Gulf Coast Symphony

The Gulf Coast Symphony (GCS) is a prominent non-profit performing arts organization located in Southwest Florida. It was founded in late 1995 by Dr. Andrew Kurtz, who continues to serve as the music director and CEO. The symphony is renowned for its innovative collaborations across various genres and disciplines, dynamic musical performances, active community engagement, and a commitment to social change through arts education. GCS aims to use music and the arts to unite and strengthen the community, establishing itself as one of the cultural jewels of the region and one of the most dynamic orchestras in the United States. The organization encompasses the Gulf Coast Symphony, the Gulf Coast Chamber Orchestra, the Gulf Coast Jazz Collective, and the Music & Arts Community Center (MACC), which opened in January 2021. GCS offers over 100 programs annually, including classical music, jazz, world music, dance, opera, film, and musical theater. Performances are held at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall and the MACC's 300-seat theater, with additional outreach concerts throughout Southwest Florida. === Education and Community Engagement === The MACC serves as a creative hub, providing art and music classes for all ages. Its educational initiatives include MusicWorks, an El Sistema-inspired after-school string program for grades 1-5, a youth orchestra program for grades 6-12, and a youth jazz program. The New Horizons band caters to adults with limited experience but an interest in ensemble participation. GCS is dedicated to equitable access, diversity, and inclusivity in all its activities. Its orchestral fellowship program emphasizes diversity in its selection process, offering graduates from top music programs the chance to develop their skills in a professional environment, fostering musician leaders and agents of change. === Mission, Values, and Vision === The mission of the Gulf Coast Symphony is to contribute to the cultural enrichment of Southwest Florida through a diverse and innovative season of community and educational projects, events, and performances aimed at a broad audience. The symphony values artistic integrity, varied programming, innovative risk-taking, promotion of new works and emerging artists, and educationally and culturally enriching programs that explore the evolution of music and the arts. The vision of GCS is to be a pillar of the arts in Southwest Florida, inspiring, educating, entertaining, and motivating the community. As an acclaimed regional orchestra with a core of volunteer musicians and a professional chamber orchestra, GCS strives to be a leading destination for music and arts education, maintaining a year-round presence and fostering an innovative yet fiscally responsible organization. GCS creates high-quality music and arts experiences with varied repertoire to reach a diverse audience and leads educational programs that serve and add value to the community. === Support and Contact Information === As a non-profit entity, the Gulf Coast Symphony relies on community support. Donations can be made to support the organization's mission and programs. For more information or to support the Gulf Coast Symphony, individuals can contact the symphony at: * '''Phone''': 239-277-1700 * '''Address''': 6314 Corporate Court Suite 100, Fort Myers, FL 33919 * '''Website''': [Link to the official website] Donations can also be made online through the symphony's website. [Category: American orchestras] [Category: Musical groups established in 1995] [Category: Arts organizations based in Florida] [Category: 1995 establishments in Florida]