Ft. Myers Community Concerts

Orpheus Chamber Orchestra
2026-01-29 19:30 - 21:30 UTC | Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy., Fort Myers, 33919, United States
Orpheus Chamber Orchestra is a radical experiment in musical democracy, proving for over fifty years what happens when exceptional artists gather with total trust in each other and faith in the creative process. Orpheus began in 1972 when cellist Julian Fifer assembled a group of New York freelancers in their early twenties to play orchestral repertoire as if it were chamber music. In that age of co-ops and communes, the idealistic Orpheans snubbed the “corporate” path of symphony orchestras and learned how to play, plan, and promote concerts as a true collective, with leadership roles rotating from the very first performance.
It’s one thing for the four players of a string quartet to lean into the group sound and react spontaneously, but with 20 to 30 musicians together, the complexities and payoffs are magnified exponentially. Within its first decade, Orpheus made Carnegie Hall their home and became a global sensation through tours of Europe and Asia. Their catalog of recordings for Deutsche Grammophon, Nonesuch, and other labels grew to include more than 70 albums that still stand as benchmarks of the chamber orchestra repertoire, including Haydn symphonies, Mozart concertos, and twentieth-century gems by Stravinsky, Schoenberg, Ravel, and Bartók.

Orchestra Manhattan
2026-01-22 19:30 - 21:30
Orchestra Manhattan is a dynamic and versatile ensemble based in the heart of New York City, dedicated to delivering powerful, engaging performances that blend classical precision with contemporary flair. Comprised of talented, professional musicians from diverse backgrounds, the orchestra brings a fresh energy to both beloved masterpieces and innovative new works. With a mission to make orchestral music accessible and inspiring to all, Orchestra Manhattan is redefining the concert experience through collaboration, community engagement, and artistic excellence. Internationally acclaimed conductor Gerard SchwarzFor their January 22, 2026 Fort Myers appearance they will be under the direction of the renowned Conductor Gerard Schwartz.Internationally acclaimed conductor Gerard Schwarz is renowned for his emotionally compelling performances, innovative programming, and dedication to music education. He currently serves as Music Director of the All-Star Orchestra, Eastern Music Festival, Palm Beach Symphony, and Mozart Orchestra of New York, and holds esteemed titles as Conductor Laureate of the Seattle Symphony and Distinguished Professor of Music at the Frost School of Music, University of Miami. Schwarz is also the visionary behind the All-Star Orchestra television series, which has earned seven Emmy Awards and is used as a major educational tool on the Khan Academy platform, reaching millions of students globally. Schwarz’s contributions to the classical music world are profound and far-reaching. He has premiered over 300 new works and championed American composers through his recordings and programming, including long-form projects with the Eastern Music Festival and commissions from composers such as John Corigliano and Lowell Lieberman. With over 350 recordings across major international labels, his discography spans everything from the major 20th-century ballet repertoire to complete cycles of American symphonists, European masters, and lesser-known gems. He has recorded with top orchestras around the world, including the Philadelphia Orchestra, London Symphony, Czech Philharmonic, and Berlin Radio Symphony. A Juilliard-trained trumpeter turned maestro, Schwarz’s remarkable five-decade career is marked by numerous honors, including 14 Grammy nominations, the Ditson Conductor’s Award, and the title of Conductor of the Year by Musical America. His 26-year leadership of the Seattle Symphony transformed the institution, leading to the creation of Benaroya Hall and significant growth in recordings, broadcasts, and education programs. Recognized as both a musical and civic leader, Schwarz has received honorary doctorates, national arts appointments, and even had a street named in his honor. He continues to inspire audiences and young musicians alike through his performances, recordings, and tireless commitment to the future of classical music. Elisabeth PionAnd………….the ever phenomenal Elisabeth Pion will be your piano soloist in the Liszt Concerto #1 in Eb Major! Program will include Mozart Symphony #25 in g minor and the Beethoven Symphony #1. Élisabeth Pionis a Canadian pianist whose performances are marked by emotional depth, intellectual curiosity, and a fearless commitment to artistic integrity. As both a soloist and collaborator, she brings a distinctive voice to the concert stage—one shaped by tradition but unafraid to challenge conventions. Originally from Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Élisabeth began her musical studies at an early age and quickly distinguished herself with a rare combination of sensitivity and strength. She earned her Diplôme d’études supérieures from the Conservatoire de musique de Montréal, where she studied with Suzanne Goyette and André Laplante. She later pursued her Master’s studies at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama in London under the mentorship of Ronan O’Hora, where she was awarded a full scholarship and the Guildhall Wigmore Recital Prize. Élisabeth has appeared in renowned venues such as Wigmore Hall and Milton Court Concert Hall in London, and her performances have been broadcast on BBC Radio 3. She has been invited to perform across Canada, the United Kingdom, and Europe, earning acclaim for her technical precision, expressive range, and deep engagement with her repertoire.
