OrchlogoBy Kelly Smith

With a dynamic new music director and a new vibe, The Florida Orchestra is rolling out a fresh, modern look to match.

The orchestra’s marketing department recently unveiled a redesigned logo and other materials. The clean, contemporary logo – the orchestra’s first significant redesign since 1999 – was produced in-house to align with the orchestra’s renewed vision, mission and artistic direction under Maestro Michael Francis.

In October, new Music Director Michael Francis raises the baton on a new era for The Florida Orchestra, as well as a blockbuster month of concerts. Here are the highlights:

Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3

(Friday to Sunday, October 2-4): Francis kicks off his inaugural season and the Tampa Bay Times Masterworks series with a doozy, conducting one of the most revered – and feared – works ever (with YouTube star Valentina Lisitsa). Also on the program is Copland’s Symphony No. 3, known as the Great American Symphony.

A Night at the Oscars

(Friday to Sunday, October 9-11): Get the red carpet treatment with conductor and host Michael Francis, along with music from Lawrence of Arabia, Rocky, Lord of the Rings and more, to open the Raymond James Pops series.

Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons

(Friday to Sunday, October 23-25): You probably know this work as elevator music, but here’s your chance to hear it as it should be – live on stage, with violinist and leader Lara St. John.

Halloween Pops on Broadway (Friday to Sunday, October 30-November 1): So many treats, from Phantom of the Opera to Jekyll and Hyde to Beauty and the Beast, for a night of bewitching music. Jeff Tyzik conducts.

Masterworks and Pops tickets are $15, $30 and $45 at floridaorchestra.org or 727-892-3337 and 800-662-7286. Get three concerts for $75 at ComposeYourOwn.com. The orchestra regularly performs at the Straz Center in Tampa, Mahaffey Theater in St. Petersburg, and Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater.

Previous articleLocal Pediatrician Donates Time At Brandon Outreach Clinic
Next articleRun With The Wolves In First 5K For Newsome High School Band Boosters