Music that Engages and Soothes

Smiles spread across the faces of children hearing an orchestral performance for the first time.

The very same joy infects even people who have been symphony patrons for decades.

Music is the great uniter.

Since 1979, the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra has made it their mission to engage, enrich and inspire people at all stages of life through great music. Over the past 42 seasons, the orchestra has evolved, innovated and increased its impact in the community. 

The most recent evolution was sparked by the 2020 shutdowns. Thanks to the leadership of the board and CEO Amanda Stringer, the organization quickly shifted their plans for season 2020–2021 to an entirely online concert season: TSO Live. 

Because students were also losing exposure to music education due to the pandemic, TSO sought and received support from the National Endowment for the Arts to create the Symphonic Safari Adventure. Recorded and produced by WFSU, this online program introduces young people to orchestral instruments through musician interviews, performances, books and activity guides. 

“We were able to pursue these initiatives because of our board of directors, who are dedicated to the continuous progress and development of the TSO,” said Mary Kelsay, Director of Marketing and Development. “Our patrons and sponsors supported us throughout the pandemic and enabled us not only to survive but thrive.”

Under the direction of Maestro Darko Butorac, the TSO is once again offering classical, pops, and educational concerts while continuing to build on the innovative ideas implemented during the pandemic.

TSO Principal Cellist, Greg Sauer, engages with elementary school students at a Young People’s Concert.

 TSO Live streaming is now in its third season, and the orchestra’s educational programming is expanding. The Symphonic Safari Adventure is going out to schools this fall, and the Young People’s Concerts will reach more than 3,000 elementary school students thanks to generous support from Leon County Schools.

 Looking to the future, the orchestra plans to deepen its impact through diversifying programming while staying true to long-time patrons. In addition to a six-concert subscription series, the 2022-23 season brings opportunities to experience the TSO in new ways. 

 The orchestra kicked off the season with their first Happy Hour with TSO, a shortened, casual concert format for working professionals. They have also invested in an all-female string quartet, Mina, that is dedicated to education, empowerment and inclusive programming. In March of 2023, the orchestra joins with the FAMU Concert Choir to premiere a new work composed by Joel Thompson (“Seven Last Words of the Unarmed”) commemorating the Tallahassee Bus Boycott. 

“The impact of live music is the shared experience,” Kelsay said. “At a TSO concert, we all hear the same music and share in the excitement, and at the same time, the performance takes us on our own journey. It’s community building.”

Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra
515 E. Park Ave., Tallahassee  |  (850) 224-0461  |  tallahasseesymphony.org