The Florida Orchestra Brings Professional Collaboration to School of Music

Monday, January 25, 2016

The Florida Orchestra joins the School of Music through TFO on Campus for a week of hands-on education and collaboration with USF students. Together, the groups will explore the fundamentals of conducting and performance with Music Director Michael Francis. With a history collaboration on three continents, Francis brings a well-rounded, global perspective to all his endeavors. He has collaborated with the Toronto Symphony, Seattle Symphony, BBC National Orchestra of Wales, RTE National Symphony of Dublin, the Dresden Philharmonic, Japan's NHK Symphony, the Malaysian Philharmonic, and more.

The week commences at 11am with an open rehearsal at the USF Concert Hall on Tuesday February 26th. As an audience, students, faculty, and staff will be able actively to see Francis and the orchestra, including Concertmaster Jeffrey Multer, transform the music and hone in on their craft. Several works will be rehearsed including Beethoven's Symphony No. 5 and Vaughn Williams 'The Lark Ascending.

On Tuesday evening at 4, The Florida Orchestra and the USF Symphony Orchestra combine in a side-by-side rehearsal of Mozart's majestic Symphony No. 39. With students and professionals sharing the stage, the common language of music allows the advancement of technique and musicianship in both groups. The evening will finish with USF Graduate students conducting The Florida Orchestra.

After a Wednesday afternoon performance of Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 23 at the University of Tampa, The Florida Orchestra returns to USF on Thursday evening at 6:30 for a detailed look at Beethoven's cherished Symphony No. 5. Michael Francis and The Florida Orchestra will share musical examples and give insight into the work. This exploration into Beethoven will be followed by a complete performance of the symphony and time for the audience to ask questions. This superb week of collaboration will excite musicians and non-musicians alike.

Complete Schedule

Tuesday, January 26

Open Rehearsal

11 to 1:30 pm | USF School of Music Concert Hall | Free, open to students, faculty, and staff

Side-by-Side and Conducting Master Class with Michael Francis

4 to 6:30 pm | USF School of Music Concert Hall | Free, open to the public

Wednesday, January 27

Piano Master Class with Gilles Vonstattel, Michael Frances and TFO

3 to 5 pm | Fletcher Lounge, University of Tampa | Free, open to the public

Thursday, January 28

Inside Beethoven's 5th