The Florida Philharmonic debuts on Memorial Day weekend

PUNTA GORDA — It’s the premier not only of a new season, but also of a whole new organization for the recently established The Florida Philharmonic.

Although The Florida Philharmonic is an entirely new 501©(3) with a new board of directors and staff, the audience will recognize its conductor and musicians as longtime members of the former Punta Gorda Symphony.

On Sunday of Memorial Day weekend, they’ll deliver a moving “Salute to the Red, White and Brass” at Gulf Theater in Punta Gorda’s Military Heritage Museum.

Featuring The Florida Philharmonic Brass Ensemble conducted by Artistic and Music Director Richard Stoelzel, the uplifting program pays tribute to the service of men and women in uniform who made the ultimate sacrifice, giving their lives for our country.

New Executive Director Isaac James explained, “Whereas Veterans Day celebrates service members who are still living, Memorial Day honors those who never came home or have passed. It’s a patriotic concert, but it’s also in memory of those no longer with us. So, it will be both celebratory and somber.”

The event will include American concert band favorites such as Aaron Copland’s “Fanfare for the Common Man,” “Armed Forces Medley” and a rousing surprise encore.

“This is the music of America,” said Stoelzel, “honoring with the lush and powerful sounds of the brass those who gave their lives for our freedoms today.”

The program also includes such large-scale, brass-heavy works as the majestic “Of Kingdoms and Glory” by Emmy Award-winning film composer Anthony DiLorenzo.

But more than just brasses take the stage in this star-spangled salute.

A color guard of Charlotte County Civil Air Patrol cadets will present the national colors.

Along with the 13-piece Brass Ensemble, the audience will hear percussionists playing everything from triangle to timpani.

Concertmaster Ming Gao will also appear, to solo in two world premier arrangements for violin and brass by bass trombonist Aaron Chan, including a violin arrangement of John Williams’ “Theme from Schindler’s List.”

Stoelzel said, “Aaron, who’s finishing his doctorate at the University of Miami, is a very talented young player whom I’ve known for years. It’s wonderful to have him write for a soloist such as Ming Gao and the ensemble.”

Later in May, The Philharmonic will announce the season’s schedule of upcoming Punta Gorda performances, including a holiday concert at Charlotte Performing Arts Center.