The Venice Symphony

A professional orchestra in Southwest Florida offering a variety of concerts and educational programs

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  • CONCERTS & EVENTS
    • FREE VIRTUAL CONCERT SERIES
    • 2020-21 CONCERT SEASON IS POSTPONED TO 2021-22
    • Free Pre-Concert Talks
    • 2019-20 CONCERT SEASON
  • ABOUT US
    • HISTORY & MISSION
    • MUSIC DIRECTOR: TROY QUINN
    • CONCERTMASTER: MARCUS RATZENBOECK
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    • BOARD OF TRUSTEES
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    • GIVING CHALLENGE 2020
  • EDUCATION
    • YOUTH ORCHESTRAS
    • SYMPHONY IN THE SCHOOLS
    • SUMMER MUSIC CAMP
    • ADULT MUSIC EDUCATION
  • YOUR VISIT
    • TICKETING POLICIES
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    • VENICE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
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HISTORY & MISSION

The Venice Symphony will provide a standard of music appreciation within its community that integrates quality musical performances, unique educational opportunities and accomplished musicians to enrich the experiences of the community.

HISTORY OF THE VENICE SYMPHONY

The Venice Symphony was incorporated in November 1974 when 56 area volunteer musicians joined together under the leadership of Hartley Haines, the director of music in the public schools. Originally, the orchestra played three concerts in the Venice High School auditorium with banks and subscribers covering the costs. As operating costs increased and the musicians were compensated, and The Symphony began to charge for tickets.

Hartley Haines left the school and orchestra in 1983 and Ernesto Epistola became the conductor. In 1989, Wesley John Schumacher took the director’s baton. He and Eric Watters went to area schools with a program teaching third graders about the instruments in the orchestra. This became “Symphony in the Schools,” a program that now reaches third-graders in Sarasota County public and private schools and homeschooled students. Symphony in he Schools culminates with students getting on busses to a concert at The Venice Performing Arts Center, featuring the entire orchestra.

In 1990, The Symphony offered its first Summer Music Camp teaching students the fundamentals of music, including hands-on experience with musical instruments. That same year the Symphony moved its concerts to the Church of the Nazarene in Venice and Jean Peters was hired as Executive Director. After 21 years of service, she retired in 2012 and Doug Kerr took over as Executive Director, moving The Symphony into its first formal office space.

When Schumacher retired in 2009, violinist Kenneth Bowermeister was named Music Director/Conductor. On November 21, 2014, the Symphony moved its concerts to the Venice Performing Arts Center at Venice High School. Bowermeister retired at the end of 2016 and Imre Palló, was hired as Interim Music Director as The Venice Symphony began its search for a new permanent Music Director.

In 2016, Christine Kasten was named Executive Director. Also in 2016, Bank of America began sponsoring a Pre-Concert Talk Series, a free and informal discussion with the Maestro and guest soloists, moderated by Alan Gardner and open to the public.

The Venice Symphony held a conductor search, resulting in the seven conductors who led concerts for the 2017-18 season, 7 Conductors, 7 Concerts: Finding Maestro!  After the season, Troy Quinn was named Music Director of The Venice Symphony.  His first season of programming is 2019-20 and many concerts have already sold out.  In May 2018, The Venice Symphony, in partnership with Atlanta Braves Spring Training, presented its first Patriotic Pops concert at Cool Today Park in North Port,  bringing in more than 3,000 people. 

Upcoming Events

  1. Watch our Virtual Concert, Strings Unhinged

    November 21, 2020 @ 8:00 am - November 20, 2022 @ 5:00 pm
  2. Safe at Home for the Holidays Virtual Concert

    December 18, 2020 @ 7:30 pm - December 18, 2022 @ 11:30 pm
  3. Brilliant Brass and Percussion: A Free Virtual Concert

    February 5, 2021 @ 7:30 pm - February 5, 2022 @ 12:00 am

View All Events

Latest News

  • The Venice Symphony’s Free Virtual Concerts Premiere in November.
  • The Venice Symphony Names Ross Monroe Winter as Associate Concertmaster
  • The Venice Symphony Postpones 2020-21 Season to 2021-22 and Announces Virtual Concerts

COMMUNITY PARTNERS & SPONSORS

  • WUSF Logo
  • Englewood Chamber of Commerce
  • Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance
  • Cultural Florida
  • Venice Area Chamber of Commerce Logo

Plan Your Visit

Call (941) 207-8822 or
Visit Our Box Office at
1515 S. Tamiami Trail, Suite 7, Southbridge Park, Venice, FL 34285
Monday thru Friday 10AM – 4PM

Learn More

CONTACT

Concert Venue:
Venice Performing Arts Center
One Indian Avenue Venice, FL 34285
Office Address:
1515 S. Tamiami Trail
Suite 7, Southbridge Park
Venice, FL 34285
Phone: (941)207-8822

ABOUT US

Founded in 1974, The Venice Symphony has become the pride of South Sarasota County by providing cultural enrichment for residents and visitors.

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