The Florida Orchestra will celebrate the unique musical language of America in its new 2023-24 season in the fall. Inspired by the 100th anniversary of Gershwin’s groundbreaking Rhapsody in Blue, the season will feature a wide range of American composers from Aaron Copland to Wynton Marsalis alongside global masterpieces from Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, Mozart, Dvorak and more. Season tickets for all series are on sale now.
“It’s important to celebrate America’s own musical art form,” said internationally acclaimed Music Director Michael Francis. He’s a British native who became an American citizen in 2019. “This season we’ll take audiences on a journey across America’s musical landscape, as we explore our musical roots and where we are today. Alongside the story of American music, we will delight our Tampa Bay community with beloved classics from around the world.”
The Florida Orchestra’s 56th Season
At the heart of TFO’s 56th season, Maestro Francis will conduct featured soloist Stewart Goodyear in Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue. This masterpiece combined jazz and classical to change music forever when it premiered 100 years ago, in 1924. “This revolutionary work deserves to be put on a pedestal and celebrated as one of the most important pieces of American art. So much of America’s heritage is on display in one extraordinary piece,” said Francis.
Rhapsody In Blue by Gershwin
The concert will spotlight works by three more American composers:
- Jazz great Wynton Marsalis’ Herald, Holler & Hallelujah
- Grammy Award winner Mason Bates’ Alternative Energy
- The legendary Leonard Bernstein’s Three Dance Episodes from On the Town
For the first time, all 13 concerts will include a surprise, unlisted “mystery piece” personally chosen by Maestro Francis. “We’ve put a lot of thought into each short piece, which will enhance the concert in an unexpected and memorable way and reveal something new. They will make you smile,” Francis said.
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October 2023 brings another important American masterpiece, Copland’s Appalachian Spring, showcasing the beauty of the distinctly American sound. “Copland saw how the power of music can unite a country. He created an open, pioneering sound that tapped straight into the psyche and soul of the American people,” said Maestro Francis. The program also features Grammy-nominated baritone Jubilant Sykes performing American spirituals that highlight our African-American heritage. “These songs reflect our diverse musical roots as a nation,” Francis said.
Copeland’s Appalachian Spring
Guest artists
TFO will bring a wide range of world-renowned guest artists to the Tampa Bay stages. This includes guest conductor Jonathon Heyward of the Baltimore Symphony. He’s the only Black music director of a major U.S. orchestra. He’ll conduct a program of Mozart’s Violin Concerto No. 4 and more.
Pianist Yulianna Avdeeva will make her TFO debut in Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, exciting young pianist George Li will perform Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 2, Javier Perianes returns for Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto, and Julian Rachlin will be conductor and violinist for a program that pairs him with violinist/violist Sarah McElravy for Mozart’s Sinfonia Concertante.
FO’s own virtuoso musicians will be in the spotlight, including Concertmaster Jeffrey Multer, who joins Principal Cello Yoni Draiblate for Brahms’ Double Concerto, and Principal Clarinet Natalie Hoe for Stravinsky’s Ebony Concerto.
All Hough Family Foundation Masterworks concerts include popular Pre-Concert Conversations. These conversations take a deep dive into the stories behind the music with guest artists and conductors, starting one hour before the performance.