lot of Sondheim to the Mahaffey Theater in St. Petersburg on Saturday. Full Story
Bernadette Peters talks singing Sondheim before Florida Orchestra gala
Jan 23, 2020The two-time Tony-winning Broadway and film star headlines Saturday’s event in St. Petersburg. Full Story
Music, dance and images: The Florida Orchestra collaborates
Jan 15, 2020The buzz is beginning to build for Art of the Stage: From Picasso to Hockney, the exhibition – and ambitious performance series – that kicks off 2020 at the Museum of Fine Arts St. Petersburg Jan. 25. Full Story
Plan Your Midday Escape To The Florida Orchestra
Jan 06, 2020Start your new year with a guilty pleasure—a midday getaway to The Florida Orchestra. Full Story
Tampa Bay’s best stage shows of 2019: More than just ‘Hamilton’
Dec 23, 2019How far into this best-of list can we get without bringing up Hamilton? Full Story
A new anthem: Florida Orchestra’s Michael Francis becomes American citizen
Dec 12, 2019The conductor, who grew up British, has been performing in the U.S. since he was 16. Full Story
Yankees throw holiday concerts for children across Tampa Bay
Dec 12, 2019Long-time host and retired news anchor John Wilson passed the torch this year to a new emcee, his son Mark Wilson. Full Story
Students get into the spirit of the season during annual Steinbrenner Christmas concert
Dec 11, 2019CLEARWATER, Fla. – A packed audience of grade-school kids were treated to a live concert performance during the most festive time of the year thanks to the annual Steinbrenner Christmas concert. Full Story
Modern Notebook Interview: Vivian Fung
Nov 13, 2019Vivian Fung is a JUNO-award winning composer who NPR has called “one of today’s most eclectic composers.” Her piece Fanfare will be performed by the Florida Orchestra their Winter Dreams concert. Full Story
Eric Whitacre takes TFO, Chorale into Hubble’s ‘Deep Field’
Nov 08, 2019In a Straz Center dressing room, Eric Whitacre is talking about his choral work Lux Aurumque, commissioned by the Master Chorale of Tampa Bay in 2000, and first performed here. Full Story
Eric Whitacre To Lead Florida Orchestra With ‘Deep Field,’ Hubble Images
Nov 06, 2019Composer Eric Whitacre said one of his guiding principles is for people to feel a part of something larger than themselves. Full Story
Re-interpreting ‘Don Quixote’ with Strauss, Strik, Francis and TFO
Oct 09, 2019Last month, The Florida Orchestra trumpeted the news that French-born painter Geff Strik had been named Visual Artist-In-Residence. Full Story
What is Tampa Bay? Florida Orchestra’s season opener seeks an answer
Sep 28, 2019Friday’s opening night portrayed Tampa as a melting pot, delivering diverse pieces pulled from around the world. | Concert review Full Story
Broadway star Bernadette Peters booked for Florida Orchestra gala
Sep 27, 2019Peters follows the likes of Sting and Seal playing with the orchestra. Full Story
5 questions for Michael Francis of the Florida Orchestra
Sep 19, 2019The music director is entering his fifth year with the orchestra, which has a Beethoven-heavy season opening Sept. 27 in Tampa. Full Story
Florida Orchestra names St. Petersburg painter first-ever ‘visual artist-in-residence’
Sep 13, 2019The orchestra’s new partnership with Geff Strik launches in October with ‘Don Quixote.’ Full Story
Fall Arts Preview: The Florida Orchestra is bingeing on Beethoven, and here’s why
Sep 06, 2019Happy birthday to Ludwig. Here’s how to celebrate and reflect on his life and work. Full Story
Single tickets for new Florida Orchestra season on sale Monday
Aug 09, 2019When the Florida Orchestra’s 52nd season was announced, back in February, there were still many months of performances left to go in the 51st. It was all TFO, all the time. Full Story
Program helps students develop through music and art
Jul 30, 2019TAMPA, Fla. (FOX 13) – A youth program through the Community Development Corporation and Hillsborough County Parks and Recreation is teaching kids the foundations of music. Full Story
Young Musicians Sharpen Their Skills in Cultural Arts Program
Jul 24, 2019HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — A lot of work goes into learning a new instrument. Full Story
The Florida Orchestra Does Big, Bold Beethoven
Jun 05, 2019When The Florida Orchestra revs up in the fall, its Masterworks series will be powered by Ludwig van Beethoven, the greatest composer in classical music. Seem like an exaggeration? Not really. Full Story
It’s the last weekend to catch the Florida Orchestra in Tampa Bay
May 22, 2019You’re gonna want to take some time to see the Florida Orchestra before it goes on break for the summer. Full Story
WSMR’s Florida Orchestra Masterwork Includes USF Professor’s Original Piece
May 09, 2019Earlier this year, the Florida Orchestra debuted a piece written by a University of South Florida music compositition professor. Full Story
Explosive orchestral percussion: Your weekend arts forecast
May 03, 2019The Florida Orchestra’s Saturday concert at the Mahaffey Theater features a guest soloist whose reputation precedes him; indeed, in the field of contemporary classical music, the Scottish percussionist Colin Currie is pretty much a rock star. Full Story
Fresh New Work Spotlights Florida Orchestra Violinist
Apr 03, 2019If a thoroughly modern orchestra wants to make its mark beyond dusting off the busts of Beethoven and Brahms, it needs to perform thoroughly modern music to reflect our own time. Full Story
Your weekend arts forecast: A masterwork and collaboration
Mar 28, 2019It’s a good thing that Geff Strik hit it off with Michael Francis, the Florida Orchestra’s music director and principal conductor, when the two were brought together for a lunch meeting following a Coffee Concert at the Mahaffey Theater last fall. Full Story
A poem, a painter, a ‘transfigured’ performance — and it all came together over coffee
Mar 22, 2019The Florida Orchestra’s Masterworks performance of Schoenberg’s ‘Verklarte Nacht’ will showcase local art in a unique way Full Story
BWW Review: BROADWAY TONIGHT at Florida Orchestra
Mar 21, 2019If a Tony Award was given for Best Broadway Tribute By An Orchestra, The Florida Orchestra would have garnered several with their Broadway Tonight Broadway-musical-themed concert. Full Story
Florida Orchestra announces 2019-2020 season
Feb 27, 2019To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the day Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first men to walk on the moon, the Florida Orchestra will welcome 49-year-old American composer and conductor Eric Whitacre for a concert spotlighting his Deep Field: A Cosmic Experience. Full Story
Florida Orchestra’s new season lineup: Batman, Bond and a whole lot of Beethoven
Feb 27, 2019You can sum up the Florida Orchestra’s upcoming 52nd season in four notes: Bum-bum-bum BUMMMMMM! Full Story
Florida Orchestra returns to SFSC
Feb 14, 2019The Florida Orchestra returns to the Alan Jay Wildstein Center for the Performing Arts at South Florida State College (SFSC) in Avon Park for a romantic trip through the stars for Valentine’s Day. Full Story
Florida Orchestra To Premiere USF Professor’s Original Piece
Feb 14, 2019A University of South Florida music composition professor’s latest work is getting a high-profile debut this week at the hands of the Florida Orchestra. Full Story
Classical music, outside of the concert hall
Feb 11, 2019You say you want a revolution? Well, you know … there’s one happening downtown. Full Story
Seal literally embraces Florida Orchestra fans at Mahaffey Theater gala
Feb 11, 2019Seal looked into audience at Mahaffey Theater on Saturday night, and felt a little unprepared for the occasion. Full Story
Review: Seal, Florida Orchestra serve up symphonic synergy in St. Petersburg
Feb 10, 2019It happened during My Funny Valentine, the moment when Seal and the Florida Orchestra became one. Full Story
Is ‘Kiss From a Rose’ a modern standard?
Jan 30, 2019When he arrives in Florida this week, Seal hopes to hit the courts. Full Story
Inaugural Celebration of the Arts to focus on Shakespeare
Jan 30, 2019Many of St. Petersburg’s arts institutions and organizations – just about all of them, in fact – will be acknowledging the Bard of Avon, in some fashion, during the month of February. Full Story
Here’s where furloughed workers can get freebies and help in Tampa Bay
Jan 17, 2019Both the Florida Orchestra and Ruth Eckerd Hall are offering free tickets to shows this week for furloughed government employees. Full Story
Florida Orchestra offering free tickets to furloughed government employees
Jan 17, 2019In the early 1820s, Franz Schubert could sense that his years were numbered, so he began a creative period that saw him write several pieces, including his Symphony No. 9 (Schubert died in in 1828; the official diagnosis was typhoid fever, but some are suspicious). Full Story
CREATEThe art of conductivity: Maestro Michael Francis of the Florida Orchestra
Jan 15, 2019Suave, erudite and comfortable in a tuxedo, native Londoner Michael Francis could very well be Tampa Bay’s James Bond – if, that is, 007 had wavy red hair, a baby face and an overwhelming obsession with symphonic music. Full Story
An Intimate Evening with Seal – The Florida Orchestra
Jan 11, 2019When four-time Grammy winner Seal performs with The Florida Orchestra, it will be more than an extraordinary concert. It’s a banner of support for the orchestra that has been a part of Tampa Bay for 50 years. Full Story
Musician earns a place right beside the woman who taught her to play
Jan 04, 2019The Florida Orchestra now employs a 23-year-old from Clearwater and her 67-year-old former teacher. Full Story
Florida Orchestra Invites Tampa Bay To Sing Out
Jan 03, 2019Perhaps you sing in the shower or in your car. This February, the Florida Orchestra is hoping everyone in the Tampa Bay region will be part of singing together in early February. Full Story
Florida Orchestra, Prodigy gain added dollars for violin lessons
Dec 13, 2018The Hillsborough County Commission recently approved an additional $100,000 to extend and expand the music lessons Full Story
Florida Orchestra Music Director Takes On Additional Conducting Job in Germany
Dec 13, 2018Music Director Michael Francis will remain at the helm of the Florida Orchestra, as he recently signed a contract extension that runs until 2024. Full Story
Feels so good: Jeff Tyzik conducts Florida Orchestra holiday concerts this week
Dec 10, 2018Armed with a satchel full of talent and ambition, and a Master’s from the Eastman School of Music, Jeff Tyzik launched a career in the mid ‘70s that would take him from one musical pinnacle to another. Full Story
Violinist Esther Yoo dazzles with Florida Orchestra in Mendelssohn concerto
Nov 17, 2018TAMPA — Not a ton of people have heard of Ralph Vaughan Williams’ A London Symphony, the title piece in this weekend’s Florida Orchestra concert series. Full Story
At 24, violinist Esther Yoo is already making a mark in the music world
Nov 16, 2018TAMPA — Esther Yoo should be tired. The night before, she was playing in London’s Cadogan Hall. Full Story
Florida Orchestra, Holocaust Museum collaborate in a stirring A Child of Our Time
Nov 10, 2018TAMPA — Eighty years ago this weekend, Nazi rioters unleashed a wave of antisemitic violence and rage. Whipped up by the propaganda minister and aided by the Gestapo, they killed scores of citizens, burned hundreds of synagogues, and vandalized or destroyed more than 7,500 Jewish-owned businesses. Full Story
A Child of Our Time
Nov 10, 2018The Florida Orchestra’s most recent Masterworks Concert combined Sir Michael Tippett’s cantata A Child of Our Time with an orchestral suite, with vocals from George and Ira Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess. Full Story
Florida Orchestra re-enacts 17th-century concert performance of Bach, Vivaldi
Oct 28, 2018TAMPA — The Florida Orchestra hosts a throwback party this weekend with a baroque theme. Full Story
Seal will join Florida Orchestra at St. Petersburg gala concert on February 9
Oct 19, 2018Last year saw Sting join the Florida Orchestra for a gala concert that raised $1.5 million for the organization, and on Tuesday, the orchestra announced that another Grammy-winner, Seal, would join it (along with music director Michael Francis) for its upcoming 2019 gala on February 9. Full Story
Singer Seal to headline February’s Florida Orchestra gala
Oct 18, 2018ST. PETERSBURG — The Florida Orchestra has landed Seal, a four-time Grammy winner, to headline its fund-raising gala at the Mahaffey Theater Feb. 9. Full Story
Florida Orchestra combines Pride celebration with Bernstein’s Broadway concert
Oct 02, 2018The Florida Orchestra has added a shoutout to the Tampa Bay area’s LGBTQ community as part of this weekend’s concert series, Bernstein’s Broadway. Full Story
Florida Orchestra opens season with a powerful Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5
Oct 01, 2018TAMPA — The Florida Orchestra season got off to a strong start Friday with Ludwig van Beethoven’s most famous work, the broodingly triumphant Symphony No. 5. Full Story
Florida Orchestra extends contract of music director Michael Francis an additional three years
Sep 28, 2018ST. PETERSBURG — With the Florida Orchestra on stage behind him, Michael Francis was deep into a lecture Thursday about Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 when an alert went off on someone’s phone. Full Story
Photos of TFO’s brass ensemble at Tampa International Airport
Sep 25, 2018The Florida Orchestra’s pop-up concert weekend kicked off on Friday with a handful of shows including this one at Tampa International Airport where a brass ensemble entertained travelers. Full Story
The Florida Orchestra to launch new season
Sep 21, 2018ST. PETERSBURG – Riddle me this: What do Ludwig van Beethoven, William Shakespeare and Walt Disney have in common? Full Story
Florida Orchestra conducts first Pride Weekend
Sep 20, 2018ST. PETERSBURG | The Florida Orchestra (TFO) will hold its inaugural Pride Weekend across two performing arts centers Oct. 5-6. Full Story
In a new season, Florida Orchestra expands reach, new top soloists
Sep 05, 2018The Florida Orchestra has prepared a 51st season with a wide range of grand masters and newer work, an increased visibility for minorities and women and more collaborations with museums and other artistic institutions. Full Story
Orchestra to blitz area with pop-ups
Aug 30, 2018The Florida Orchestra opens its 51st season Sept. 28 with Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5. But you might see them around a week before that. Full Story
Florida Orchestra adds ‘Home Alone’ movie to Christmas concert lineup
Aug 07, 2018The Home Alone series of movies recalls hits such asHave Yourself a Merry Little Christmas and Jingle Bell Rock, but Oscar-winning composer John Williams’ charming score has the lilting nostalgic tone that makes it a Christmas classic. And now the Florida Orchestra plans to make it an event. Full Story
Florida Orchestra names Daniel Black as new assistant conductor
Aug 03, 2018ST. PETERSBURG — The Florida Orchestra has hired conductor Daniel Black to share an increased workload in community concerts and other special programs. Full Story
Thanks to grant, would-be musicians get hands-on opportunity
Aug 02, 2018At the start, it wasn’t like listening to a symphony. Young hands moved bows over their violins and out came high-pitched screeching. Full Story
The Florida Orchestra’s Pastreich leaves his legacy through community
Aug 02, 2018In July, Michael Pasteich announced his plan to step down as the executive director of The Florida Orchestra after 11 years of leadership that sparked immense growth in the organization Pastreich met in dire straits. Full Story
Florida Orchestra CEO steps down
Jul 24, 2018The Florida Orchestra President & CEO Michael Pastreich, who has helped the orchestra boost its revenue, is stepping down after more than a decade, the orchestra announced Monday. Full Story
Florida Orchestra president Michael Pastreich steps down after 11 years
Jul 24, 2018ST. PETERSBURG — Michael Pastreich, the longest-serving president and CEO of the Florida Orchestra in its 50-year history, is resigning after 11 years leading the orchestra. Full Story
Michael Pastreich, The Florida Orchestra’s longest-serving CEO, had stepped down
Jul 24, 2018After nearly 11 years of service, The Florida Orchestra‘s (TFO) longest-serving CEO is stepping down. Full Story
Florida Orchestra president Pastreich stepping down after record year
Jul 24, 2018ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The Florida Orchestra President & CEO, Michael Pastreich, is stepping down after more than a decade of growth. Full Story
St Pete nonprofits collaborate to inspire growth
Jul 20, 2018Community leaders have long encouraged nonprofit collaboration. The cooperation can take many forms, from programmatic alignment to interdependent service development. Full Story
Seasons in the Symphony
Jul 17, 2018Symphony orchestras don’t grow by chance. Their presence in a community is indicative of thoughtful management, patron and donor support, as well as the ability to attract and maintain quality musicians. Full Story
Play encouraged at Florida Orchestra’s Instrument Petting Zoo
Jul 17, 2018ZEPHYRHILLS — Enticing kids to become avid page turners is part of the Pasco County’s “Libraries Rock” summer reading program. There’s always a fun element to bring them in, that this year comes with a musical theme. Full Story
Florida Orchestra agrees to pay musicians more, explores summer concerts
May 31, 2018ST. PETERSBURG — First, the good news for Florida Orchestra musicians — a 12-percent raise. Full Story
Moved by the Music
May 25, 2018Noah stands at the end of the Florida Orchestra performance and follows the other kids up to the podium. Full Story
Editorial: A sweet note for the Florida Orchestra’s violin program for at-risk kids
May 22, 2018This is music to the ears. Members of the Florida Orchestra will introduce at-risk students to the violin this summer at some Hillsborough recreation centers. For free. Full Story
Florida Orchestra closes 50th masterworks season with Beethoven’s Pastoral Symphony
May 20, 2018TAMPA — The Florida Orchestra wraps up its final masterworks concert of the season with a masterfully complex Johannes Brahms piano concerto and Ludwig van Beethoven’s warmly accessible Symphony No. 6, commonly known as the “Pastoral.” Full Story
Florida Orchestra to offer violin lessons for at-risk Tampa youth
May 17, 2018TAMPA — The Florida Orchestra will begin tutoring at-risk children free of charge, thanks to a Hillsborough County grant. Full Story
Florida Orchestra strikes powerful chord with Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4, violinist James Ehnes
May 06, 2018TAMPA — The Florida Orchestra’s latest masterworks concert joins two figures who by all rights should be household names, written by one for the other. Full Story
The Holocaust connection that makes the Florida Orchestra’s Verdi ‘Requiem’ concert special
Apr 19, 2018The Florida Orchestra puts another exclamation point on its 50th season with Verdi’s Requiem, this weekend’s concert series, a major presentation of an iconic work. Full Story
3 ways Verdi’s Requiem will be heavenly with The Florida Orchestra
Apr 12, 2018For the first time in nearly 10 years, The Florida Orchestra will perform Verdi’s sublime Requiem, featuring Music Director Michael Francis and the Master Chorale of Tampa Bay, on April 20-22 as part of TFO’s 50th anniversary season. Here are three reasons it will be a night of pure heaven in the concert hall. Full Story
As Florida dramatically slashes arts funding, theaters and museums scramble
Apr 09, 2018ST. PETERSBURG — The state of Florida and its arts programs have a complicated relationship. Full Story
Orchestra goes for a festive, intimate evening featuring cellist Lynn Harrell
Mar 24, 2018TAMPA — This weekend’s round of concerts by the Florida Orchestra departs from the usual format. The concert, which opened Friday at the David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts, does not feature a full orchestra. Full Story
Five things that make Lynn Harrell the most interesting world-class cellist
Mar 23, 2018Over drinks, Lynn Harrell could keep a person of even average curiosity entertained. The cellist and two-time Grammy winner can regale about his travels, drop a few of the household names he’s played with, drop the Pope’s name. Full Story
Demanding, respected Irwin Hoffman, first conductor of Florida Orchestra, dies at 93
Mar 22, 2018Orchestra musicians respected and feared Irwin Hoffman, the founding conductor of what is now the Florida Orchestra. Full Story
Florida Orchestra Celebrates 50th With A Premiere
Feb 28, 2018ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The Florida Orchestra celebrated its 50th anniversary the weekend of Feb. 23 with a Florida-themed world premiere. For the occasion, music director Michael Francis set his sights on homegrown talent, commissioning Triptych by Tampa native Michael Ippolito. Full Story
Orchestra explores spirit of Florida and the U.S. with ‘Triptych’ and ‘New World’ Symphony
Feb 24, 2018ST. PETERSBURG — One of the more important programs in the Florida Orchestra’s season combined Antonin Dvorak’s best known symphony with the debut of a major commission. Full Story
The Florida Orchestra taps composer Michael Ippolito to capture the state’s sound
Feb 23, 2018ST. PETERSBURG — The composer sat in semi-darkness, his hand drifting like a slow pendulum at his side. On the Mahaffey Theater stage, the violins led a creaking and mysterious journey through a cypress swamp, the inspiration for the first movement. Full Story
Florida Native’s ‘Triptych’ An Ode To The State
Feb 21, 2018Composer Michael Ippolito’s early life in Florida was filled with music, in schools like Brandon’s McLane Middle School. He says he was a little bit ahead of his classmates in music class and grew bored. That’s when a teacher suggested he jot down the music in his head. Full Story
Trumpeter is the highlight of a concert featuring ‘West Side Story’ themes
Feb 17, 2018TAMPA — Leonard Bernstein would have turned 100 this year. The Florida Orchestra performed two of his works Friday, the second of which paired the dances from West Side Story with the overture to Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet. Full Story
Review: The Florida Orchestra unites Trekkies and Star Wars fans in a concert of nerdgasmic proportions
Feb 10, 2018Whether you consider yourself a Sith Lord or a Vulcan, you can call The Florida Orchestra your master this weekend. Full Story
Florida Orchestra mixes it up, collaborates with community in 2018-19 season
Feb 08, 2018Themes are useful sometimes. Right now, the Florida Orchestra is still enjoying the heart of its 50th anniversary season, which has been big and loud and celebratory. Full Story
The Florida Orchestra debuts a brand-new work!
Feb 05, 2018Tampa native Michael Ippolito was commissioned to write a major work for The Florida Orchestra’s 50th anniversary. A graduate of Brandon High School, he grew up listening to The Florida Orchestra. Full Story
Orchestra sets off fireworks in the brassy ‘Sinfonietta’
Jan 20, 2018TAMPA — Many times during Sinfonietta, Leoš Janácek’s notoriously difficult but joyous work, it was impossible for a regular patron of the Florida Orchestra to escape this observation: They have never sounded quite like this. Full Story
Jahja Ling and his pianist wife, Jessie Chang, delight with Sibelius and Beethoven
Jan 06, 2018TAMPA — With a genial wave and a smile, the Florida Orchestra’s second music director greeted a Tampa Bay audience, the kind he used to see over 14 seasons. Full Story
A figure of calm encouragement, Jahja Ling returns to conduct the Florida Orchestra
Jan 02, 2018Jahja Ling was both a sideline coach and cheerleader for musicians of the Florida Orchestra, a man who would wring out every last ampere of dedication, then recharge their batteries with praise. Full Story
Best of 2017: Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Mumford and Sons, Aaron Carter top Tampa Bay’s best concerts
Dec 29, 2017Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone in Concert (Sept. 30, Straz Center): I’m a Harry Potter fan to the farthest extent (yes, I have a Hogwarts house robe and multiple wands), so I was going to this concert in September no matter what it entailed. Full Story
Every little thing they do is magic
Dec 15, 2017All of these musicians live their daily lives in the Tampa Bay area pumping gas, buying groceries and mowing lawns, and then those same hands, 120 or so of them, come together to create music that moves us to other times and other places. Full Story
Sting rocks the house with old and new hits in Florida Orchestra gala
Dec 10, 2017ST. PETERSBURG — In some ways, the Florida Orchestra’s gala with Sting looked like other concerts of a mega-star. Most of the fans who packed the Mahaffey Theater bought their tickets the day they went on sale. They cheered and sang along at the opening strains of the singer-songwriter’s instantly recognizable hits. Full Story
Concert Review: Sting and The Florida Orchestra rock the Mahaffey
Dec 10, 2017Man, can that Sting sing — and the orchestra finds new dimension in his songs. Full Story
Sting performs with the Florida Orchestra for 50th Anniversary Gala
Dec 10, 2017Sting was the guest and performer of honor for the Florida Orchestra’s fundraising gala Saturday in St. Pete. Sting performed some of his notable songs; Englishman in New York, Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic and Roxanne. Full Story
Orchestra delivers a stirring Rachmaninoff’s Symphony No. 2
Dec 02, 2017Under the baton of Stuart Malina, the orchestra plays the piece with an almost total unanimity, the kind that only comes when musicians appear to know the score by heart. Full Story
Our music critics wonder, how will Sting mesh with the Florida Orchestra?
Nov 30, 2017I was working construction the year Roxanne peaked on the Billboard charts and was playing all the time. With some of the more monotonous jobs, such as grading slabs, the radio is an important part of getting through it. Full Story
Florida Orchestra blazes through Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture
Oct 28, 2017TAMPA — Even people who aren’t music fans have heard of the 1812 Overture. Tchaikovsky’s booming showpiece lives on a mezzanine level of the mass mind, somewhere between Beethoven’s fifth symphony and Chopin’s Études. Full Story
World Premiere At The Florida Orchestra This Weekend
Oct 27, 2017Five world premieres will mark The Florida Orchestra’s five decades of music-making in the Tampa Bay community. Full Story
Students get an opportunity to make music with Florida Orchestra
Oct 26, 2017WESLEY CHAPEL — The excitement was palpable as students hopped off their school buses and streamed into the Center for the Arts at River Ridge. Full Story
This is the most heroic triangle solo of all time
Oct 19, 2017The Florida Orchestra recreated a hilarious triangle solo stunt from a (slightly weird) TV insurance advert – and it went down an absolute storm. Full Story
Percussionist rocks out with a blazing triangle solo during Florida Orchestra performance
Oct 18, 2017Oh, the poor triangle. It’s the orchestra equivalent of a rock band’s tamborine, and such easy fodder for jokes. Full Story
Fortune smiles on Florida Orchestra’s 50th season opening
Oct 09, 2017TAMPA — A tympanist smashes a pair of mallets onto a drumhead, and the chorus erupts. O Fortuna! Full Story
The Florida Orchestra is about to sound a whole lot better at the Mahaffey
Oct 04, 2017ST. PETERSBURG — In total silence, one of the world’s foremost acousticians bent over a sound board and slid a button forward. Full Story
Orchestra to play along for second chapter of Harry Potter film series
Oct 03, 2017Coming off a weekend when muggles snapped up enough tickets for four shows of live orchestra music played alongside a showing of the first Harry Potter film, the Florida Orchestra announced Monday that the second film in the series, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, will get also the live score treatment. Full Story
Here’s what the Florida Orchestra will perform for its 50th anniversary season
Sep 28, 2017As the Florida Orchestra gears up for its golden anniversary in the Tampa Bay area, we asked music director Michael Francis to share his thoughts on the classical lineup. Full Story
Florida Orchestra hits the half-century mark on a triumphant note
Sep 28, 2017The Florida Orchestra began 50 years ago with a mixture of nervousness and pride, dreams of artistic excellence and an accompanying surge for the arts on both sides of Tampa Bay. Full Story
Broomsticks and brass: The Florida Orchestra takes a trip to Hogwarts
Sep 27, 2017CL Tampa talks to conductor John Jesensky about quidditch, John Williams and more. Full Story
What to expect from the Florida Orchestra’s ‘Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone’ show
Sep 26, 2017With just a few short tings from the celesta, a small piano-style instrument, and you’re instantly transported to Harry Potter’s wizarding world. Full Story
‘Harry Potter’ takes on entire Florida Orchestra in concert
Sep 25, 2017It can be a daunting task to conduct an orchestra that’s providing accompaniment for a film. For the most part, the conductor has to keep the timing perfect, down to the split-second, so that the music syncs up with the film the way it’s meant to. Full Story
Florida Orchestra lands rock star Sting for its 50th anniversary gala
Aug 04, 2017The Florida Orchestra has landed a real rock star. The orchestra will celebrate its 50th anniversary fundraising gala with a performance from Sting, one of popular music’s biggest icons, the orchestra announced Thursday. Full Story
Sting w/ The Florida Orchestra — here’s how to get tickets to the Dec. 9 show
Aug 04, 2017TFO members get a crack on Sept. 25; sales to general public start on Oct. 2 Full Story
Florida Orchestra lands rock star Sting for its 50th anniversary gala
Aug 03, 2017The Florida Orchestra will celebrate its 50th anniversary fundraising gala with Sting, one of popular music’s biggest icons, the orchestra announced Thursday. Full Story
Conductor thinks they’ll play ‘Star Spangled Banner,’ but orchestra has hilarious prank planned
Jul 05, 2017The Florida Orchestra decided to prank their music conductor and director Michael Francis during a rehearsal of the United States of America’s national anthem, the Star-Spangled Banner. Full Story
Florida Orchestra and Tampa Bay Master Chorale scrap search for a joint conductor
Jul 05, 2017After a yearlong effort, the Master Chorale of Tampa Bay and the Florida Orchestra have abandoned their search for a conductor capable of leading both groups. Full Story
Orchestra Members Confuse British Conductor When They Play His National Anthem
Jun 12, 2017The best kind of pranks are the ones that make everyone involved smile, even the one who was tricked! Full Story
Governor veto of $500,000 strikes a sour note for Florida Orchestra
Jun 05, 2017The Florida Orchestra got an unwelcome surprise late Friday when Gov. Rick Scott ruled out $500,000 in funds to help pay for a new outreach program. Full Story
Florida Orchestra season ends on a triumphant note with Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5
May 22, 2017TAMPA — The Florida Orchestra ends its 49th season with a complete set of three qualitatively different pieces. Full Story
After 44 years, principal clarinetist Brian Moorhead retires from Florida Orchestra
May 19, 2017TAMPA — He’s had the same dream lately. Brian Moorhead is waiting for a bus carrying fellow musicians of the Florida Orchestra. Full Story
A World of Impact: An Interview with Florida Orchestra Director Michael Francis
May 16, 2017Florida Orchestra Director Michael Francis has grabbed ahold of his duties as a Tampa Bay cultural leader with the same fervor he waves his conductor baton. Full Story
St. Petersburg street will also be co-named Florida Orchestra Way
May 05, 2017ST. PETERSBURG — In a civic hat tip to the Florida Orchestra, the City Council on Thursday voted to amend street signs for a part of downtown First Street. Full Story
Florida Orchestra cancels fireworks, free concert still on
May 04, 2017TAMPA — The Florida Orchestra has canceled a planned fireworks display Sunday at its free at its Pops in the Park concert, the result of a burn ban issued by Hillsborough County. Full Story
Review: Florida Orchestra pays tribute to young composers in breakout works
May 01, 2017TAMPA — One of the most engaging moments in The B-Sides, a remarkable composition by Mason Bates for orchestra and electronica performed by the Florida Orchestra this weekend, comes through the sandpaper voice of astronaut Edward White, the first American to step out of a capsule and into space. Full Story
The Florida Orchestra will perform Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone on September 30
Apr 24, 2017Hit play on “Hedwig’s Theme” below before you start reading this post — it’ll be more fun, we swear. Full Story
Harry Potter Film Concert Series coming to Tampa
Apr 24, 2017TAMPA BAY, Fla. (WFLA) – Harry Potter fans in the Tampa Bay area will soon get a chance to experience the magic in a brand new way when the Harry Potter Film Concert Series makes a stop in the area. Full Story
‘Harry Potter,’ ‘La La Land’ orchestral concerts coming to Tampa Bay
Apr 24, 2017The Florida Orchestra will bring the music of Harry Potter to life with a one-night performance of John Williams‘ score to Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone… Full Story
Florida Orchestra concert lets lesser-known works shine
Apr 03, 2017TAMPA — This weekend’s Florida Orchestra concert takes a different path, showcasing less celebrated works by Maurice Ravel, Ludwig van Beethoven and Sergei Rachmaninoff. Full Story
Orchestra coming to Citrus
Apr 03, 2017For years, The Florida Orchestra (TFO) has played mainly at venues in Tampa Bay — the Straz Center in Tampa, the Mahaffey Theater in St. Petersburg, or Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater. Full Story
Beautiful Music As FL Orchestra Plays USF Students’ Original Compositions
Mar 21, 2017The Florida Orchestra’s 2016-17 season wraps up May 19-21 with a trio of concerts featuring works by Beethoven, Tchaikovsky and Sclafani. Full Story
Florida Orchestra composes a 50th anniversary season of celebration
Mar 15, 2017The Florida Orchestra has been planning its 50th anniversary season all year and the party is on. Full Story
Master Class: What does an orchestra conductor do?
Mar 08, 2017TAMPA – The young man lifted his hands, one of which held a baton, and brought them down. Full Story
Orchestra goes interdisciplinary with the ‘Dali Experience’
Mar 06, 2017TAMPA — Since taking over as music director in 2015, Michael Francis has articulated a strong interest in expanding the reach of the Florida Orchestra, geographically and culturally. Full Story
USF, The Florida Orchestra Partner to Give Student-Composers Invaluable Career Preparation Opportunity
Feb 20, 2017Members of The Florida Orchestra recently performed five student compositions. One of the works will be premiered during the orchestra’s Masterworks Series in May. Full Story
Calm of Debussy and Duruflé surrounds the storm of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 2
Feb 20, 2017TAMPA — The latest offering by the Florida Orchestra begins with dewdrops and ends on a whisper. Full Story
Itzhak Perlman thrills crowd at Florida Orchestra gala
Feb 06, 2017ST. PETERSBURG — Itzhak Perlman wowed a packed Mahaffey Theater crowd with sweet renderings of film scores, delivered as only he can for a variety of reasons. Full Story
Florida Orchestra’s David Bowie tribute evokes awe, nostalgia for singer Tony Vincent
Jan 31, 2017ST. PETERSBURG — Tony Vincent bought David Bowie’s Blackstar album the day it was released. Full Story
The Florida Orchestra kicks off happy hour concert series on February 2
Jan 30, 2017For better or worse, many of us have a cocktail or three to help us get through uncomfortable situations, and if you’ve ever been intimidated by the orchestra, then this could be your chance to put that practice to use. Full Story
Free Drinks, Music and More at New Happy Hour Concerts
Jan 27, 2017The work day is done, would you rather sit in your car in rush hour traffic, or relax at a HAPPY HOUR concert at the Straz in downtown Tampa? Full Story
Florida Orchestra – February Events
Jan 27, 2017Are you tired of rush hour traffic in Tampa? Let the music move you instead. Join the Florida Orchestra for its brand new Happy Hour Concerts. Full Story
The Florida Orchestra brings Masterworks concerts
Jan 27, 2017AVON PARK — The Florida Orchestra usually performs in St. Petersburg but its first-ever residency program brought the orchestra to perform at the Alan Jay Wildstein Performing Arts Center at South Florida State College. Full Story
Florida Orchestra principal oboe John Upton takes the lead in Mozart concerto
Jan 20, 2017ST. PETERSBURG — John Upton wondered if Michael Francis would remember him. The young oboist and the music director of the Florida Orchestra had met just a few months earlier. Full Story
Editorial: The Florida Orchestra reaches out
Jan 06, 2017Thanks to a state grant, the Florida Orchestra is embarking on new outreach efforts that will extend its reach across the state and bring its music to underserved audiences. Full Story
With new grants, Florida Orchestra is increasing its presence around the state
Jan 05, 2017ST. PETERSBURG — The Florida Orchestra will take on an expanded presence throughout Florida, thanks to new funding that will send musicians to cities around the state. Full Story
‘Fantastic’ Florida Orchestra opens residency in Daytona
Jan 05, 2017The Florida Orchestra is on a mission to make symphony concerts accessible to everyone, not just people of means. The reason is simple: “When people come who haven’t been before, they leave transformed,” said Michael Francis, the state orchestra’s music director. Full Story
Florida Orchestra concertmaster Jeffrey Multer shines as soloist
Dec 05, 2016TAMPA — Every year, some of the world’s best violinists play on our stages. This year, young sensations Simone Porter and Benjamin Beilman wowed Florida Orchestra audiences. Full Story
Florida Orchestra connects sea-themed works, old and new
Nov 12, 2016The Florida Orchestra has paid tribute to the big guns of music, with Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 and Mozart’s Jupiter Symphony so far this year, with Mahler and Tchaikovsky yet to come. Full Story
Daughter’s words live on in composition, ‘The Work at Hand’
Nov 10, 2016The piece inspired the concert, The Work at Hand, by American composer Jake Heggie, grew out of an unpublished poem about cancer. Its author, Laura Morefield, died at 50 in 2011, of colon cancer. Full Story
Review: Violinist Benjamin Beilman electrifies at Florida Orchestra concert
Nov 10, 2016A young violinist got the crowd leaping to its feet, and the Florida Orchestra celebrated three innovative composers on Friday with Mozart’s “Jupiter” symphony. Full Story
Jeremy Denk dazzles, orchestra adapts to late program change
Oct 22, 2016TAMPA — One of the world’s foremost pianists performed brilliantly Friday with the Florida Orchestra. Full Story
Pianist Jeremy Denk changes Florida Orchestra program a week before concert
Oct 18, 2016Jeremy Denk Plays Ravel, a Florida Orchestra concert, was to open this weekend at the David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts. Full Story
Florida Orchestra’s opens season in smashing form with Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9
Oct 01, 2016TAMPA — Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 has become so ingrained in music, it is easy to imagine it was always there somehow. Full Story
At the busiest time, 30 minutes of pleasure
Sep 22, 2016TAMPA — Everywhere else, the evening rush hour was dragging everything living and breathing gradually under foot. Full Story
Florida Orchestra season lineup features world-class talent, a mix of classics and new work
Sep 22, 2016As a conductor of the Florida Orchestra, Michael Francis spends time on the details. He is the border collie nipping at the herd, the proofreader who preserves accuracy to the text, the timekeeper. Full Story
Orchestra Hits The Road For Community Concerts
Sep 06, 2016Classical music to some people conjures up images of large music ensembles in ornate concerts halls. The Florida Orchestra is trying to change that perception by performing in the community. Full Story
Florida Orchestra presents free concerts in September, beyond
Sep 06, 2016If catching the Florida Orchestra soon is on your priority list but can’t quite grab the top spot, the orchestra has just made your life easier. Full Story
Florida Orchestra announces ‘Legend of Zelda’ symphony at the Mahaffey
Aug 01, 2016The one-night-only performance comes to St. Petersburg’s Mahaffey Theater on Dec. 16 featuring orchestral versions of music from the popular Nintendo franchise timed to high-definition Zelda video on a big screen. Full Story
Florida Orchestra takes on Beethoven’s ‘Eroica’ with passion and purpose
May 02, 2016It is a reverent and serious interpretation with which I can find no fault. Full Story
Sing Out! Tampa Bay
Apr 26, 2016You do it in the shower. You do it in the car. You might as well do it on the stage. The Florida Orchestra is making room on theirs… Full Story
Novice meets classical for community-based sing-along concert Sing Out! Tampa Bay
Apr 25, 2016Performers practice during the rehearsal for Sing Out! Tampa Bay at the Mahaffey Theater in St. Petersburg… Full Story
Review: Debussy’s Prelude showcases the deep talent of the Florida Orchestra
Apr 18, 2016In a concert without a visiting guest star, it was a demonstration of just how deeply talented our local band is. Full Story
Florida Orchestra presents Golden Baton Award
Apr 14, 2016Dr. Robert H. Wharton Jr. fell in love with classical music as a child when his father brought records home to play for the family. Full Story
Violinist Perlman set for Florida Orchestra gala in February
Apr 08, 2016Renowned violinist Itzhak Perlman is coming to St. Petersburg next year to perform with The Florida Orchestra during its third annual fund-raising gala. Full Story
Itzhak Perlman will join the Florida Orchestra for 2017 gala
Apr 06, 2016In a major coup, the Florida Orchestra has landed Itzhak Perlman for its 2017 fundraising gala. Full Story
Review: Florida Orchestra and Simone Porter thrill with Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto
Apr 02, 2016The audience enthusiastically and unanimously leapt to its feet at the end. Full Story
Violinist Simone Porter, a teenage superstar, to lead Florida Orchestra this weekend
Mar 29, 2016Simone Porter stood near the edge of an elegant proscenium stage in Benaroya Hall in downtown Seattle, and tried not to think about the 2,500 people in the seats. Full Story
Violinist Simone Porter
Mar 29, 2016The Los Angeles Times, after referring to her as a “future star,” wrote, “Let’s strike the word ‘future.’ She sounds ready. Now.” Full Story
Florida Orchestra to visit Avon Park
Mar 24, 2016The largest orchestra in Florida recently announced it plans to visit Avon Park in early 2017 as part of its new state residency program. Full Story
Florida Orchestra to visit communities around state in first ‘residency’ outreach
Mar 21, 2016For the first time, the Florida Orchestra will go on the road with a new program of community residencies across Florida, the orchestra announced Monday. Full Story
Florida Orchestra Pros Encourage The Next Generation Of Classical Musicians
Mar 01, 2016To borrow from the old adage about getting to Carnegie Hall, it takes a lot of practice to be a great classical musician. Full Story
Florida Orchestra’s ‘Ravel & Brahms’ shows how composers overcame writer’s block
Feb 29, 2016Maurice Ravel started a composition in 1913. When World War I broke out, he fled Paris, leaving the musical sketches on his desk. Full Story
Acrobats fly, Bowie is remembered in Florida Orchestra’s 2016-17 season
Feb 12, 2016An energized Florida Orchestra will increase its number of concerts starting in the fall while retaining a mix of classical and pops, including tributes to David Bowie… Full Story
When Whitney Hit the High Note
Feb 09, 2016Team Houston and the Florida Orchestra — under the direction of Chinese conductor Jahja Ling — not only increased the national anthem’s level of technical difficulty, they amplified its soul. Full Story
Pianist trills, ‘lion’s roar’ surprises at ‘Mozart & More’
Jan 23, 2016Several Florida Orchestra concerts this year have offered contrasting works that together make a point. Full Story
Florida Orchestra makes music from donkey jawbones and beer kegs
Jan 20, 2016The foliage obscured any address at the home of Kurt Grissom in Old Southeast, where the rehearsal was to take place. Full Story
There’s a point in every Ferris wheel ride, just past the zenith, when the carriage swings out and your stomach lifts
Jan 14, 2016From a visual standpoint, the Mahaffey Theater is a palace for staging musical performances, Florida Orchestra President Michael Pastreich says. Full Story
Cellist Maximilian Hornung shines as Florida Orchestra celebrates the waltz
Jan 14, 2016There’s a point in every Ferris wheel ride, just past the zenith, when the carriage swings out and your stomach lifts… Full Story
Tampa Bay’s best concerts of 2015
Jan 14, 2016I love how fancy it makes me sound to say that my favorite concert of the year was the debut of Michael Francis as music director of the Florida Orchestra… Full Story
A-Rod looking to build on ‘Cinderella-type season’
Jan 14, 2016A-Rod was under a different spotlight Tuesday, taking center stage to recite “The Night Before Christmas.” Full Story
The Florida Orchestra returns with a brand new season of timeless music
Sep 29, 2015Watch the video at wtsp.com! Full Story
A Brit embracing Americana, Michael Francis takes over Florida Orchestra
Sep 29, 2015The new maestro of the Florida Orchestra walks into his empty office, sets down his briefcase and gestures to the empty bookshelves lining one wall… Full Story
Busy prelude: Florida Orchestra hires 4 musicians, squares books, rolls out new logo
Sep 29, 2015ST. PETERSBURG — The Florida Orchestra is entering a new season with four new musicians, hand-picked from across the country… Full Story
Archive
June 24, 2015: Brandon sculptor honors Florida Orchestra retirees
June 17, 2015: Violinist puts down her bow after 50 years
May 27, 2015: As its last original musician retires, TFO looks to new beginnings
May 21, 2015: TFO lands singer Michael Feinstein for January gala concert
May 2, 2015: ‘Rock star’ bassoonist adds cheery tone to TFO performance
Apr 18, 2015: Florida Orchestra presents diverse set at latest concert
Mar 21, 2015: Florida Orchestra gets inside a child’s mind with Mahler
Mar 13, 2015: TFO Shares Music and Magic with Patients at All Children’s Hospital
Mar 13, 2015: TFO performs rooftop concert at All Children’s Hospital
Feb 28, 2015: Young talent leads Florida Orchestra through Ades, Brahms, Mozart
Feb 27, 2015: Florida Orchestra’s Instrument Petting Zoo lets kids play with music
Feb 21, 2015: Florida Orchestra presents a joyful, sparkling night of Beethoven
Feb 8, 2015: Florida Orchestra 2015-16 season is a journey through America
Feb 8, 2015: Florida Orchestra announces 2015-16 season
Feb 4, 2015: TFO to give season preview concert at International Plaza
Feb 1, 2015: Cellist Yo-Yo Ma stuns at sold-out Florida Orchestra gala
Jan 28, 2015: Radiohead mashed with Brahms: Not as weird as you think
Jan 28, 2015: Steve Hackman talks ‘Brahms v. Radiohead’
Jan 21, 2015: TFO members recall unexpected moments with Yo-Yo Ma
Dec 18, 2014: Florida Orchestra to serenade the sick with free Moffitt concert
Dec 12, 2014: Florida Orchestra releases first holiday album on its own label
Dec 11, 2014: Incoming TFO conductor Michael Francis welcomes a daughter
Dec 9, 2014: Florida Orchestra releases first holiday CD
Dec 8, 2014: Philanthropist Ray Murray, who gave millions to Tampa Bay causes, dies
Dec 6, 2014: Review: The Florida Orchestra delivers graceful world music
Dec 2014: MA 30 Professionals of the Year Profiles in Courage
Dec 2, 2014: Joan Steinbrenner, Yankees bring Christmas cheer & arts to children
Nov 25, 2014: To infinity and beyond: Florida Orchestra takes on Pixar catalog
Nov 11, 2014: From monks to music, your guide to ‘Carmina Burana’
Nov 8, 2014: Review: Ben Folds, TFO magically meld classical and pop at the Straz
Nov 8, 2014: Concert review: The Ben Folds Orchestral Experience at the Straz Center
Nov 3, 2014: Ben Folds brings signature sounds to the Florida Orchestra
Oct 25, 2014: Review: New Florida Orchestra conductor Michael Francis wows crowd
Oct 24, 2014: Florida Orchestra’s new maestro ready for debut
Oct 22, 2014: Q&A With The Florida Orchestra Music Director On Elgar
Oct 21, 2014: Florida Orchestra’s Michael Francis talks making music and a home
Oct 16, 2014: Top Florida Orchestra leader leaves for new role
Oct 11, 2014: Florida Orchestra goes confidently into new season
Oct 10, 2014: Florida Orchestra to balance new season with heavy and light fare
Oct 2, 2014: Florida Orchestra opens a season of renewal