SoundWaves with The Florida Orchestra

Program Notes: Brahms' Symphony No. 4

This episode brings together three composers shaped by place, identity and tradition. In Augusta Holmès’s Irlande, pastoral beauty and mourning give way to a spirit of resilience, reflecting Ireland’s long struggle and enduring hope. Dvořák’s Violin Concerto follows, a richly lyrical work rooted in folk rhythms that ends the with a spirited dance, the Czech furiant. The program closes with Brahms’s Symphony No. 4, a work of striking emotional depth, culminating in a passacaglia that builds to a powerful, unresolved close — leaving us in a space where tradition and tragedy meet. Masterworks 13 of the 25/26 Season Performances May 15-17, 2026

Program Notes: Sibelius’ Symphony No. 2

This episode traces a path from nature to Beethoven’s first hint of the heroic ideal to a sense of national identity. In Einojuhani Rautavaara’s Cantus Arcticus, recorded birdsong merges with orchestra to create a soundscape that feels both organic and otherworldly. Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 3 follows, capturing a young composer in transformation — and the first clear signs of his heroic voice. The journey concludes Jean Sibelius’ Symphony No. 2, where fragments of melody gather into a sweeping statement that evokes both the Finnish landscape and a profound sense of national spirit. Masterworks 12 of the 25/26 Season Performances May 1-3, 2026

Program Notes: Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7

Had Beethoven composed only one symphony, and it happened to be the music contained in his Seventh Symphony, he would still be idolized today. Its hypnotic rhythm is irresistible – as is the haunting allegretto movement, one of Beethoven’s greatest creations. Another rare treat is the U.S. premiere of Thierry Caens TribonesConcerto for Three Trombones, brimming with soaring melodies, dance rhythms andepic climaxes. The program begins with Ferde Grofe’s Mississippi Suite, celebrating its 100th anniversary. Masterworks 11 of the 25/26 Season Performances April 10-12, 2026

Program Notes: Beethoven's Symphony No. 9

This episode explores the final symphonic works of two iconic composers, Mahler and Beethoven – specifically his triumphant Symphony No. 9. The adagio from Mahler’s unfinished Symphony No. 10 sets the stage for the program. It evolves into an intense crescendo that would be Mahler’s final word as a composer. Then comes the bigger, bolder Mahler arrangement of Beethoven’s Ninth – an attempt to bring Beethoven into the modern era by retrofitting some of his music for larger orchestras and halls. Whatever the arrangement, the result is a glorious triumph of humanity, with an awe-inspiring Ode to Joy. Masterworks 10 of the 25/26 Season Performances March 27-29, 2026

Program Notes: Mozart's Jupiter Symphony

In this episode, we explore Mozart’s stellar Symphony No. 41, “Jupiter.” Says The Florida Orchestra Music Director Michael Francis: “In this symphony, Mozart looks at everything in life. Then he takes you to a point where he says ‘now, let’s look at the universe.’ ’’ In Shostakovich’s Cello Concerto No. 1, the soloist plays an unaccompanied cadenza for the entire third movement, while the orchestra remains silent. The concert begins with Beethoven’s Grosse Fuge, an intensely emotional work that captures Beethoven at the peak of his creative late period. The drama intensifies with the Queen of the Night’s breathtaking arias from The Magic Flute — the shimmering “Oh, don’t tremble, my dear son” and the dazzling, fearsome “Hell’s vengeance boils in my heart,” two spectacular showpieces. Masterworks 9 of the 25/26 Season Performances March 21 & 22, 2026