Southwest Florida Symphony: Masterworks 1/Brave New Pops 2 – American Classical

The Southwest Florida Symphony Lee County’s only professional orchestra and fourth oldest in the state is thrilled to announce the Marcus Roberts Trio will join the symphony for “American Classical” on Saturday Nov. 4. A fusion of Masterworks and Brave New Pops the concert will seamlessly blend jazz and classical traditions. The performance begins at 7:30 p.m. at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall in Fort Myers.

Conducted by Maestro Radu Paponiu the symphony and the Marcus Roberts Jazz Trio will perform an exclusive jazz arrangement of “Rhapsody in Blue” by George Gershwin in honor of the piece’s 100th anniversary. The exciting program will showcase other iconic pieces including Aaron Copland’s “Fanfare for the Common Man” and “Four Episodes” from “Rodeo” John Williams’ “Star Wars Suite” and Leonard Bernstein’s “Symphonic Dances” from “West Side Story.”

As part of the symphony’s signature series patrons will also have the opportunity to attend an exclusive pre-concert lecture prior to the show led by Roberts and Paponiu including a Q&A session to enhance the concert experience and provide insights into the pieces being performed. The lecture begins at 6:30 p.m.

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 professional musicians and is Lee County’s only fully professional orchestra and fourth oldest in the state. The Southwest Florida Symphony’s 63rd year continues the orchestra’s tradition of artistic excellence and innovation as Music Director Maestro Radu Paponiu leads another 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 upcoming season performances and ticketing information visit swflso.org or call 239-418-1500.