Southwest Florida Symphony

The Southwest Florida Symphony Orchestra is a distinguished cultural institution that has been serving Lee County and the broader Gulf Coast region of Florida for over half a century. Established in April 1961 by local piano teacher Arlo Diebler, the original Fort Myers Symphony was a community orchestra composed of 24 volunteer musicians. Recognizing the growing demand for symphonic music in Southwest Florida, Diebler's vision was to provide the residents, many of whom had relocated from major northern cities, with access to high-quality symphonic performances. In its infancy, the orchestra performed in community centers and schools, quickly gaining popularity in the region. By the following year, the ensemble had expanded to include a symphony chorus and was renamed The Southwest Florida Symphony Orchestra & Chorus Association. Maestro Diebler's tenure lasted for 25 years, after which Maestro Joseph Eger took over the leadership for four seasons. The 1990s saw significant developments for the orchestra under the direction of Maestro Paul Nadler, a staff conductor with the New York Metropolitan Opera and founder of the Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra. Nadler initiated the Sanibel Series in 1993, extending the orchestra's community outreach efforts. The turn of the millennium welcomed Maestro Carl Topilow, founder of the Cleveland Pops, as the Pops conductor, and Maestro Joseph Caulkins as the director of choruses. Caulkins introduced the Stained Glass Series, featuring performances by adult and children's choral groups in local churches. After the departure of Maestro Topilow and Maestro Nadler, who remains Conductor Emeritus, the symphony engaged the talents of Maestro Erich Kunzel for the Pops programs. In 2007, Maestro Michael Hall became the music director, serving until 2012. During the subsequent search for a new music director, Maestro Leif Bjaland acted as artistic advisor. The search concluded with the appointment of Maestro Nir Kabaretti, whose artistic leadership and engaging personality significantly increased symphony attendance. In 2021, Maestro Radu Paponiu was appointed as the music director, infusing the orchestra with his dynamic approach and innovative programming. The Southwest Florida Symphony Orchestra has evolved into an ensemble of 65 world-class musicians, presenting an array of concerts each season, including five Masterworks Concerts, three Pops Concerts, and multiple Holiday Pops Concerts. The symphony also expanded its chamber concert series, reaching various communities throughout Southwest Florida and other cities in the state. The mission of the Southwest Florida Symphony is to perform outstanding orchestral music that enriches, entertains, and educates the widest possible audience. The organization's commitment to this mission is supported by the generosity of its patrons and the community. The symphony offers a variety of educational and outreach programs, including a Youth Orchestra, scholarships, competitions, and the Symphony Society's Young Artists Competition. Additionally, the orchestra strives to make music accessible to all through initiatives like the Music for Life program, which provides free and discounted tickets to disadvantaged youth, teachers, and public servants. The Southwest Florida Symphony Orchestra continues to be a beacon of musical excellence and education in the region, contributing significantly to the cultural landscape of the community it serves.