What would Ravel’s sultry “Bolero” be without its iconic trombone solo? Luckily, Alexis Smith was called in as a last-minute substitute for the Southwest Florida Symphony Orchestra’s 2016 performance, and wowed us into keeping her permanently!
“The orchestra was so welcoming and supportive that an incredibly stressful situation turned into a really magical and positive experience!”
After winning a prestigious competition which awarded her her custom Shires Trombone in 2012, she laughs at the irony of being Shires’ Trombone Specialist and a custom Designer today.
During our November 2019 Masterworks concert, pre-talk, and post-concert Conductor’s Circle Club, we were proud to share Alexis’ talent and magnetism as our guest solo artist.
“Trombone is often not thought of as a solo instrument and very rarely are trombone concertos part of a concert program. So having the opportunity to really be an ambassador for the trombone was an unbelievable experience.”
“It was so great to be able to meet our supporters face to face, and the experience really reinforced for me how special the SWFLSO community is!”
After a childhood spent nearby in West Palm Beach (her parents frequently “bike” over to enjoy her performances), we’re not surprised that her dedication and talent yielded a BM from Manhattan School of Music, a MM from The Juilliard School, and a (nearly completed) Doctorate from Boston University.
But we were a little more surprised to learn that she spent a summer sailing around on a Viking ship with an Icelandic rock group. Alexis is also an award-winning axe-thrower and spends free time boxing!
Look for this woman of many faces on the Southwest Florida Symphony stage, when we safely reconvene for Season 59 1/2!
