The Florida Orchestra will bring Rimsky-Korsakov’s lush and dramatic Scheherazade to Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater on Friday, October 16, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. The performance is part of a program that pairs timeless orchestral storytelling with a notable debut by rising pianist Jeneba Kanneh-Mason, who will make her TFO appearance in Florence Price’s Piano Concerto in One Movement. The concert also includes Karen LeFrak’s American Promise, creating an evening that blends familiar favorites with newer voices.
Scheherazade remains one of classical music’s most vivid works, inspired by the legendary heroine who survives by telling stories night after night. In Rimsky-Korsakov’s score, that spirit comes alive through sweeping melodies and a prominent violin voice that helps narrate the tale. Before the concert, audience members can attend a free pre-concert conversation in the theater, where the conductor and soloists will share background on the music. Program notes by Kurt Loft are also available for listeners who want a deeper look at the pieces. Children and teens ages 5–18 can attend free with a paying adult, making the event an appealing outing for families and classical music fans alike.