To our dear Florida Orchestra family,
As we face this crisis together, with the world at such a standstill, never before have we been so physically isolated from our friends and families. When our every instinct is to find strength and comfort together in the safe haven of the concert hall, it is both cruel and crucial that we stay apart for the safety of everyone. Not being able to perform so many great live concerts for you in the coming weeks is heartbreaking for all of us at The Florida Orchestra. We deeply miss being with you, and long to provide the live symphonic music that so powerfully connects us, especially now.
However, our musicians and staff are determined to keep the music going. I encourage you to follow our Facebook page and other social media, where you will find wonderful, creative videos from our musicians that are sure to lift your spirits. Also, we will broadcast and stream live recordings of some of our finest concerts from our current and recent seasons on Classical WSMR radio beginning this Thursday. Even when we are not able to play live for you, the indomitable spirit of our remarkable TFO musicians cannot be dampened: We will keep bringing you music!
When we finally emerge from this crisis, where shall we look for inspiration? Music, of course. Music has given each of us comfort and compassion in times of difficulty. Whether it be the journey from darkness to light in Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, or the reminder from Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons that spring will follow winter, music’s power to enrich lives, encourage empathy, provide beauty and inspire hope is unsurpassable. It is needed now more than ever before.
Our beloved community has been separated and secluded by this virus. What better way to unite us than to hear the world’s most beautiful music played with the passion and commitment of The Florida Orchestra musicians?
The orchestra and I dearly look forward to sharing the stage with you again. Please know that the entire TFO family and I are thinking of you and sending our love and best wishes.
We hope you and your families will stay safe and healthy.
Michael Francis
Music Director
Live Recordings of TFO Concerts Broadcast on Classical WSMR Radio
We can still listen to The Florida Orchestra together, even when we can’t sit in the same concert hall. You don’t even have to leave your couch. TFO will share live recordings of select Masterworks concerts for free on Classical WSMR 89.1 and 103.9 FM radio and online at WSMR.org, thanks to our partnership with the station.
Recordings of 13 full concerts will keep the music going at 7 pm Thursdays starting tonight (March 26), with Music Director Michael Francis conducting this season’s Opening Night performance of Gershwin, Grieg, Ravel and more. Continuing through June 11, the broadcasts will be a mix of recordings from this season and TFO’s archives. If you miss a broadcast, you can listen on-demand at WSMR.org for 45 days after the airdate.
Please join us for some of the most powerful moments from our Tampa Bay Times Masterworks series – a gift to our community in conjunction with WUSF Public Media and Classical WSMR radio. The broadcasts also are made possible by the Community Foundation of Tampa Bay and Jay’s Fabric Center. Special thank you to the Florida Orchestra Musicians Association and to the American Federation of Musicians Local 427-721 for making these recordings possible.
This is the third year we are offering live recordings, but the sentiment is stronger than ever, since our live concerts have been canceled through at least April 5 to help reduce the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). We hope these recorded performances will lift you up and bring a sense of comfort when you need it most, no matter where you are in the world.
The first broadcast on March 26 includes Grieg’s Piano Concerto with Aldo Lopez-Gavilan (pictured above), Ravel’s Bolero, Gershwin’s Cuban Overture, Beethoven’s Leonore Overture No. 3 and Mason Bates’ Mothership. Full concerts have been recorded live all season long at the Straz Center in Tampa, the Mahaffey Theater in St. Petersburg, and Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater. Look for a full schedule soon at FloridaOrchestra.org.
As you listen to the music, please remember that in these challenging times The Florida Orchestra needs your support more than ever. Ticket sales provide about 40 percent of our operating budget, so each week that TFO cannot perform significantly impacts your orchestra.
If you have already made a gift to TFO, you have our heartfelt gratitude. If you are in a position to help, please consider the role extraordinary live music plays in your life and support your Florida Orchestra with a gift of any amount today. Thank you.
The Florida Orchestra is so grateful for the love and support we have received from our community. We need your help to emerge from this crisis strong, so your contribution during these challenging times is more important than ever. Please consider the role extraordinary live music plays in your life and support your Florida Orchestra with a gift of any amount today. Thank you.