'Let the music begin' - New symphony, new season

PUNTA GORDA — When a handful of local musicians and music lovers formed The Florida Philharmonic in April, they knew it would take time to raise funds, find musicians and attract audiences.

This meant many of their initial performances were limited to smaller ensembles, including virtuosic concertmaster Ming Gao, playing for free.

But ongoing ticket sales, including those for a Memorial Day salute, soon helped support a larger, paid ensemble.

“We’re laying the groundwork for long-term success and planning strategically for the future,” said Philharmonic Executive Director Isaac James. “We are living within our means by creating a smaller budget based on ticket sales, making sure we can operate on our own. Donations and sponsorships are extra support, helping us improve without risking our financial health.”

The Philharmonic’s debut season of six monthly concerts will be in a new venue: Punta Gorda’s Burnt Store Presbyterian Church, with about 600 seats and concert-worthy acoustics.

James said audiences shouldn’t expect a full 60-to-80-member orchestra just yet. Instead, a core group of 20 to 40 musicians representing all sections of the orchestra, will appear in most performances except November’s “All Brassed Up!”

“We want to be bigger and better than ever before,” said Artistic and Music Director Richard Stoelzel “But we’re starting smaller to get people supporting our growth, so we don’t grow too much, too quickly.”

After listening to ticket holders of the former Punta Gorda Symphony, Maestro Stoelzel has crafted a repertoire rich in classics and suitable for different-size ensembles. He said there also are plans to seek out venues in the community and outside Charlotte County for the orchestra’s chamber groups.

The Philharmonic won’t eschew pop, but will provide a greater variety of classical favorites and contemporary classical pieces, including rising-star composer Jessie Montgomery.

“This season you’ll see a much more classical stance,” James said. “Our older demographic and our patrons have made it very clear that’s what they want to hear.”