Florida Lakes Symphony Orchestra is the professional symphony orchestra of Lake County composed of about 50 musicians from all over the world.
December 21 & 22 Concerts: Under the baton of conductor, Michael J. Garasi, the Florida Lakes Symphony Orchestra will open the programs with “Silent Night” to set the mood with little angels and lights accompanying Aleksandra Vargas in song. This theme is followed with the beautiful and rousing “Nutcracker Suite” by P.I. Tschaikowsky, the musical story of a little girl’s romantic fantasy dream on Christmas Eve. The second part of the program features grand orchestral renderings by the Philadelphia Orchestra’s favorite arranger, Arthur Harris, such as “Adeste Fidelis, A Christmas Medley, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, and Hark the Herald Angels Sing.” Two arrangements by the FLSO’s founder, Guy Saint-Clair, are included: “O Come Emmanuel,” and “Aquarium” from Saint-Saens. Aleksandra Vargas will join Marco Romano for “Jesu Bambino” made famous by Pavarotti and Marco Romano will sing the ever-powerful “Nessun Dorma” – translated as – nobody sleeps (which is so true on Christmas Eve) and the evening will close with Leroy Anderson’s evergreen hit, “Sleigh Ride”.
The FLSO was established in 2005 by European composer and pianist, Guy Saint-Clair and his wife, portrait artist and CEO Audrey Sanders. Beloved Bulgarian virtuoso violinist, Konstantin Dimitrov, has anchored the orchestra as Concert Master since 2006. The orchestra performs in various churches and halls across the County. The new 2023 & 2024 Concert Season will have their first-night concerts held in Eustis and their second-night performances will be held in Winter Garden, Florida.
Central Florida Concert Locations: The Thursday performances for this new season will start at 7:30 pm at the at Unitarian Universalist, located at 1235 Mount Homer Road in Eustis, FL 32726, right behind Publix. The Friday night South Lake concert will be performed at the Church of the Messiah located at 241 North Main Street in historic Winter Garden, FL 34787 at 7:30 PM. Come early for your choice of seating.
Coming Soon For The New Year! Season 19 will include “From Russia with Love” performed on January 18 & 19, 2024 with a Tschaikowsky Violin Concerto by Konstantin Dimitrov, including Rachmaninov “Vocalise” and “Moscow Nights” / “Midnight in Moscow” and a “Fiddler on the Roof” clarinet solo by guest conductor Carl Topilow of the Cleveland Pops. They will celebrate Valentine’s week, sharing “Latin Valentine” on February 15 & 16 with guest conductor Paul Hostetter. This concert will include “La Bamba”! and some beautiful romantic music. On March 21 & 22, “Western Serenade” will be presented with “High Noon”, “On the Trail” and other cowboy favorites plus Dvorak’s “New World Symphony” with guest conductor Carl Topilow. The April 18 & 19, 2024 Cherry Blossoms Concert with Spring Pops Impressions will be led by guest conductor, Shungo Moriyama coming here from Japan. There will soon be more detailed updates shared on their Facebook page and their website.
Florida Lakes Symphony History: In 2005, the internationally respected classical concert pianist and composer Guy Saint-Clair came to Lake County from their home in Europe with his wife and portrait artist Audrey Sanders. That same year they established Lake County’s first professional symphony orchestra, the Florida Lakes Symphony Orchestra. Through the years, they have hosted a series of guest conductors from around the world. Virtuoso Bulgarian violinist Konstantin Dimitrov continues to anchor the orchestra since 2006 as Concert Master and violin soloist. With the immense guiding light and musical sense of the Founder, Guy Saint-Clair with supportive artistic and administrative skills of the co-founder, Audrey Sanders as Executive Director, this orchestra was established as a formidable force on the cultural scene of Central Florida.
Florida Lakes Symphony Orchestra: Full six-season tickets are now only $222, and five concert tickets are only $180. Individual concert tickets are still only $42 in advance or $45 at the door. Students are only $15 with accompanying parents or teachers are only $25. Group tickets are always available. While ticket locations are interchangeable, indicate whether you prefer Clermont or Mount Dora area venues.
For advance reservations, call and line phone: 352-343-0733. No texts. Visit: www.FloridaLakesSymphonyOrchestra.com. Mail checks for tickets and donations to: FLSO at 112 First Street, Tavares, FL 32778. Follow them on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/floridalakesymphonyorchestra/?ref=bookmarks.
