Dear Friends,
It is truly an honor to serve as the Music Director of The Venice Symphony, guiding what I believe to be one of the finest orchestras in the region. With 75 talented musicians from across Florida and around the world, The Venice Symphony offers an unforgettable symphonic experience that will resonate with you long after the final note.
The 2025-26 Season begins in October with the premiere of our Symphonic Spooktacular concert. You’ll experience the eerie strings of Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho and Mussorgsky’s chilling Night on Bald Mountain. In November, we’ll highlight the works of what I like to call Classical Rockstars, featuring masterpieces by Beethoven, Mozart, and Haydn, along with the Cello Concerto in C Major, featuring cellist Robert DeMaine. This concert is perfect for both newcomers discovering the power of classical music and those who have been enjoying it for years.
In December, join us for a festive celebration of the season with our beloved holiday program! We are thrilled to welcome guest vocalist Christal Rheams and the Key Chorale to the Venice Performing Arts Center.
This season, we’re bringing you two concerts dedicated to the greatest music from film and television, TV Classics! and Lights, Camera, Music, featuring renowned Hollywood violinist Roger Wilkie as our guest artist.
In February, I’m excited to infuse some Latin flair into our program with Viva Venice!, featuring Grammy award-winning guitarist Sharon Isbin. Let yourself be swept away by our Fountains, Tides, and Tempests concert, which includes Fountains of Rome by Respighi. From the vibrant streets of South America to the sparkling Caribbean waters, you’re in for a musical voyage unlike any other!
To close our season and celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States, The Venice Symphony will perform a lively tribute to America, showcasing national favorites by composers like Aaron Copland and Leonard Bernstein.
Keep reading to explore the incredible music and remarkable guest artists we have in store for you.
Troy Quinn, Music Director/Conductor
The Venice Symphony
Welcome to The Venice Symphony!
On behalf of our entire team, I am absolutely delighted to have you join us for what promises to be an unforgettable season of music and community. Under the inspired leadership of Music Director Troy Quinn, this season’s concerts bring together a blend of timeless classical masterpieces and contemporary works, carefully curated to move, uplift and inspire all who appreciate the magic of symphonic music.
This year, we’re thrilled to introduce new and exciting experiences beyond your season subscription. We are bringing back the beloved Venice Symphony Jazz Orchestra with a fresh new identity–the Venice Symphony Big Band! Don’t miss the thrill of three electrifying new performances celebrating jazz and swing music.
We’re also excited to launch our brand-new Soundscapes Chamber Series, featuring four intimate performances at the Venice Community Center. These performances will bring you closer to the artistry of our musicians in a more personal, unique setting.
And there’s more! As a valued member of our community, we want you to be part of something greater than just the music. We invite you to deepen your connection with The Venice Symphony beyond the music hall through several exciting opportunities. Attend our popular free pre-concert talk series with Troy Quinn and our esteemed guest artists, where you’ll gain behind-the-scenes insights into the performances.
We also offer exclusive programs for our patrons: The Venice Symphony Chair Society, The Friends of The Symphony, our Musician Host Program, and our newly launched Legacy Circle. Each offers unique ways to support the Symphony and enhance your experience. You’ll find more information throughout this program book, and our team is always available to assist you with any questions or to provide additional details about these programs.
As always, this year’s season of concerts promises to be a perfect blend of traditional classics and contemporary performances! You’ll be cheering on Classical Rockstars like Beethoven and Mozart, traveling to exotic destinations at Viva Venice!, Fountains, Tides, and Tempests, and celebrating TV & Film’s greatest scores without ever leaving your seat! The Venice Symphony’s 2025-26 Season promises to have something for everyone!
As always, I look forward to seeing you at the Symphony.
Christine Kasten, President & CEO
The Venice Symphony
A Symphonic
A ‘not-so-scary’ Spooktacular premiers in Venice featuring a harmonious collaboration of symphonic sounds and storytelling. Become entranced by Bernard Herrmann’s Psycho: A Short Suite for String Orchestra and travel to otherworldly dimensions with music from The Sorcerer’s Apprentice and other mystical medleys.
October 10th 2025 7:30pm October 11th 2025 3:30pm
classical Rockstars
Experience the energy, beauty, and intensity of classical music that meets rockstar status! Hear masterpieces including Mozart’s Overture to The Marriage of Figaro, Haydn’s Cello Concerto in C Major featuring a stunning solo by Principal Cellist of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Robert DeMaine, and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7. This concert is a must-see for classical music enthusiasts.
Guest Artist
November 14th 2025 7:30pm November 15th 2025 3:30pm + 7:30pm
Robert DeMaine
of
Season Sounds the
Enjoy the most wonderful time of the year with family and friends at our annual celebration of music and togetherness. Become immersed in beloved Christmas carols and memorable seasonal tunes such as Good King Wenceslas, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Sleigh Ride and Mary Did You Know? Special performances by guest vocalist Christal Rheams and the Key Chorale.
Guest Vocalist
Christal Rheams
December 19th 2025 7:30pm December 20th 2025 3:30pm + 7:30pm
December 21st 2025 3:30pm
CLAssics!
Tune in for a binge-worthy concert covering TV’s greatest theme songs. Hear game show classics like Merv Griffin’s Jeopardy Theme, to thrilling detective dramas Magnum P.I. and Hawaii Five-O or hum along to Danny Elfman’s Main Title from The Simpsons. Grab your remote, sit back, and let the music take you on a nostalgic ride through TV’s most iconic moments!
January 9th 2026 7:30pm January 10th 2026 3:30pm + 7:30pm
VivaVenice
Guest Artist
Sharon Isbin
February 6th 2026
7:30pm
A vibrant celebration of Spanish and Latin music that will transport you to the heart of culture and rhythm. Experience the fiery passion of Chabrier’s España, the sultry elegance of Rimsky-Korsakov’s Capriccio Espagnol, and the soulful Rodrigo’s Concierto de Aranjuez with Grammyaward winning guest artist Sharon Isbin on guitar. It will be hard to stay off your feet with a spirited Suite from the animated feature Coco!
February 7th 2026 3:30pm + 7:30pm
Lights, Camera, MUSIC!
Experience the music that made the movies with a selection of Hollywood classics. This cinematic journey includes music from Fiddler on the Roof, The Avengers, My Fair Lady, The Greatest Showman, and more. Our guest artist for this concert is famed Hollywood violinist Roger Wilkie.
February 27th 2026 7:30pm
February 28th 2026 3:30pm + 7:30pm
Roger Wilkie
Guest Artist
Fountains, Tempests & Tides
Embark on a musical voyage with selections inspired by the sea! Experience
Korngold’s The Sea Hawk Overture, Han Zimmer’s Drink Up Me Hearties from Pirates of the Caribbean, and the haunting Fountains of Rome by Respighi. Set sail on a symphonic adventure where the only thing more thrilling than the waves is the music.
March 20th 2026
7:30pm
March 21st 2026 3:30pm + 7:30pm
Celebrate the vibrant sounds of the nation with our last concert of the season.
This concert features John Williams’ The Cowboys Overture, Leonard Bernstein’s Times Square: 1944, and Copland’s iconic Appalachian Spring along with much more. Our guest vocalist for this concert is Andrea Ross.
April 24th 2026 7:30pm April 25th 2026 3:30pm + 7:30pm
Andrea Ross
Guest Artist
Introducing
Soundscapes Chamber Series
Four Performances at the Venice Community Center
General admission
$30
See page 15 for more information.
We’re thrilled to debut the Soundscapes Chamber Series with four intimate concerts at the Venice Community Center. Experience talented musicians up close in a personal setting, as chamber music creates a shared connection between performers and audience. From classics to contemporary works, each performance showcases artistry and passion, leaving a lasting impact. Join us for this exciting chapter in The Venice Symphony’s story and immerse yourself in the world of chamber music!
Dances of Life Venice Symphony String Quartet with Flute and Clarinet October 19, 2025 3:30pm
Experience an enchanting evening with the Venice Symphony String Quartet, joined by special guests Francesca Arnone (flute) and Asher Carlson (clarinet). Join us as music and dance intertwine, bringing the essence of life to the stage!
A Serenade and a Symphony Venice Symphony Chamber Winds January 18, 2026 3:30pm
A concert where delicate serenades and bold symphonic sounds intertwine. Featuring intimate selection of wind chamber works that beautifully balance lightness with grandeur, showcasing the depth and versatility of wind instruments in both lyrical and powerful expressions.
Salut D’amour Venice Symphony Violin, Flute and Harp Trio
February 15, 2026 3:30pm
Classical music is like a love potion, it stirs emotions and makes connections stronger. This Salut D’amour concert makes for the best romantic date night for Valentine’s weekend.
The American Music Story Venice Symphony Brass Quintet April 12, 2026, 3:30pm
Our inaugural Venice Community Center chamber music series concludes with a grand culmination of American music and culture for the country’s 250th anniversary. Listen to the cross-genre celebration of American music making, with American classical music, popular and jazz music with The Venice Symphony Brass Quintet.
Introducing the venice Symphony BIG BAND!
Three Performances at the Venice Performing Arts Center
Formally known as the Venice Symphony Jazz Orchestra, we’re excited to unveil a fresh new look and series for an unforgettable musical experience! The Venice Symphony Big Band brings you exhilarating jazz and swing with a modern twist. Enjoy three electrifying performances that transport you to the golden era of big bands. Whether you’re a jazz aficionado or a first-time listener, this celebration of rhythm, brass, and timeless melodies promises to captivate. Mark your calendars for a musical journey you won’t want to miss!
Cornucopia of Jazz
November 22, 2025 at 3:30pm
Feast your ears on a rich blend of classic jazz standards and exciting new arrangements, perfect for kicking off the holiday season. Don’t miss this musical harvest of harmony, groove, and gratitude! Led by Pete BarrenBregge with special guest vocalists Jeremy Gaynor and Michelle Amato.
Andrea Ross & The Venice Symphony Big Band
January 24, 2026 at 3:30pm
Join us for an unforgettable afternoon filled with timeless classics and smooth melodies, featuring the internationally acclaimed vocalist Andrea Ross, hailed by the Boston Globe as “a phenom, whose presence and voice are extraordinary.”
Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Concert
March 7, 2026 at 3:30pm
Four-time Grammy-award winner Gordon Goodwin of the Big Phat Band and vocalist Vangie Gunn are bringing the heat to Venice, FL! Get ready for an unforgettable concert of sizzling swing and powerful vocals that will leave you wanting more. Don’t miss this epic series finale.
Season Subscriptions and Packages Available
• Save 10% on subscriptions for all 7 (priority seating)
• Save 5% on packages of 4 to 6 concerts (priority seating)
• No online fees
• Free ticket exchanges for season subscribers
Ticket Discounts
• Group Discount – 10% for groups of 10 or more
• Student Discount – 50% off all tickets
• FL Educator Discount – 25% off all tickets
Questions?
Call 941.207.8822 or email music@thevenicesymphony.org For more information, visit thevenicesymphony.org
Subscription Order Form | The Venice Symphony 2025-2026 Season
Last season’s full season subscibers may renew their same seats. While we do our best to honor seat requests for purchases less than a full season, we are unable to guarantee them. Please return your completed order form by May 15, 2025. Seating assignments begin June 1, 2025.
THIS IS A STAND ALONE CONCERT Patron-purchased tickets to last Season’s Symphonic Spooktacular will automatically roll over. No further action is required.
Home Phone Email A Symphonic Spooktacular Fri, Oct 10 @ 7:30pm Sat, Oct 11 @ 3:30pm Classical Rockstars Fri, Nov 14 @ 7:30pm Sat, Nov 15 @ 3:30pm Sat, Nov 15 @ 7:30pm
Sounds of the Season Fri, Dec 19 @ 7:30pm Sat, Dec 20 @ 3:30pm Sat, Dec 20 @ 7:30pm Sun, Dec 21 @ 3:30pm TV Classics! Fri, Jan 9 @ 7:30pm Sat, Jan 10 @ 3:30pm Sat, Jan 10 @ 7:30pm
Viva Venice! Fri, Feb 6 @ 7:30pm Sat, Feb 7 @ 3:30pm Sat, Feb 7 @ 7:30pm
Lights, Camera, Music! Fri, Feb 27 @ 7:30pm Sat, Feb 28 @ 3:30pm Sat, Feb 28 @ 7:30pm
Fountains, Tides and Tempests Fri, Mar 20 @ 7:30pm Sat, Mar 21 @ 3:30pm Sat, Mar 21 @ 7:30pm
Ode to America Fri, April 24 @ 7:30pm Sat, April 25 @ 3:30pm Sat, April 25 @ 7:30pm
to The Venice Symphony. See page 18 for
(OPTIONAL) Otherwise your tickets will be available for pick up.
Page 15 New! Chamber Series & Venice Symphony Big Band
Seating Information | Regular Season
Please circle and label your first and second choices for seating.
I/We are:
A renewing FULL season subscriber and wish to keep my seats. Seat(s) ______
A new subscriber; assign to me the best available seats in my preferred section(s).
Requesting wheelchair accessible seating for ______ seat(s)
Further explain your request:
Payment Method
A check made payable to The Venice Symphony is enclosed, check #
Credit card #
Expiration Date
Cardholder’s Signature Security Code
If you pay by check, please note that if there is a discrepancy between your ticket selection and what was assigned, differences of $50 or less will be considered a donation to the symphony. If payment is made by credit card, the exact amount will be charged to your card. Credit card payments will be processed when seats are assigned.
Refund / Exchange Policy
• There are NO REFUNDS unless the concert is cancelled or postponed.
• Free ticket exchanges are offered for Season Subscribers––full season or package of 4, 5, 6 or 7 concerts.
• There are NO exchanges during concert weekend.
Seating Information | Soundscapes Chamber Series
Number of Tickets
Special Performance Date $30 $ Amount
Dances of Life
A Serenade and a Symphony Salut D’amour
The American Music Story Sun, Oct 19 @ 3:30pm Sun, Jan 18 @ 3:30pm Sun, Feb 15 @ 3:30pm Sun, April 12 @ 3:30pm
Total
Transfer amount to page 13.
• This is a stand-alone concert separate from the 25-26 season with no discounted seating.
• ALL CHAMBER SERIES CONCERTS WILL BE HELD AT THE VENICE COMMUNITY CENTER.
• Tickets are General Admission; first come, first serve for seats.
• Each concert is approximately 90 minutes with no intermission.
Seating Information | Venice Symphony Big Band
Special Performance Date
Cornucopia of Jazz
Andrea Ross & The Venice Symphony Big Band
Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Concert
Total $ $
Sat, Nov 22 @ 3:30pm Sat, Jan 24 @ 3:30pm Sat, Mar 7 @ 3:30pm
Please circle and label your first and second choices for seating.
Number of Tickets
$65 $60 $55 $ Amount
Transfer amount to page 13.
This is a stand‐alone concert, separate from the 25‐26 season, and with no discounted seating.
Tickets will be assigned based upon preference, circled or noted.
Guest Artists 2025-2026 Season
Robert DeMaine
Robert DeMaine is an American virtuoso cellist who has been hailed by The New York Times as “an artist who makes one hang on every note.” He is widely regarded as one of the finest instrumentalists of his generation, performing to critical acclaim as soloist, recitalist, orchestra principal, recording artist, chamber musician, and composer–arranger. He collaborates often in a piano trio with violinist Hilary Hahn and pianist Natalie Zhu.
Sharon Isbin
Grammy-award winner Sharon Isbin was named Musical America’s Instrumentalist of the Year, the first guitarist in their 59-year award history and inducted into the 2023 Guitar Foundation of America’s Hall of Fame. She has been a soloist with over 200 orchestras, premiered over 80 works written for her by some of the world’s finest composers, and given sold-out performances in celebrated halls across 40 countries.
Andrea Ross
Andrea Ross is an internationally recognized vocalist, recording artist and Broadway performer, hailed by the Boston Globe as “a phenom, whose poise and pipes are astounding” and by Variety Magazine as a “lovely, clear soprano .” Andrea Ross’ career was launched by the mentorship of Broadway composer Andrew Lloyd Webber, who produced her UK chart-topping album Moon River with Universal Music Group’s Classics and Jazz label.
Christal Rheams
For over 20 years, Soldier and Performing Artist, Christal Rheams, has dedicated her life to helping people connect with music and the lasting force it has on human connections that make an impact. Today, she is an Alto Vocalist and Producer with The U.S. Army Band Downrange. She is also a member of the vocal quartet Voices of Service which rose to national awareness through placing 5th on America’s Got Talent and going onto the Champions show.
Roger Wilkie
A native of Los Angeles, Roger Wilkie joined the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra as one of its youngest members, eventually being appointed principal second violin. In great demand as a concertmaster for the Hollywood Studio Orchestras, Roger has served in that capacity for many of Hollywood’s leading composers. Since 2005, he has had the honor of serving as concertmaster for the motion picture scores of legendary composer John Williams, including the last three episodes of the Star Wars franchise.
Support the Symphony
The personal investment of our patrons, donors and community partners is vital to The Venice Symphony, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.
Your contributions are essential to achieving excellence in our concerts and music education efforts. As we strive to add additional performances inside and outside the concert hall and to foster the next generation of young musicians, your gift can make a difference.
Please renew your support or consider making your first contribution today.
Annual Fund Contributions to the Annual Fund during various campaigns throughout the year are The Venice Symphony’s primary source of operating revenue and outreach. Contributions may be given monthly, quarterly or annually.
Donor Advised Funds and Retirement Distributions Contributions from your DAF or IRA, is a simple way to satisfy your RMD while also achieving your charitable giving objectives.*
Employee Match Many corporations will match their current employee’s or a retiree’s donation. This can potentially double and sometimes triple the amount you can give.
Living Trusts and Bequests A legacy gift ensures your support will have a lasting impact. Invest in the Symphony through a will bequest, a life income gift, or by naming the Venice Symphony as a beneficiary of a retirement or life insurance policy. Pledge today for a better tomorrow.*
NEW! Monthly Giving Option An easy way to offer your support is to donate monthly through simple, recurring payments. Just choose this option when giving online or when visiting or calling our administrative offices.
Play it Forward
Donate an instrument through our Play it Forward program. Your gift could make the difference to a young musician in our community.
Corporate Engagement Partner with the Symphony by sponsoring a concert or event or by matching your employee’s donation. Increase staff recruitment, retention and morale with tickets to a concert or VS special event. Advertise in our program book and your company’s name will be promoted to thousands.
Stock and Securities Gifts of appreciated securities are welcomed and may provide advantageous tax benefits.*
*Because each situation is different, please consult your financial advisor about tax benefits.
For more information on any of these opportunities:
• call Vice President of Philanthropy Holly Anderson at 941-303-5738
• or email handerson@thevenicesymphony.org.
The Venice Symphony
Legacy Circle
Become a Legacy Circle Member
The Venice Symphony is excited to announce our newest giving society: our LEGACY CIRCLE
YOU become a Member of the Venice Symphony Legacy Circle by pledging to remember the Symphony in your will, life income gift or trust, or naming us as a beneficiary of a retirement or life insurance policy.
Enjoy the peace of mind that comes knowing you have a plan in place that will have a lasting impact on something that is important to you.
Whether you would like to be recognized by name in our Legacy Circle or prefer your pledge remain anonymous, please know your gift will significantly impact the future of the Symphony and arts in our community for generations.
Experience the joy of pledging today, for a better tomorrow.
For more information on any of these opportunities:
• call Vice President of Philanthropy Holly Anderson at 941-303-5738 • or email handerson@thevenicesymphony.org.
2025-26 Season Giving Levels
Contribution levels and benefits are based on The Venice Symphony Fiscal year from June 1, 2025 to May 31, 2026.
Name in digital concert program book
Name in printed concert program book
Invitation to one Thursday Evening Reception and Dress Rehearsal
Invitation to one chamber ensemble or special event
Invitation to dinner with Music Director Troy Quinn and CEO Christine Kasten
Information contained herein is not intended as legal or tax advice. For such advice, please consult an attorney or tax advisor. The Venice Symphony is a 501(c)3, tax-exempt organization. A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the division of consumer services by calling 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352) in Florida, or (850 410-3800) outside of Florida. Website: www.800helpfla.com
Chair Society Join The
When you join this Giving Society of more than 100 of our most generous supporters, you will be making a commitment to securing exceptional talent for our orchestra and supporting our musicians today and in the future. Chair Society members also attend exclusive events with Troy Quinn and Symphony musicians.
The strength of the Chair Society reflects your commitment to excellence and The Venice Symphony’s mission to inspire and transform lives through exceptional music.
Please check the box on your ticket order form to renew your sponsorship or if you would like more information regarding membership and sponsorship opportunities.
Benefits
As Members of this Giving Society, you will experience the Symphony more intimately through exclusive events and interactions with music
Director Troy Quinn and Venice Symphony musicians
First notification of upcoming special events and Symphony News!
Invitation to Fall Luncheon with guest musicians.
Invitation to Spring Luncheon with Maestro Troy Quinn
Name in concert book as Chair Society Member
Invitation to concert dress rehearsal
Name next to musician in concert book as the Named Chair
Invitation to an exclusive sponsor and musician reception
Invitation to Season Celebration Event
Lunch with the Maestro and CEO
Members Sponsors
Save The Date
The Venice Symphony Brunch 2025
Sunday, November 9, 2025
Plantation Golf & Country Club
Venice, FL
Saturday, May 23, 2026
CoolToday Park
