The Florida Orchestra will bring Tchaikovsky’s explosive 1812 Overture to the Mahaffey Theater on Sunday, October 4, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., as part of its Opening Weekend celebration. Conducted by Michael Francis, the program promises a dramatic and high-energy afternoon filled with cannon fire, thunderous drums, and some of classical music’s most recognizable melodies.
The concert pairs the 1812 Overture with Rossini’s galloping William Tell Overture, Beethoven’s Wellington’s Victory, and Christopher Theofanidis’ The Gift, which features tenor Sean Panikkar and the Master Chorale of Tampa Bay. The 1812 Overture also includes the Master Chorale, adding even more scale and power to one of Tchaikovsky’s most famous works.
The orchestra is marking the start of the season with a program designed to be bold, celebratory, and full of sound. Audience members attending the matinee can also arrive early for a free pre-concert conversation with the conductor and soloists, held one hour before the performance. Program notes will be available as well, offering background on each piece. Tickets are on sale through The Florida Orchestra’s website and Ticket Center.