The Punta Gorda Symphony presents exciting concerts in December – a jazz afternoon and a matinee and evening performances of classical holiday favorites – to delight music lovers in the community.
On Saturday, Dec. 3 at 4 p.m., the symphony’s three-concert Jazz on the Lawn series begins outdoors at the Florida Southwestern State College, Charlotte Campus, with an afternoon of jazz presented by Southwest Florida’s Patricia Dean & Friends.
On Sunday, Dec. 18 at 2 and 7:30 p.m., the symphony’s mainstage concert of A Classical Holiday features Nutcracker Suite and The Snow Maiden.
Patricia Dean
The Dec. 3 outdoor concert presented by Patricia Dean & Friends opens the Punta Gorda Symphony’s Jazz on the Lawn series. The group includes pianist Roy Gerson, who appeared in the film The Cotton Club, the accomplished bassist and educator Mark Neuenschwander, and guitarist Dave Trefethen. Patricia Dean & Friends will perform songs from the Great American Songbook, as well as Brazilian Bossa Nova.
Chairs are provided, and wine and beer will be available for purchase, so bring a picnic and join us for an enjoyable afternoon of jazz favorites. The event takes place at Florida SouthWestern College, Charlotte Campus, lawn (near Building O), 26300 Airport Blvd., Punta Gorda Tickets are $30 for adult, $15 for youth / student.
The symphony is will once again hold a holiday toy drive for the children of Valerie’s House, a grief support center for families who have lost a loved one. Patrons can donate an unwrapped toy, and the symphony takes care of the rest to ensure the toys are delivered to the children in time for the holidays. The symphony will be collecting toys until Dec. 20, and they can be dropped off at the symphony office or at the Jazz on the Lawn concert or the holiday concert.
The Sunday, Dec. 18 concert includes an exciting selection of holiday music: Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite; Rimsky-Korsakov’s The Snow Maiden: Dance of the Tumblers; two pieces by Bach; Hely-Hutchinson’s Carol Symphony; and Anderson’s Sleigh Ride. The inspired conducting of Maestro Raffaele Livio Ponti ensures a memorable evening for all. Charlotte Performing Arts Center is located at 701 Carmalita St., Punta Gorda.
Tickets for A Classical Holiday are $35 – $65 for adult and $15 for youth / student. Tickets are available online at www.PGSymphony.org
Subscriptions and single tickets to Punta Gorda Symphony concerts are on sale and available online or by calling the office at 941-205-5996.
