The program for The Florida Orchestra's ninth annual free concert in Vinoy Park consists of light classics. The popular songs are perfect for a mixed crowd of classical music buffs and orchestra newcomers alike.
The Florida Orchestra, led by guest conductor Scott Speck, is not going to be so loud that you can't make polite asides to your date about how nice the weather is, yet it isn't going to bore.
The concert — at 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26 — is for the people and so includes what the people want.
A medley of John Williams' Star Wars compositions leads things off. There's the composed-for-TV score for Victory at Sea by Richard Rodgers (of Rodgers & Hammerstein), Leonard Bernstein's "Times Square" from On the Town and W.C. Handy's St. Louis Blues. Then more John Williams, this time highlights from Jurassic Park. And to top it all off: Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture and fireworks.
Vinoy Park, along Tampa Bay, just blocks from downtown St. Petersburg, offers a lovely view of the homes stretching along the seawall of Old Northeast. Also in view: the Pier, the Renaissance Vinoy and sailboats in the harbor.
Folks are welcome to arrive early and picnic, or get food and drinks from the several vendors.
And for all this, for a free concert in a beautiful setting without having to get dressed up and hustle around a performing arts hall, what is expected?
Nothing.
But there is a collection of canned food. And last year the approximately 15,000 attendees brought 4,000 pounds of canned goods.
The park concert is really a gift from The Florida Orchestra's sponsors: Homes by Helen, Verizon, TECO, Bayfront Medical Center and Outback Steakhouse.
Make a date or call some friends for a picnic and some symphonic fun.
Vinoy Park, 501 Bayshore Drive N., St. Petersburg. 813-286-1170.
This article appears in Oct 23-29, 2002.