This is your last chance to join The Florida Orchestra’s 50th birthday celebration at its season finale concerts. And what a season it’s been, from Beethoven to Star Wars to a gala concert with Sting. It’s not over yet.
Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4 (Friday to Sunday, May 4-6): Michael Francis leads Tchaikovsky’s explosive Symphony No. 4. World-class violinist and Bradenton resident James Ehnes performs a violin concerto written for him by James Newton Howard, an eight-time Oscar nominated film composer known for The Hunger Games, Pretty Woman, The Dark Knight and more. Free Classical Kids tickets available in advance for this and all Tampa Bay Times Masterworks concerts.
The Music of Michael Jackson (Friday, May 11): Acclaimed vocalist James Delisco performs the King of Pop’s mega hits, including Thriller, Man in the Mirror, Billie Jean, Beat It and many more. Brent Havens conducts a full rock band with the orchestra. Tickets start at $35.
Free Pops in the Park (Sunday, May 13): TFO will help open Tampa’s revamped Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park in style with a free concert on Mother’s Day. Bring the whole family to check out the 23-acre park and enjoy free symphonic, Broadway and movie music under the stars. Food trucks with beer and wine will be on site. There will be a fireworks finale.
Beethoven’s Pastoral Symphony (Friday to Sunday, May 18-20): Michael Francis leads the orchestra on a playful, slightly rainy ride through the countryside in Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6. Javier Perianes returns to perform Brahms’ gorgeous and demanding Piano Concerto No. 2.
Patriotic Salute (May 25-26): In honor of Memorial Day, the orchestra salutes the American spirit, with music from America’s greatest popular composers, from John Philip Sousa to John Williams. Jeff Tyzik conducts. Part of the Raymond James Pops series.
The Florida Orchestra performs regularly at the Straz Center in Tampa, Mahaffey in St. Petersburg and Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater. Tickets to most concerts start at $15 and are available at floridaorchestra.org or 727-892-3337 and 1-800-662-7286.
