The winter concerts of the Tampa Bay Symphony, under Music Director and Conductor Mark Sforzini, will feature Brian Moorhead, former principal clarinet of the Florida Orchestra, and Sforzini, former principal bassoon, who will play “Premium Blend.” It’s a double concerto for clarinet and bassoon written by Sforzini and inspired by the mellow blend of the two instruments when they sat next to each other in the Florida Orchestra for 15 years.
David Štech will be guest conductor for the double concerto. Also on the program are “Five” by Kenyon Wilson, a finalist in the Tampa Bay Symphony’s first annual “Call for Scores” composition competition, “America the Beautiful” by Samuel Ward and arranged by Carmen Dragon, and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 2 “Little Russian.”
The performances will be Tuesday, February 20, 8pm at the Palladium, 253 5th Ave. N in St. Petersburg; Sunday, February 25, at 2:30pm at the St. Petersburg College Arts Auditorium, 2465 Drew St. in Clearwater; and Sunday, March 11 at 2:30 pm in Ferguson Hall at the Straz Performing Arts Center in Tampa. Tickets are $20 for adults and free for students, who must show student ID if they are 18 or over.
On Thursday, February 15, at 7pm, Mark Sforzini will host a “Symphonic Chat with the Maestro” at Opera Central, 2145 First Ave. S, in St. Petersburg. It’s an opportunity to hear a preview of these winter concerts and to ask questions. Wine and hors d’oeuvres will be served. Tickets are $15 at the door.
The Tampa Bay Symphony, celebrating its 31th season, has more than 80 classically-trained volunteer players, many of them music teachers.
For additional information, please visit the website: www.TampaBaySymphony.org
Tampa Bay Symphony
(727) 827-8087