This spring, The Florida Orchestra invites audiences to experience a musical getaway through the heart of France and beyond, with two performances led by guest conductor Lawrence Loh. With concerts scheduled for Wednesday, April 30 at Ruth Eckerd Hall and Thursday, May 1 at the Mahaffey Theater—both beginning at 11 a.m.—this midweek matinee offers classical music lovers a refreshing blend of charm, drama, and virtuosic talent.
The program opens with a captivating feature: Ansel Norris, TFO’s own trumpet virtuoso, will take center stage for the Trumpet Concerto by Aleksandr Grigori Arutiunian. Known for its Armenian flair, this 20th-century gem showcases both lyrical beauty and fiery brilliance. Norris’s performance promises to highlight the emotional range and technical prowess required by the piece—an energizing start to the concert.
Next on the itinerary is Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Symphony No. 31 in D Major, K. 297—commonly known as the “Paris” Symphony. Composed during Mozart’s stay in the City of Light, the work bursts with elegance and dramatic contrasts. From the sweeping Allegro assai to the genteel Andantino and the energetic final Allegro, the piece perfectly captures the flavor of Parisian tastes in the late 18th century.
After intermission, the program shifts to French Impressionism with Claude Debussy’s Prélude à “L’après-midi d’un faune”. This dreamlike tone poem, inspired by a poem by Stéphane Mallarmé, creates a lush and atmospheric soundscape, evoking the haze and sensuality of a warm afternoon in the countryside.
The concert continues with a unique orchestration of Robert Schumann’s Carnaval, Op. 9, arranged by Alexander Glazunov. This rarely performed adaptation gives Schumann’s piano suite a new orchestral life—retaining its playful, character-driven movements while adding symphonic depth.
Closing the concert is Igor Stravinsky’s 1919 version of The Firebird Suite. A dynamic and colorful tale drawn from Russian folklore, the suite includes a dramatic sequence of dances and movements, culminating in the powerful and uplifting “Finale.” It’s a fitting end to a program that journeys through different eras, styles, and soundscapes.
If you’re planning to attend, consider inviting a small group of friends and making it a morning outing. Pair the concert with a relaxed lunch at one of the many nearby restaurants in Clearwater or St. Petersburg—you’ll enjoy not only great music but good company too.
Resources
https://www.rutheckerdhall.com/
https://www.themahaffey.com/
https://floridaorchestra.org/