For a better or worse, many of us have a cocktail or three to help us get through uncomfortable situations, and if you've ever been intimidated by the orchestra, then this could be your chance to put that practice to use.
On February 2, the Florida Orchestra is kicking off their happy hour concert series with an hour long concert featuring performances of Bernstein’s Candide Overture, Brahms’ Academic Festival Overture and Prokofiev’s Summer Day.
The concert will be preceded by an hour of free vodka drinks and beer and followed by a meet and greet in the lobby with musicians from the Florida Orchestra.
Stuart Malina, Florida Orchestra's principal guest conductor, will be conducting the February 2 show, and hopes the shows help the organization reach a new audience thanks to "fun" music he says suits a "relaxing evening after a day of work." In 2003 Malina won a Tony award for orchestration with Billy Joel for the musical Movin’ Out.
"The world of 'classical' music is changing," Malina told CL. "We believe our music speaks to everyone, and the Happy Hour Concerts hopefully will make it more convenient and enjoyable. I love the idea of a martini and a concert."
Sounds like a plan to us. Tickets to the show are $35 and include free drinks snacks plus general admission seating. More information on the concert is available via local.cltampa.com. Sample some of the music below.
This article appears in Jan 19-26, 2017.