The Southwest Florida Symphony’s MiniMasterworks to be held as charity concerts | News, Sports, Jobs

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The Southwest Florida Symphony, Lee County’s only professional orchestra and the fourth oldest in the state, has announced the opening concerts of its 2022-23 season – MiniMasterworks, will be held as charity concerts to benefit those affected by Hurricane Ian. All performances are free to the public.

Concerts begin at 7 p.m. and will be held at:

• Oct. 13: Eight-Foot Brewing at 4417 SE 16th PL, Unit 11 in Cape Coral (relocated from Tribby Arts Center at Shell Point, Fort Myers) – Monetary donations will be collected on behalf of the Cape Coral Community Foundation for hurricane relief efforts. Nonperishable food items will also be collected at the concert for the Cape Caring Center food pantry.

• Oct. 14: This concert is presented in partnership with The Gulf Theater at the Miliary Heritage Museum, Punta Gorda – Monetary donations will be collected on behalf of the Charlotte Community Foundation. The Charlotte Community Foundation has also pledged to match all hurricane relief funds up to $500,000. Nonperishable food items will also be collected at the concert for the Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties’ nondenominational food pantry.

• Oct. 15: Bell Tower Shops, Fort Myers – Monetary donations will be collected on behalf of the United Way of Lee, Hendry and Glades for hurricane relief efforts. Nonperishable food items will also be collected for The Heights Center.

The concerts will feature the orchestra’s exceptional professional musicians performing the Mendelssohn Octet and Mozart String Quartet No. 19

Seating at all concerts is limited and will be accommodated on a first come, first served basis.

To learn more, visit https://www.swflso.org/.

The Southwest Florida Symphony made its debut as a community orchestra on April 15, 1961, playing in schools and community centers, with a roster of only 24 volunteer musicians. Today, the symphony boasts a roster of 70 world-class musicians, and is Lee County’s only fully professional orchestra. The Southwest Florida Symphony’s 62nd year continues the orchestra’s tradition of artistic excellence as newly appointed Music Director Maestro Radu Paponiu leads his inaugural season of spectacular performances. Maestro Paponiu, the sixth music director in the organization’s history, also serves as the associate conductor and youth orchestra director for the Naples Philharmonic in addition to guest-conducting with orchestras throughout the United States and Europe.

For more information about the Southwest Florida Symphony, upcoming season performances and subscription and ticketing information, visit swflso.org or call 239-418-1500.