South Florida Symphony Orchestra Announces 2025/26 Masterworks Season
- wgclients01
- May 6
- 6 min read
Partake in an artfully curated musical season of “Juxtapositions” emerging with unexpected contrasts from the timeless classics of Shostakovich, Mendelssohn, Mozart and Ravel to contemporary works from GRAMMY nominees Carlos Simon and Nathalie Joachim
Classical fan-favorite pianist Tao Lin tackles Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 4 during SFSO’s 2025/26 season finale on April 8. Photo credit: Catherine Lan
Fort Lauderdale, Miami and Key West Subscriptions On Sale Now
The fusion of the bold with the sublime, the union of the achingly beautiful and the utterly divine and the reverence of the old and the new define the spirit of “Juxtapositions,” the theme of South Florida Symphony Orchestra’s (SFSO) adventurous 28th season. Award-winning Maestra Sebrina María Alfonso conducts an artfully curated line-up of celebrated works, including several Symphony premieres emerging with unexpected contrasts.
GRAMMY-winning cellist Zuill Bailey joins SFSO to open its 28th Season featuring the spirit of “Juxtapositions” on Nov. 5 at The Parker in Fort Lauderdale. Photo credit: Don Hamilton
Highlights include Shostakovich’s introspective final Symphony No. 15, Prokofiev’s triumphant Symphony No. 5, Mendelssohn’s “Italian,” two cherished Beethoven works –the luminous Piano Concerto No. 4 and breezy 4th Symphony, Mozart’s vivacious “Haffner,” and Rossini’s grand choral masterpiece, Stabat Mater. Plus, fresh Symphony premieres by contemporary composers including GRAMMY nominees Carlos Simon and Nathalie Joachim, featuring breakout cellist Seth Parker Woods, “a cellist of prodigious technical gifts and sharp intellect.” (The New York Times) And fan-favorite guest artists also make their return — GRAMMY winner Zuill Bailey will shine in Saint-Saëns’ virtuosic Cello Concerto No. 1 and Svetlana Smolina prepares to enchant with Ravel’s Piano Concerto in G major.
“This season, we invite our audiences to experience the full emotional spectrum of great music - from moments of quiet reflection to bold, exhilarating highs. Juxtapositions is about contrast, embracing the unexpected, making connections, and discovery,” said Maestra Sebrina María Alfonso. “I’m especially proud to share works by today’s most compelling voices alongside some of the most beloved composers of all time - all brought to life by the world-class musicians of South Florida Symphony. As we enter our 28th season, performing in Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and Key West, our commitment to creating meaningful musical experiences for our community has never been stronger.”
Rising star cellist Seth Parker Woods joins SFSO for its Florida premiere of GRAMMY nominee
Nathalie Joachim’s Had to Be, part of a stand-out Black History Month program in February 2026. Photo credit: Ben Gibbs
The 2025/26 line-up is:
MASTERWORKS I – SHOSTAKOVICH | SAINT-SAËNS | HIGDON | MASSENET
Igniting SFSO’s 28th season with premieres, passion and striking contrasts is Pulitzer Prize winner and three-time GRAMMY winner Jennifer Higdon’s colorful “Cathedrals” from All Things Majestic. Audience favorite Zuill Bailey’s virtuosic cello playing will resound with intense emotion in Saint-Saëns’ fiery Cello Concerto No. 1 and Massenet’s captivating “Méditation” from Thaïs. Capping the evening is Shostakovich’s final Symphony No. 15 – a playful yet profound work reflecting on life’s inevitable complexities.
Wed., November 5, 2025, 7:30 p.m.: The Parker, Fort Lauderdale
Higdon: “Cathedrals” from All Things Majestic *SFSO Premiere
Saint-Saëns: Cello Concerto No. 1
Featuring Zuill Bailey, cello
Massenet: “Méditation” from Thaïs *SFSO Premiere
Featuring Zuill Bailey, cello
Shostakovich: Symphony No. 15 *SFSO Premiere
Handel’s Messiah and Holiday Pops
It’s the most wonderful time of year when SFSO delivers its annual holiday tradition, Handel’s Messiah (the Christmas portion and glorious “Hallelujah” chorus). Adding to the magic of the season are a selection of inspirational Holiday Pops, featuring beloved songs of spirit and hope, including Josh Groban’s “You Raise Me Up,” Andrea Bocelli’s “Because We Believe,” and Bocelli and Sarah Brightman’s beloved duet, “Con Te Partirò” - all performed by dazzling guest vocalists and the South Florida Symphony Chorus.
Award-winning pianist Svetlana Smolina performs Ravel’s Piano Concerto in G major during SFSO’s January 2026 concerts. Photo credit: Alex Chugunov
Sat., December 6, 2025, 7:30 p.m.: The Parker, Fort Lauderdale
Sun., December 7, 2025, 4 p.m.: Shepard & Ruth K. Broad Performing Arts Center at Barry University, Miami Shores
MASTERWORKS II – PROKOFIEV | RAVEL | BARBER
Rhythmic drive meets lyrical beauty in this exhilarating program brimming with wit and brilliance. Featuring Barber’s quicksilver Overture to The School for Scandal, Ravel’s bluesy and spirited Piano Concerto in G major with SFSO fan-favorite Svetlana Smolina at the keys, and Prokofiev’s towering masterpiece, Symphony No. 5.
Wed., January 21, 2026, 7:30 p.m.: The Parker, Fort Lauderdale
Thurs., January 22, 2026, 7:30 p.m.: New World Center, Miami Beach
Sat., January 24, 2026, 7:30 p.m.: Tennessee Williams Theatre, Key West
Barber: Overture to The School for Scandal
Ravel: Piano Concerto in G major
Featuring Svetlana Smolina, piano
Prokofiev: Symphony No. 5
MASTERWORKS III – JOACHIM | MOZART | RIMSKY-KORSAKOV | SIMON
Tradition and innovation intertwine in this stand-out Black History Month program featuring the anticipated Florida premiere of GRAMMY nominee Nathalie Joachim’s Had to Be, an intimate exploration of memory and identity featuring rising cellist Seth Parker Woods. Also making its SFSO premiere is Carlos Simon’s Four Black American Dances, a vibrant work filled with spiritual depth. Completing the program, Mozart’s “Haffner” symphony bursts with celebratory energy and elegant precision, while Rimsky-Korsakov’s Capriccio Espagnol sparkles with irresistible Spanish rhythms.
Tues., February 17, 2026, 7:30 p.m.: New World Center, Miami Beach
Wed., February 18, 2026, 7:30 p.m.: The Parker, Fort Lauderdale
Sat., February 21, 2025, 7:30 p.m.: Tennessee Williams Theatre, Key West
Simon: Four Black American Dances *SFSO Premiere
Joachim: Had to Be *SFSO Premiere and Florida Premiere
Featuring Seth Parker Woods, cello
Mozart: Symphony No. 35 “Haffner”
Rimsky-Korsakov: Capriccio Espagnol
MASTERWORKS IV – BEETHOVEN & ROSSINI
This program showcases a grand display of music’s awesome ability to touch the soul. Beethoven’s 4th Symphony is a departure from his signature sound of intense drama, showcasing a lighter and more playful side to the iconic composer. On the other end of the spectrum, Rossini’s sacred Stabat Mater, an SFSO premiere, smolders with emotional intensity and features the South Florida Symphony Chorus and powerful vocal soloists.
Tues., March 10, 2026, 7:30 p.m.: New World Center, Miami Beach
Wed., March 11, 2026, 7:30 p.m.: The Parker, Fort Lauderdale
Sat., March 14, 2026, 7:30 p.m.: Tennessee Williams Theatre, Key West
Beethoven: Symphony No. 4
Rossini: Stabat Mater *SFSO Premiere
Featuring special guest vocalists and the South Florida Symphony Chorus
MASTERWORKS V – MENDELSSOHN | BEETHOVEN
In the season finale, drama meets delight, and introspection gives way to exuberance as Mendelssohn's Hebrides Overture "Fingal's Cave" conjures the misty and mystic beauty of Scotland's famed Isle of Staffa, and Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 4, featuring acclaimed pianist Tao Lin, is a rich and nuanced affair. With Mendelssohn's Symphony No. 4. Nicknamed the "Italian," and inspired by the country's natural beauty, it radiates warmth, energy, and sun-soaked charm.
Wed., April 8, 2026, 7:30 p.m.: The Parker, Fort Lauderdale
Mendelssohn: The Hebrides Overture “Fingal’s Cave”
Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 4
Featuring Tao Lin, piano
Mendelssohn: Symphony No. 4 “Italian”
From sold-out masterworks performances to accompanying today’s musicians such as Natalie Merchant and performing modern musical scores including Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas and Back to the Future, featuring the iconic films screened live with audio and musical accompaniment, South Florida’s largest symphonic orchestra is continuing its journey of excellence inspiring audiences of all ages and musical genres.
Season subscriptions are on sale, now, for the Broward season at The Parker, the Miami season at New World Center and Key West season at the Tennessee Williams Theatre at The College of the Florida Keys. Discounted subscription packages may be purchased by visiting southfloridasymphony.org/2025-26-season or by calling (954) 522-8445. Subscribers save up to 20% off single ticket prices and have first access to the best seats in the house. Five-concert packages in Fort Lauderdale are available from $200*; three-concert packages from $99* in Miami; and three-concert packages in Key West from $105* (*Prices include ticketing fees but not include shipping or Handel’s Messiah. ); Flexible ticket packages, single-show tickets, including student ticket and group rates, go on sale September 5.
For additional information, visit southfloridasymphony.org, call (954) 522-8445 or email info@southfloridasymphony.org.
Venue Locations:
The Parker: 707 NE 8th St., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
New World Center: 500 17th St., Miami Beach, FL 33139
Tennessee Williams Theatre at The College of the Florida Keys: 5901 College Rd., Key West, FL 33040
Shepard & Ruth K. Broad Performing Arts Center at Barry University: 11300 NE 2nd Ave, Miami Shores, FL 33161