Chair’s Reflections
THE FLORIDA ORCHESTRA | 2018-2019
6
Dear Friends,
Welcome to this performance of The Florida Orchestra. We are
pleased to see you here! As Chair of The Florida Orchestra’s Board
of Directors, it is my honor to share some exciting developments
about Music Director Michael Francis and our upcoming gala.
We are thrilled that Michael Francis has made a long-term
commitment to TFO, agreeing to stay as our music director until at
least 2024! He has brought his extraordinary artistic talents, energy,
enthusiasm and humor to help build our orchestra to what it is
today.
When Michael recently addressed our Board of Directors, he made it
clear why he is dedicated to TFO. The chief reason is working with our musicians. He is so impressed with
their talent, dedication and teamwork that he is excited about what they can create together in the years
to come. He also talked about his adoration for the audience support he feels and the joy he sees as we
experience outstanding symphonic music. Finally, the Tampa Bay region is already perceived nationally
as an arts destination, and this reputation will only continue to grow as this region expands. Michael sees
TFO remaining a key ingredient of that growth.
We are also excited to share that four-time Grammy Award winner and international star Seal will perform
with The Florida Orchestra at our annual gala concert on Saturday, February 9, 2019, at the Mahaffey
Theater. Seal will be joined by Michael Francis, who will conduct the orchestra in a sparkling evening of
American standards and soulful music from Seal’s hit albums to benefit the orchestra’s community and
artistic initiatives.
“An Intimate Evening with Seal” is much more than an outstanding concert. It is a banner of support for
your orchestra. The gala is the premier fundraising event of the year and all proceeds support TFO’s high
standard of artistic excellence on stage as well as growing education and community programs, including
free hospital, park, museum, youth concerts and more throughout Tampa Bay. We hope that you will join
us for the concert or for the full evening as a sponsor. The full evening includes a champagne reception,
premier seating for the concert and a gourmet dinner. Tickets for the concert can be purchased on our
website, FloridaOrchestra.org. If you are interested in participating in the gala celebrations, please call
Betsy Walch at 727.362.5425.
Thank you for being part of Tampa Bay’s leading performing arts institution and one of the most vibrant
and innovative orchestras in America. I hope you will join us again soon.
Warm regards,
Janet E. Paroo
/FloridaOrchestra.org