For the Love of Music

Award-winning South Florida Symphony Orchestra Continues to Break Musical Barriers

Sold-out concerts. World premieres. Landmark new venues. South Florida Symphony (SFSO), helmed by one of the musical world’s few lesbian duosMusic Director and Maestra Sebrina María Alfonso and CEO and President Jacqueline Lorber - continues to break barriers and shatter conventional classical music records.

The Prologue – Scoring a Dream

The dream began in 1997 when Alfonso founded the Key West Symphony Orchestra with the support of family, friends, and civic leaders interested in making live symphonic music accessible to the community. At that time, she was studying for her doctorate at the prestigious Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins University, and was being courted to develop the Northeast’s burgeoning classical music scene. Instead, this fifth-generation Conch chose to return home to her beloved community to create an opportunity for them to have access to an art form she loves so passionately but did not have exposure to while growing up.

A fundraising concert performed in March 1998 led to the debut of a full orchestra in December of that year at the Tennessee Williams Theatre in Key West.

“I’ll never forget riding my bicycle around town and meeting with those interested in having an orchestra in their community, raising funds for a dream I was so incredibly adamant about. So many thought it was a crazy idea to start an orchestra in The Keys. Others had never even experienced a symphony concert or listened to classical music before,” Alfonso shared. “The sold-out opening night concert was an incredible outpouring of love and music, packed with attendees with whom I spent my childhood. I will forever cherish the support I received from everyone who helped this organization become what it is today.”

A Duo in Harmony

Lorber joined Alfonso in 2009 and the duo spent the next 13 years expanding SFSO’s reach and impact throughout the mainland. From its humble beginnings, the organization now has an operating budget of nearly $2 million. Lorber has been crucial to the organization’s expansion and growth. In 2015, Alfonso and Lorber also made their business and romantic partnership official by exchanging vows.

Of the Top 20 U.S. orchestras, only two currently have women music directors, and only five serve as president or CEO. Alfonso and Lorber are among a small minority of women leading orchestras of any size in the country today.

“Having more women in artistic and administrative leadership roles within the nonprofit performing arts sector can stand to be improved upon. That’s no secret. But, thankfully, the artistic quality of the music we put forth and the dedication and professionalism we inspire in everything we do speaks for itself, “ said Lorber. “By living authentic lives of diversity and inclusion, shaped by our experiences and paired with a veritable United Nations of musicians who contribute to our narrative through expressions of their regional identity, we are creating a lasting legacy while expanding social, economic, and educational opportunities,” she added.

A Symphonic Journey In The Key of Success

Throughout its 25 years, SFSO has hit several high notes with accolades and achievements.

Its Fort Lauderdale audience doubled and Miami tripled, spurring the announcement of performances at the state-of-the-art Michael Tilson Thomas Performance Hall at the New World Center, and in 2023, expanding its Miami footprint further to Coral Gables (at University of Miami’s Gusman Concert Hall). In Broward, SFSO had already leveled-up its performance experience by being named a “Partner in the Arts” for The Parker, managed by Broward Center for the Performing Arts. It was the first organization to be named as such.

As a pioneer in its commitment to classical music for children in underserved communities, Alfonso has steadfastly championed giving back. SFSO’s signature music education program, Symphony in the Schools, has reached over 100,000 students and has provided more than $3.5 million in services and resources in the past five years. SFSO also received a National Endowment for the Arts projects award of $10,000 to further its “Preserving Our Coral Reefs” educational initiative.

Stepping-up the tempo this year, Alfonso and Lorber were celebrated at Diversity Honors, the globally renowned soiree that benefits Harvey Milk Foundation and The Pride Center at Equality Park, exclusively hosted by Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, for their efforts in transforming lives by living authentically and advancing inclusiveness.

A Segue to the Future

What’s next for SFSO?

Residents and visitors are invited to experience the majesty and momentum of Beethoven, Brahms, Bernstein, Schubert, Stravinsky and more. This season will feature audience favorites plus thrilling orchestra premieres by trailblazing African American female composers Florence Price and Jessie Montgomery and the return of the mustattend concert of the holiday season, Handel’s glorious “Messiah.”

“We aim to excite and delight with some of the world’s most iconic works, including what many consider the greatest piece of music ever written, Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, in celebration of the masterpiece’s 200th anniversary; Brahms’ arousing Symphony No. 1; Bernstein’s ode to New York City, Three Dance Episodes from the hit Broadway musical On the Town; and Stravinsky’s enchanting Firebird Suite,” Alfonso excitedly added.

The thrills begin at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, November 8, at The Parker in Fort Lauderdale, with Schubert’s romantic Symphony No. 9 “The Great.”

Discounted subscription packages are on sale now and may be purchased by visiting https:// southfloridasymphony.org/ or by calling (954) 522-8445.

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