THE FLORIDA ORCHESTRA, FLORIDA HOLOCAUST MUSEUM PARTNER FOR CONCERT, PANEL ON BERNSTEIN’S KADDISH SYMPHONY
Panel discussion is free and open to community on Nov. 2
ST. PETERSBURG, FL – The Florida Orchestra presents an unforgettable evening of music and reflection with Beethoven & Bernstein, conducted by Music Director Michael Francis, on Nov. 7 & 8 at the Straz Center and Mahaffey Theater. Presented in partnership with The Florida Holocaust Museum, the program features Leonard Bernstein’s powerful Kaddish Symphony, with special narration by the family of Holocaust survivor Samuel Pisar.
To deepen the experience of this rare performance, the museum will host a special panel discussion on Nov. 2 to delve into the emotional and historical significance of Bernstein’s moving work. The panel is free and open to the community.
HOUGH FAMILY FOUNDATION MASTERWORKS
Beethoven & Bernstein
Bernstein’s Symphony No. 3, “Kaddish,” delivers a deeply moving reflection on life, hope and resilience. It features text by Samuel Pisar, who defied all odds to survive the Holocaust. In two special performances, his widow, Judith, and daughter, Leah, will lend their voices to his words. Also on the program is Beethoven’s Choral Fantasy, an uplifting fusion of piano, orchestra and choir that hints at the famous Ode to Joy theme.
Michael Francis conducts, featuring The Master Chorale of Tampa Bay; Lumina Youth Choir; Jeewon Park, piano; Diana Newman, soprano. The concert on Nov. 8 is generously sponsored by Dr. Joel and Mrs. Jane Strom.
Fri, Nov 7, 8 pm, Straz Center, Tampa
Sat, Nov 8, 8 pm, Mahaffey Theater, St. Petersburg
Tickets: FloridaOrchestra.org or 727.892.3337
Bernstein’s Kaddish – A Panel Discussion
This thought-provoking event brings together a group of voices to examine Bernstein’s Kaddish Symphony and its deeply personal narration, which embodies remembrance, resistance and healing through art. Note: The Pisars will not attend the panel.
Panelists include:
Eric Stillman, President and CEO, The Florida Holocaust Museum
Ursula Szczepinska, Senior Director of Education and Research, The Florida Holocaust Museum
Rabbi Joel Simon, Congregation Schaarai Zedek
Yoni Draiblate, Principal Cellist, The Florida Orchestra
Sun, Nov 2, The Florida Holocaust Museum, 55 Fifth St. S, St. Petersburg
Museum tour: 3 pm | Panel discussion: 4 pm
The Florida Orchestra’s mission is to INSPIRE | EDUCATE | UNITE to build community through the power of music. Celebrating our 58th season in 2025-26, The Florida Orchestra is the largest professional orchestra in the state and the only arts organization that bridges the bay. TFO employs 70 full-time professional musicians and conductors, under the artistic leadership of internationally acclaimed Music Director Michael Francis. Each season, the orchestra performs more than 100 concerts in venues throughout Tampa Bay, including a wide range of classical, popular, film and family-friendly music, as well as performances with global stars such as Wicked star Cynthia Erivo. Beyond the concert halls, TFO programs bring the transformative power of music to schools, youth and senior centers, to underserved areas and to those who would not have such opportunities otherwise. Through concerts and education/community programs combined, TFO serves more than 155,000 residents each year – nearly half through free or low-cost programs. We put instruments in the hands of children, offer inspiration and joy to all ages and stages, comfort for those who most need it, and bring our community together. For tickets and information: FloridaOrchestra.org. The Florida Orchestra is a non-profit 501(c)3 EIN: 59-1223691 CH#1830. To learn more about how you can support the power of music in building community, contact: [email protected] To donate now: FloridaOrchestra.org/donate
About The Florida Holocaust Museum
One of the largest Holocaust Museums in the country, one of three nationally accredited Holocaust museums, and the future home of Elie Wiesel’s personal collection, The Florida Holocaust Museum honors the memory of millions of men, women, and children who suffered or died in the Holocaust. The FHM is dedicated to teaching members of all races and cultures the inherent worth and dignity of human life in order to prevent future genocides. For additional information, please visit www.TheFHM.org.
