South Florida Classical Review

Valery Gergiev will conduct the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra’s Florida debut in Naples in March 2016. Photo: Fred Toulet

Move over, Cleveland Orchestra.

The Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, one of the world’s most historic and celebrated symphonic ensembles, will launch a three-year residency in Naples, Florida, beginning with the 2015-16 season.

The residency will debut March 1 and 2, 2016 with Valery Gergiev leading two concerts at “Artis-Naples,” home of the Naples Philharmonic and Baker Museum. These concerts will mark the Vienna Philharmonic’s first appearances in the state of Florida.

“Sharing the impeccable musicianship of this celebrated ensemble with our community is one of the greatest partnerships we’ve established for Artis–Naples,” said Kathleen van Bergen, Naples Philharmonic CEO and president.

“It’s a rare and exciting opportunity to present an orchestra steeped in European tradition and history. This residency will have a lasting impact on our community and reinforce our city as a cultural destination.”

On March 1, the orchestra will perform Wagner’s Overture to The Flying Dutchman, Debussy’s La mer and the Mussorgsky/Ravel Pictures at an Exhibition. The second evening features Tchaikovsky’s Manfred symphony and selections from Wagner’s Parsifal.

During each residency, members of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra will engage in public master classes with members of the Naples Philharmonic Youth Orchestra, as well as offer lectures on Viennese culture and traditions. Future collaborative activities are to be announced.

“It will be our great pleasure to come to Naples, sharing our music, reaching out to audiences, and interacting with the community,” said Harald Krumpöck, managing director of the Vienna Philharmonic. “As our motto, taken from Beethoven, says, ‘from the heart, to the heart.’”

For further information, go to artisnaples.org/subscriptions/visiting-orchestras.

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