Venue
Ruth Eckerd Hall
As much as we enjoyed the experience, we now know we are not fans of the composer. Despite that we were awed by the musicians and acoustics.
The Florida Orchedtra's performance of Tina Turner music was fantastic. The venue, Duke Center for Performing Arts, is spectacular. What a view of the bay in St Pete with a closing fireworks display. The performance was excellent and lively and energizing. I reccomend.
What a superb evening. I was able to take my Mom to see one of her favorite works of music composed by Mussorgsky and brilliantly orchestrated by Ravel. Michael Francis and the FSO were up to the challenge of delivering all the dynamics, nuances, textures and colors inherent in this breathtaking and distinctly Russian musical pastiche. But that was the sumptuous entree. Francis served up Hindemith as an appetizer and Stefan Jackiw was an incredible guest soloist on Kornbluths Violin Concerto. Standing ovation for him a the FSO going in to the intermission. Then there was an interesting intermezzo as the surprise twist featuring the concert master. Then came the iconic Promenade and we were enthralled to the final fortissimo note!
We are truly blessed to have Michael Francis leading our Florida Orchestra. From the pre-shown session where he delves and explains the life of the composer, the facts about the musical piece and performance to the actual performance he makes it interesting, educational and fun with his perspectives and sense of humor. Let’s not forget the talented and wonderful musicians in our orchestra each and every one tremendous professionals! Wow, what and evening bringing Pictures at an Exhibition to musical life! Incredible and delightful!! Thank you!!!
Great evening! Found the conductor especially entertaining…he seemed to really enjoy the music!
The performance of The Florida orchestra was as always spectacular however the experience was somewhat ruined by the fact that we had to pay for parking and cash was the only means to pay for it. Literally there is no other option except to park two to three blocks away which was certainly not expected and ended up making us late for the performance. How there is no credit card option these days is beyond me. In addition the sound was not quite loud enough to be heard in the less expensive seats which I have not experienced in previous performances but was lacking in this one. The selection of music, the engaging nature of the conductor and just the sheer talent of the orchestra itself made the event fun despite the parking debacle.
I am never disappointed when sitting to listen and observe the Florida Symphony Orchestra. Not only are the featured artists/composers well represented, but the secondary composers, in this case, Sibelius was a wonderful addition. Mr. Francis articulates salient points pertinent to the composer and the period…a great addition.
Last concert of the year extravaganza. Began with the maestro talking about each movement and the orchestra playing a little of what he was explaining, very cool. Also a special mystery short that I'd never heard of before. Superb!
We loved everything about this concert, but the Brahms piece featuring lead violinist and a wonderful cellist was out of this world. My husband and I just looked at each other with that, "Wowwwwwww"look. Thank you Michael Francis and the Florida Orchestra for another fantastic performance.
We heard Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue live for the first time. We loved everything about it. Memorable evening for our Valentine's date. We have been married 54 years.