This October, you can experience One Thousand and One Nights in one spectacular evening, and we mean that literally. As part of The Florida Orchestra’s smash-hit new season, the award-winning orchestra is putting on two performances of Scheherazade, which beautifully tells the story of One Thousand and One Nights, the beloved collection of Middle Eastern folktales.
The Florida Orchestra will have one show each in Clearwater and St. Pete, putting on Scheherazade on Friday, October 16 at 7:30 pm at Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater, and on Saturday, October 17 at 7:30 pm at The Mahaffey Theater in St. Petersburg. Tickets to both shows are available now.
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The entire show spans millennia and globe alike, as Scheherazade is actually just the finale to the evening, and a fitting one at that. The night begins with Karen LeFrak’s American Promise, which is a brand new piece composed this year in honor of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, and it is followed by the deeply moving Appalachian Spring, the Pulitzer Prize-winning composition about the American frontier.
The result is a journey through time and through worlds, told by way of the stories and myths that shaped them all. The voice of Scheherazade can be heard in the lilting violin, the ideals of American freedom are expressed by bold brass, and audiences are transported to the hills of Appalachia thanks to the old Shaker hymn, Simple Gifts.
Tickets to the two nights of Scheherazade are limited and can be found here.
The Florida Orchestra is Florida’s premier musical experience
Of course, that’s just one big show to look forward to this time of year. The Florida Orchestra, headquartered right here at home, officially kicked off their fall lineup at the beginning of October, bringing an incredible run of concerts to St. Pete, Tampa and Clearwater throughout the season.
As your fall calendar fills up, you’ll want to add these dates to your must-see list.
Pops in the Park
Sat 10/24 in Vinoy Park
Pack a picnic. Grab a blanket. Then settle in for one of Tampa Bay’s most-loved traditions featuring blockbuster movie music, Broadway favorites and classical hits.
John Williams at 95
Fri 10/30 at Straz Center; and Sun 11/1 at The Mahaffey
For nearly seven decades, John Williams has made us believe in movie magic. From the triumphant fanfares of Star Wars to the wonder of Harry Potter.
Ginastera’s Harp Concerto
Fri 11/6 at Straz Center; Sat 11/7 at Mahaffey; and Sun 11/8 at Ruth Eckerd Hall
Led by the electrifying Carlos Miguel Prieto, this program dives into bold, vibrant sounds from across the Latin world. TFO’s Emily Levin takes the harp to thrilling new heights.
The Blue Danube & Beyond
Fri 11/20 at Zinober Hall (USF Tampa), and Sat 11/21 at Mahaffey Theater
Indulge in the true charm of Vienna, where the waltz meets a dash of whimsy – from the pulsing lilt of The Blue Danube to the elegance of Der Rosenkavalier Opera Suite. A sassy cello concerto sparkles with a gleeful, modern twist.
