The Florida Orchestra

The Florida Orchestra, founded in 1968, is a prominent orchestral institution with a rich history stemming from the fusion of the Tampa Philharmonic and St. Petersburg Symphony. Under the skilled leadership of music directors such as Irwin Hoffman, Jahja Ling, Stefan Sanderling, and currently Michael Francis, the orchestra has achieved numerous milestones. Notably, in 2011, it initiated a cultural exchange with the Cuban Institute of Music and launched its Accessibility Initiative to make concerts more affordable. The orchestra has also made commendable efforts to integrate with the Tampa Bay community, collaborating with entities such as the Tampa Bay Lightning and organizing pop-up concerts in various public spaces. Its musical prowess is exemplified through the release of CDs featuring works by Florida-influenced classical composer Frederick Delius. Recognized as Tampa Bay’s premier performing arts institution and a leading professional symphony orchestra in Florida, The Florida Orchestra holds a revered position in the American orchestral landscape. Through its exceptional performances, the orchestra serves as a source of inspiration and a driving force for musical arts in the region and the state at large.