Fort Myers has a new orchestra, the Fort Myers Philharmonic, led by music director Paul Nadler, who directed the former Southwest Florida Symphony Orchestra for 16 years.
According to the announcement, the Fort Myers Philharmonic was formed by passionate arts leaders and supporters, along with noted local musicians. Its mission is “dedicated to bringing musical performances of the highest quality to a wide range of concertgoers.”
Christopher Confessore will serve as principal pops conductor for the Fort Myers Philharmonic. He also is music director of the Brevard Symphony Orchestra and principal pops conductor of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra.
Fort Myers Philharmonic
The inaugural concert is scheduled for Sept. 11 at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall in the Cypress Lake neighborhood of Lee County. Featured works include Samuel Barber’s “Adagio for Strings” and Mozart’s “Requiem.” The performance will include the 120-voice Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers, with choral preparation by Artistic Director Matthew Koller.
Carol Robinson will serve as chair of the Fort Myers Philharmonic board of directors. The new orchestra was formed following the closure of the Southwest Florida Symphony.
Fort Myers Philharmonic
The Philharmonic follows the closure of the Southwest Florida Symphony, which had served Lee and Charlotte counties for 64 years before shutting down last spring. Its board cited financial challenges, including rising performance costs and the loss of state funding.
Nadler will serve as music director and conductor. He has led more than 60 performances at the Metropolitan Opera and is known locally for advancing the Southwest Florida Symphony to a fully professional level. He is also principal guest conductor of the Filarmonica de Stat “Moldova” in Romania and founder of the Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra.
“I am honored to help shape a new chapter of orchestral music in Southwest Florida,” Nadler said. “The Fort Myers Philharmonic is committed to building an orchestra defined by excellence. Our goal is to bring music to life at the highest artistic level, making orchestral performances inspiring, unforgettable, and accessible for audiences throughout the region.”
Christopher Confessore, music director of the Brevard Symphony Orchestra and principal pops conductor of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra, will serve as principal pops conductor. Carol Robinson has been named chair of the board of directors.
More information is available at www.fmphil.org or by emailing info@fmphil.org.