In November 2019, we began planning a stellar concert season. It included a Masterworks Series consisting of massive works like Rachmaninoff Symphonic Dances. Our Pops Series boasted the music of ABBA. Brave New Music promised even more bravery, blending the music of the Beatles and Mozart. We had guest artists like Ben Folds and Jon Nakamatsu engaged for performances that are ordinarily only accessible in major metropolitan cities and we prepared for a new music director search that would catapult us into the future. Our guest conductors and soloists began practicing repertoire and planning their journeys to Paradise. Orchestra rehearsals were plotted out, parties were scheduled, Symphony Society events were in process and we were poised for an epic 60th anniversary season.
Then COVID-19 descended upon us and stopped us in our tracks in March 2020…but only temporarily.
Classical music is eternal. It is the artistic expression of political struggle, oppression, heartache and illness. It has stood the test of centuries and it will triumph over this challenge, including and especially in our community.
We’re slowing our roll on celebrating our 60th anniversary. Technically, our 60th birthday happens on April 15th, 2021, so we’re calling this our 591⁄2 season and we’re Playing it by Ear. Come what may, we will deliver the magic of orchestral music to our community and beyond, but how and when that happens is, as of this missive, not clear yet. However, we have established six decades of artistic trust with you and we are committed to retaining that trust through an exceptionally difficult time for performing arts.
To those of you who have purchased season subscriptions, we extend our deepest thanks for your continued support. Our concert season may be unconventional, but your investment in this orchestra will be rewarded. Your admission is covered at any and every concert we can deliver during season 591⁄2. If you’re interested in purchasing a subscription and love the element of surprise, please contact our box office to secure seats at whatever concerts we are able to perform…..and thank you for Playing it by Ear along with us.
Reach out to us at 239-418-1500 or TICKETS@SWFLSO.ORGfor more subscriber and future subscriber information.
Though we’re not making history the way we anticipated, and the Uncharted Territory of last year’s theme continues (we NEVER could have envisioned a pandemic!), we deeply appreciate you traversing these uncertain times with us. Stay tuned!
Musically yours,
Amy J. Ginsburg, Executive Director
