Our February event – Soiree in Avila – was held at the lovely home of Carol Balkcom and Ed Kaloust. Our entertainment for the evening was TFO Principal Clarinet Natalie Hoe. We were thrilled to have Music Director Michael Francis and his wife Cindy attend, as well as Principal Horn David Smith, and Bassist Jim Petrecca and his wife Julie. A special thank you to our Patrons: Bronze level Lynell & Robert Bell; Sheryl Hofmann; and Jane & Joel Strom; and Gold level Connie Koons and Marcy & Bob Shuck.
Category: Uncategorized
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Harmony Across the Bay 2025
Harmony Across the Bay is a joint fundraising luncheon held by the three TFO guilds who support The Florida Orchestra. After the St. Pete Guild resurrected this event last year, Tampa Friends hosted the event in January 2025 with over 60 members from all three guilds attending. We were entertained by TFO Principal Cellist Yoni Draiblate and his charming wife Kimberly. -
At the Charlene A. Gordon Theater
The event was an elegant evening at Charlene A. Gordon Theater at the University of Tampa. Guest speaker was Ignacio Barron Viela, new CEO of the Florida Orchestra; and Natalie Yu, Second Assistant Concertmaster, performed several beautiful compositions.This theater is an acoustical gem in The Ferman Center for The Arts at UT. The Center is especially designed for classes in music, dance, art and the tech side of theater production.
Donations by attendees added up to $3000! All goes to The Florida Orchestra, as expenses were underwritten.
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Tampa Friends TFO at Canterbury Tower
Laura Smith, cellist with The Florida Orchestra, performed for residents at Canterbury Tower recently as a service of Tampa Friends TFO’s Community Engagement program. Ms. Smith played several pieces, talked about her instrument and answered questions from the audience. Two lucky attendees received a voucher for a free concert. Wine, punch and cake were served. The entertaining evening was arranged by Alice Heyer, Tampa Friends TFO member and Canterbury resident. Irma Caracciolo, Barb Izzie, and Gayle Bertelstein were hostesses.
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Tune Up Party 2023
What a Beautiful Evening!
Our Tune-Up party was a truly elegant event. Many thanks to Carl and Lyda Lindell for hosting us in their art-filled home.
A string quartet of Florida Orchestra musicians played a delightful concert. The 80 attendees enjoyed gourmet food prepared by the talented members of our Social Committee.
Susana Weymouth, TFO Chief Development Officer, spoke eloquently about the advantages of supporting our orchestra. And the sunset provided a glowing background to the gathering.
Congratulations to Barb Izzi and her crew for organizing this very special event.
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Joe Beverly at Unisen Senior Living Community
Joe Beverly, who plays clarinet and bass clarinet with The Florida Orchestra, performed and answered questions at Unisen Senior Living Community in Tampa recently. Many audience members were retired musicians or are music aficionados and asked very specific questions.
In addition to various versions of clarinet, he also plays the saxophone and guitar. He received First Prize in the 23-25 age division of the International Great Composers Competition for the 17th and 18th century categories.
Joe holds a master’s degree from the University of Maryland, and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia, both in clarinet performance. He currently teaches clarinet at the University of Tampa in addition to his TFO performances.
Joe’s appearance was another of the Community Engagement events sponsored by Tampa Friends of The Florida Orchestra.
