The collaboration will kick off Sept. 8 at International Plaza’s 10th anniversary celebration, Fashion’s Night Out. Throughout the evening, symphonic sounds will be sprinkled throughout the plaza, courtesy of the Florida Orchestra. A string quartet will put an orchestral spin on classic rock tunes from The Beatles and Zeppelin in the Grand Court, while a solo violinist will provide the soundtrack for shoppers as they peruse the Neiman Marcus Court. The festivities will take place from 6-9 p.m.
As a new feature, tickets for St. Petersburg Times Masterworks and Raymond James Pops performances can be purchased via Ticketmaster at the International Plaza Concierge Desk. Also, through International Plaza and Bay Street’s gift-with-purchase incentives program, shoppers will get a free pair of tickets for the Florida Orchestra’s recently announced 2011/2012 season.
The partnership comes to visual fruition on the lower level of International Plaza in the St. Petersburg Times’ Gallery Hallway. Bruce Evensen, Florida’s most awarded portrait photographer, of Thomas Bruce Studio has created a series of oversized photographs to be featured in the Gallery. The photographs include rare portraits of the Florida Orchestra’s principal musicians.
The merger will create a one-stop spot for retail therapy and live music events this fall.
“Broadening our audience base is a primary objective for the orchestra," said Will Keller, the Florida Orchestra Marketting Committee Chair. "By exposing the quality and variety of our music to International Plaza patrons, we will continue to bring new audiences into our concert halls.”
