Chair’s Reflections
THE FLORIDA ORCHESTRA | 2018-2019
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Dear Friends,
I am so pleased to welcome you to another wonderful performance
by The Florida Orchestra. As TFO finishes our 51st season, I could
not be more proud of our many accomplishments. From wonderful
concerts performed by our extraordinary musicians in our halls
to our creative and educational concerts we perform out in our
communities, we continue to strive to be an orchestra for all. With
our Music Director, Michael Francis, and our new President and
CEO, Mark Cantrell, now fully at the helm, we are well positioned to
continue our growth in programming and outreach.
Our orchestra depends upon the many volunteers that help in so
many ways. Our Board of Directors and Board of Consultants are
both made up of incredibly dedicated and generous individuals
who all do their part to keep live symphonic music available to
everyone. Our two guilds, the North Suncoast Associates and the St. Petersburg Guild, have raised
awareness and funds for TFO. Recently, the North Suncoast Associates held their successful Bravura
Brunch fundraiser with more than 350 people in attendance. The St. Petersburg Guild held the annual
Golden Baton fundraiser where Tom and Barbara Farquhar were presented with the Golden Baton
Award for their extraordinary commitment and dedicated service to TFO. We are so grateful to all our
volunteers. If you have interest in becoming more involved yourself, please reach out to Betsy Walch in
our Development Department.
I hope you were able to join us for our spectacular Gala Concert a few weeks ago when four-time
Grammy Award winner Seal performed with The Florida Orchestra to a sold-out house. Seal put on an
amazing show that I am sure the audience will not forget anytime soon! Proceeds from the evening
directly support The Florida Orchestra’s community engagement initiatives, such as chamber music
performances, family concerts and more. Visit www.FloridaOrchestra.org for more information about TFO
in our community.
I’m sure you saw the announcement of our upcoming season. Michael Francis will lead a two-year
celebration of the iconic composer Ludwig van Beethoven in honor of the 250th anniversary of his birth.
The full schedule of concerts is on our website and subscriptions are now being sold for the coming
season. We look forward to sharing these amazing concerts with you.
Thank you for being part of Tampa Bay’s leading performing arts institution and one of the most vibrant
and innovative orchestras in America. I hope you will join us again soon.
Warm regards,
Janet E. Paroo
Chair, Board of Directors
/www.FloridaOrchestra.org