The second piece is Beethoven's 5th and last piano concerto: the Emperor. I've listened to this piece many times, and tonight it sounds beautiful as I know -:). We've been to a few concerts that were conducted by Michael Francis (1975?-): a likable young man, with humors, a graduate of Cardiff University School of Music. The pianist is Spanish Javier Perianes (1978-) who's pretty short, who doesn't have a list of impressive schools. I enjoyed his playing. When it was done, he returned quickly to give a Chopin encore, without much claps. While he was playing the Chopin, Francis stood at the side of the stage - I thought that's a nice gesture. At the beginning of the concert, of course someone would go to the stage and give a speech. Tonight it's a chubby woman... who probably spent years climbing or paid handsomely to be in that position. She opened up by bragging that TFO Florida Orchestra is world class. But her presence really cheapens the evening. Mostly, she thanks the sponsors. I even saw Rick Steves (1955-), the travel guru's name on the screen. After conductor takes stage, people are still allowed to come in. The ushers are volunteers. I joked to one, "you should go to New York." One of my tennis buddies Susan who's a retired teacher, does the usher circuit, from MSG to baseballs ... and gets paid in 3 digits even event. read more

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We attended Copeland's Symphony No 3 at the Straz In Tampa. I enjoy Conductor Michael Francis and think he is a valuable asset to the Orchestra The pre-concert talk was helpful. The concert opened with Gershwin's Piano Concerto. The guest pianist, Tzimon Barto, is world class and absolutely blew everyone away with his performance. It was so outstanding, we would have gone the next night again if it had been in Tampa. Bravo! read more

The Florida Orchestra used to be decent; however, two experiences in the past two years have soured me on the organization. Last year, their was an absolute deluge. Our area would have been unsafe to drive. The whole city was flooded and there were several warnings. It was impossible for us to attend. When we contacted them to see if there was some sort of a refund, they basically told us too bad. They said other people made it there. If that's true, then it was, no doubt, at their own risk. In fact, the concert should have been cancelled due to all of the warnings. This year, we attended a concert at Mahaffey where we practically froze to death. Mahaffey concierge told us that, in spite of it being 49 degrees outside, the FL Orchestra insisted on the air condition blowing non-stop. The Mahaffey employees were given their marching orders by TFO. We were freezing the entire time. Not only that, the show was bad. The conductor, Chelsea, has zero ability to communicate and presented a show that was lacking in any quality or polish. When I pay $80 a ticket and then $15 for valet, you better put on a show with some finesse. I don't expect something that felt like a Kindergarten presentation. There is nothing upscale about The Florida Orchestra anymore. Change your presentation or change your prices. read more

The Florida Orchestra - Pops at the Park was conducted at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park was an awesome event. Anticipating a large turn out this year, so the event is moved to an earlier time like around 1 hour before. Picnic under the stars at the Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park with the Florida Orchestra offering a fun mix of familiar symphonic pop favorites and grand finale fireworks. The Free Pops in the Park concert will include a variety of familiar classics. Bringing a blanket (or preferably a folding chair), a delicious cheese platter and your favorite bubbly and be treated for fun evening with the Florida Orchestra will be a great idea always. This event is very popular every year, so please be there early to reserve a spot for you or for your group. Always feel free to bring some canned goods for Tampa Bay Harvest's annual food drive which they have in one of the corners. Alcoholic beverages are traditionally laxed for this event, but please drink responsibly. This is a dog friendly event too. They have also played the Star wars theme songs too. read more

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I recently attended a performance of Verdi's Requiem in the Morsani Hall at the Straz Center in Tampa. The box office experience was easy, and I found my seat to be comfortable. It was my first time in Morsani Hall and I liked the acoustics very much. There was a brief fundraising speech before the show, but this is pretty normal these days. The orchestra was playing with a choir and solo singers, and there was a translation screen to inform the listener the translated lyrics. The orchestra's sound was intense and dark when the choir and soloists sang Verdi's lyrics of wrath and judgement, and silky and seamless during the ethereal pleas to join those saintly souls in heaven. Michael Francis, the conductor, didn't let his movements distract from the performance--I thought he melded his direction well with the swells and dramatics of the work. Overall, though the piece was long and my attention wavered here and there, the presentation and professionalism of the group impressed and delighted me. I've also attended a free pops concert at the Water Tower Park in Tampa, and can say that the group sounds equally good indoors as outdoors. Thumbs up, TFO! read more

It just started again and it is a waste of money and bad to listen too. A normal Orchestra has over 80 members in it, but the Florida Orchestra barely has 30 players. The Florida Orchestra has cut all the brass instruments out, it might have one french horn, so the music is bad. I should be call The Florida Violins, because that is what is now, all types of violins. DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY, ANYONE CAN TELL IT IS BAD MUSIC AND MISSING THE BRASS SECTION. THE SOUND IS BAD, SO DO NOT GO. THEY CUT THE Orchestra BY 66 PERCENT, BUT DIDN'T CUT THE PRICE 66 PERCENT. If they were smart they could of use the customer seats, to add more brass, in that area, but instead Orchestra decided to play with only violins, very sad performance. Bob Johnson read more

If I could give this place no stars I DEFINITELY would. I purchased tickets for a concert, but was unable to go because of certain circumstances. These people refused to give me my money back and said I should have canceled 24 hours in advance. Like how would I even tell that we would have had to cancel. $76 dollars down the drain. She couldn't even offer me seats for another show. READ the fine print before paying for these tickets. read more

We listened to Poulenc's Gloria and Beethoven's Ninth Symphony in October at the Mahaffey. A truly amazing experience! Looking to get season tickets next year. read more