South Florida Symphony Orchestra to Stage Three Masterful Performances in Key West

KEY WEST, Florida Keys — The South Florida Symphony Orchestra, launched 27 years ago in Key West under the direction of Maestra Sebrina Maria Alfonso, is to celebrate its 2025 season with three performances for music lovers in the island city. 

The first Key West concert is set for Sunday, Jan. 19, with the symphony’s premiere of Leonard Bernstein’s satirical masterpiece “Candide.” Blending humor and existential thought to explore life’s absurdities, the semi-staged concert version of the Bernstein classic features minimal sets and costumes, with a stellar cast of actor-vocalists and the South Florida Symphony Chorus performing together onstage.

The orchestra’s performance Friday, Feb. 14, is to focus on compositions that celebrate love — appropriately for Valentine’s Day — headlined by the swashbuckling “Don Juan,” a musical tale of the fictional Spanish rogue, by Richard Strauss. Also featuring the composer’s “Four Last Songs” with soprano Amy Shoremount-Obra, the program is rounded out by Hector Berlioz’ “King Lear Overture” and “The Blue Danube” by Johann Strauss II. 

Homage to iconic composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart characterizes the symphony’s final concert in Key West, set for Saturday, March 15. The centerpiece of the program is Mozart’s hauntingly beautiful “Requiem,” unfinished upon its creator’s death but nevertheless remaining a highlight of his career. With vocal performances by four remarkable soloists and the South Florida Symphony Chorus, “Requiem” is paired with Mozart’s “Symphony No. 40” in a full-program salute to his timeless compositional mastery. 

Under Alfonso’s musical direction since its founding in Key West, the symphony has grown to perform for audiences throughout South Florida. As well as consummate musicianship, it is recognized for creatively dynamic, educational and engaging concert presentations.

All three Key West concerts are to take place at 7:30 p.m. at Key West’s Tennessee Williams Theatre, 5901 College Road on the campus of The College of the Florida Keys. 

Two- and three-concert subscription packages can be purchased by clicking the Key West “subscribe” links at southfloridasymphony.org/2024-25-season/. Tickets for individual performances also are available, with prices starting at $25 per person.

Season information, pricing and calendar: southfloridasymphony.org