Dear Friends,
Welcome to this special 50th Anniversary Gala Evening featuring world-class artist and Rock and
Roll Hall of Famer Sting performing with The Florida Orchestra and our visionary Music Director
Michael Francis.
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has made this evening a success, with special
thanks to Bob and Marcy Shuck and Greg and Anne Yadley who served on the Gala Committee.
With the support of this community, the Orchestra continues to serve Tampa Bay as a sense of
pride and inspiration to all. Your generosity enables The Florida Orchestra to make a difference
– through community outreach, education, and musical performances. Funds raised this
evening support The Florida Orchestra’s community engagement programs that reach tens of
thousands each year, as well as our artistic initiatives, bringing extraordinary orchestral works
to our community each season.
It is an honor to celebrate this evening with all of you. Thank you for joining us for this very
special occasion. I am so pleased to see familiar faces as well as new friends of The Florida
Orchestra. Again, we are grateful for your support tonight and throughout the year, which
makes possible all of our projects in the community and on stage.
I hope you enjoy this extraordinary evening!
Best regards,
Robert E. Schmidt
Gala Chair
THE FLORIDA OR 4 CHESTRA | 2017-2018