South Florida Symphony Orchestra announces 2024/25 Masterworks Season
Revel in the rebellious spirit of musical icons Gershwin, Mozart, Strauss, Prokofiev, and Berlioz, including the SFSO premiere of Bernstein’s satirical operetta, Candide.
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (April 22, 2024) – For its 27th season, South Florida Symphony Orchestra (SFSO) celebrates the icons and rebels of classical music, presenting a tantalizing season featuring popular works by Gershwin, Mozart, Strauss, Prokofiev, Berlioz, and the eagerly anticipated orchestra premiere of Bernstein’s satirical operetta, Candide. Led by the award-winning Sebrina María Alfonso, SFSO will present five new powerful Masterworks concerts and the fan-favorite holiday masterpiece, Handel’s glorious Messiah.
Fort Lauderdale, Miami and Key West Subscriptions On Sale Now
“We’re thrilled to present a captivating 27th season, brimming with timeless masterpieces that reflect the dramatic beauty of the human experience,” exclaimed Maestra Sebrina María Alfonso. “From love and laughter, joy and sorrow, to scorn, redemption, and ultimately grace, our 2024/25 season embodies a tapestry of emotions drawn from literature, poetry, and fiction. The iconic composers featured left an indelible mark on classical music and pop culture. We can’t wait to share these evocative works – many new to SFSO’s repertoire – with both our devoted audience and newcomers alike.”
The 2024/25 line-up is:
MASTERWORKS I – GERSHWIN | PROKOFIEV | ELGAR
SFSO pays tribute to the rule-breakers who paved the way for change! Celebrating 100 years of Rhapsody in Blue, Gershwin shocked critics who did not know how to process the unconventional work when it debuted, while the unorthodox and inventive Prokofiev is known for his neo-classical, modernist approach, and Elgar’s Symphony No. 1, written in the rare key of A-flat, beautifully explores the universal experiences of love and hope.
Wed., November 13, 2024, 7:30 p.m.: The Parker, Fort Lauderdale
Sat., November 16, 2024, 7:30 p.m.: New World Center, Miami Beach
- Gershwin: 100 Years of Rhapsody in Blue
featuring Benjamin Hochman, piano
- Prokofiev: The Love for Three Oranges Suite *SFSO premiere
- Elgar: Symphony No. 1
Handel’s Messiah and Holiday Pops
Usher in the season of joy as South Florida Symphony Orchestra’s beloved holiday tradition returns. Enjoy the glorious sounds of Handel’s Messiah (Part 1, the Christmas portion) culminating in the iconic “Hallelujah” chorus. With dazzling guest vocalists and the South Florida Symphony Chorus, the festive concert also features a selection of your favorite holiday pops.
Sat., December 7, 2024, 7:30 p.m.: The Parker, Fort Lauderdale
Sun., December 8, 2024, 4 p.m.: Shepard & Ruth K. Broad Performing Arts Center at Barry University, Miami
MASTERWORKS II – BERNSTEIN’S CANDIDE (Staged concert version)
“Glitter and be Gay” when Leonard Bernstein’s satirical operetta comes to life in scintillating fashion. Experience the exhilarating journey of Candide as he navigates a world filled with humor, adventure, and philosophical ponderings. With Bernstein’s iconic score based on Voltaire’s famed novella, this SFSO premiere concert performance promises an unforgettable evening of laughs and existential musings performed by a zany cast of talented soloists and a chorus.
Tues., January 14, 2025, 7:30 p.m.: New World Center, Miami Beach
Thurs., January 16, 2025, 7:30 p.m.: Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Fort Lauderdale *SFSO Gala evening)
Sun., January 19, 2025, 7:30 p.m.: Tennessee Williams Theatre, Key West
MASTERWORKS III – J. STRAUSS, II | BERLIOZ | R. STRAUSS
Celebrate love in all its dramatic, poetic, erotic, scandalous and insatiable forms! February’s Masterwork’s program features three orchestra premieres including R. Strauss’ deeply emotive swan song, Four Last Songs, the world’s most famous waltz, The Blue Danube by J. Strauss, II, and Berlioz’s epic King Lear Overture. All anchored by the SFSO return of R. Strauss’ swashbuckling escapade Don Juan.
Wed., February 12, 2025, 7:30 p.m.: The Parker, Fort Lauderdale
Fri., February 14, 2025, 7:30 p.m.: Tennessee Williams Theatre, Key West
Sat., February 15, 2025, 7:30 p.m.: New World Center, Miami Beach
- J. Strauss, II: The Blue Danube *SFSO Premiere
- R. Strauss: Four Last Songs *SFSO Premiere
- Berlioz: King Lear Overture *SFSO Premiere
- R. Strauss: Don Juan
MASTERWORKS IV – MOZART’S REQUIEM
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is one of the most prolific and influential musical geniuses of all time. In this stunning all-Mozart program, a SFSO premiere, immerse yourself in the achingly beautiful Requiem as special guest vocalists and the South Florida Symphony Chorus lend their soaring talents to the celebrated masterpiece. The evening also features the transcendent Symphony No. 40, “The Great G minor,” largely considered one of Mozart’s finest works.
Tues., March 11, 2025, 7:30 p.m.: New World Center, Miami Beach
Wed., March 12, 2025, 7:30 p.m.: The Parker, Fort Lauderdale
Sat., March 15, 2025, 7:30 p.m.: Tennessee Williams Theatre, Key West
MASTERWORKS V – PROKOFIEV | BRUCKNER
The 2024/25 season ends with the enchanting worlds of Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No. 3 and Bruckner’s Symphony No. 4, “Romantic.” Prokofiev’s masterpiece is hailed as one of the most beloved concertos of the 20th century, sizzling with energy and lyricism. Meanwhile, Bruckner’s “Romantic” evokes a mythical landscape filled with grandeur and medieval splendor. Majestic and lyrical, it is a testament to Bruckner’s mastery and ability to transport listeners to a world of knights and legends.
Wed., April 9, 2025, 7:30 p.m.: The Parker, Fort Lauderdale
Thurs., April 10, 2025, 7:30 p.m.: New World Center, Miami Beach
- Prokofiev: Piano Concerto No. 3
featuring Catherine Lan, piano
- Bruckner: Symphony No. 4, “Romantic”
From sold-out masterworks performances to accompanying today’s musicians such as Natalie Merchant and performing modern musical scores including Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone ™ In Concert and Classical Mystery Tour: A Symphonic Tribute to The Beatles, South Florida’s largest symphonic orchestra is continuing its journey of excellence inspiring audiences of all ages and musical genres.
Season subscriptions are on sale, now, for the Broward season at The Parker and Broward Center for the Performing Arts, the Miami season at New World Center and Key West season at the Tennessee Williams Theatre at The College of the Florida Keys. Discounted subscription packages may be purchased by visiting southfloridasymphony.org/2024-25-season or by calling (954) 522-8445. Subscribers save 20% off single ticket prices and have first access to the best seats in the house. Five-concert packages in Fort Lauderdale are available from $152*; five-concert packages from $112* in Miami; and three-concert packages in Key West from $92* (*plus ticketing fees); Flexible ticket packages, single-show tickets, including student ticket and group rates, go on sale September 5.
For additional information, visit southfloridasymphony.org, call (954) 522-8445 or email info@southfloridasymphony.org.
Venue Locations:
The Parker: 707 NE 8th St., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
New World Center: 500 17th St., Miami Beach, FL 33139
Tennessee Williams Theatre at The College of the Florida Keys: 5901 College Rd., Key West, FL 33040
Broward Center for the Performing Arts: 201 SW 5th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
Shepard & Ruth K. Broad Performing Arts Center at Barry University: 11300 NE 2nd Ave, Miami Shores, FL 33161
About South Florida Symphony Orchestra (SFSO)
Founded in 1997 in Key West by Music Director Maestra Sebrina María Alfonso, the now Wilton Manors-based South Florida Symphony Orchestra (SFSO) is celebrating its 27th season. SFSO is dedicated to providing enriching cultural music experiences to residents and visitors in Monroe, Miami-Dade and Broward Counties. Guided by the belief that music is pivotal to thriving communities, SFSO brings vibrancy and engagement with the arts via innovative programming and transformative educational initiatives. A pioneer in its commitment to symphonic music for underserved communities, its Symphony in the Schools program has touched the lives of over 125,000 students since its inception in 1997. SFSO was recently named the first Partner in the Arts for The Parker by the Broward Center for the Performing Arts and has been recognized by the Broward County Cultural Division as a “Major Cultural Institution,” one of only a handful of organizations to be so honored. For a performance schedule and season tickets, visit , call (954) 522-8445 or email info@southfloridasymphony.org.
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Major support for the South Florida Symphony Orchestra is provided by PNC Private Bank, the Gerald L. Laskey Charitable Fund of the Community Foundation of Broward; the Broward County Cultural Division, the Cultural Council, and the Broward County Board of County Commissioners. Additional sponsorship is provided, in part, by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture; Funding Arts Broward; City of Miami Beach, Cultural Affairs Program, Cultural Arts Council; with the support of the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners; and the Monroe County Tourist Development Council.
