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Dear Friends,

It is both a privilege and a joy to continue serving as Music Director of The Venice Symphony, guiding what I believe to be one of the finest orchestras in our region. With 75 extraordinary musicians from across Florida and around the world, we share a single purpose: to move you, inspire you, and take you somewhere unforgettable.

Our 2026–27 Season invites you to “See Where Music Takes You.” Each program is a journey filled with drama, passion, discovery, and imagination.

We open in October with A Ghoulish Gathering, where mystery and the supernatural take center stage. From the spellbinding allure of The Witches of Eastwick and The Phantom of the Opera to the profound beauty of Richard Strauss’s Death and Transfiguration, this concert explores the shadowed edges of the human spirit and music’s transformative power.

In Strauss and Surprises!, we celebrate wit and brilliance with the sparkling Die Fledermaus Overture and Haydn’s beloved “Surprise” Symphony. I am especially proud to feature our own Principal Horn, Joseph Lovinsky, as soloist — a reminder that world-class artistry lives within your Venice Symphony.

December brings the warmth and joy of A Holiday Celebration, featuring guest vocalist Colin Eaton, a cherished tradition that gathers our community in the spirit of the season.

January’s Mancini & the Movie Masters pays tribute to the golden age of film music. From Goldfinger and The Godfather Part II to The Pink Panther and Breakfast at Tiffany’s, we celebrate the soundtracks that shaped generations.

February offers two distinct journeys. In Romantic Rendezvous, vocalist Andrea Lykke joins us for an evening of sweeping passion from Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet to favorites like My Heart Will Go On and selections from Carmen. Later, in New World Journey: Songs from the Homeland, pianist Janice Carissa leads us across continents, culminating in Dvořák’s magnificent “New World” Symphony.

March’s Heroes and Titans brings legendary figures to life, from Mahler’s towering “Titan” Symphony to Wagner’s Ride of the Valkyries and heroic themes from stage and screen.

We conclude in April with Untamed!, unleashing nature’s raw energy through Stravinsky’s electrifying Firebird Suite alongside cinematic adventures like Jurassic Park and How to Train Your Dragon Suite

This season is an invitation to dream, reflect, celebrate, and journey with us. I cannot wait to see where the music takes us all.

Troy Quinn, Music Director

The Venice Symphony

Welcome to The Venice Symphony!

Thank you for joining us for the 2026–27 Season of The Venice Symphony. Our theme this year, “See Where Music Takes You,” is an invitation to explore new worlds and experience the imagination and passion of our remarkable musicians. With Music Director Troy Quinn and our orchestra, we’ve shaped this season to take you on a true journey and to celebrate the transformative power of music.

Your Symphony season extends far beyond our main concerts. Our Venice Symphony Big Band returns with three electrifying jazz and swing performances at the Venice Performing Arts Center, bringing the classic big band sound to life with sparkling brass, swinging rhythms, and all the style that makes this music so much fun. Meanwhile, our Soundscapes Chamber Series continues to offer intimate concerts at the Venice Community Center, bringing you closer to the artistry and emotion of each performance in a uniquely personal setting.

We also invite you to engage with the Symphony in ways that celebrate curiosity and connection. Join Maestro Quinn and our guest artists for pre-concert talks, where behind-the-scenes insights deepen your connection to the music that make each concert unforgettable.

This season, we are proud to host two signature fundraising events that help sustain and grow the Symphony’s mission. On November 8, 2026, our Fundraising Brunch will gather patrons for a morning of music, inspiration, and community. On March 13, 2027, our Symphony Gala promises an elegant evening celebrating the music, supporters, and donors who make every season possible. These events are not just opportunities to give, they are celebrations of the music, the musicians, and the joy of shared experience.

We also encourage you to explore ways to deepen your engagement through the Venice Symphony Chair Society, Friends of The Symphony, our Musician Host Program, and the Legacy Circle. Each offers a unique way to connect with the Symphony, support our mission, and help bring music that inspires audiences of all ages.

Thank you for joining us on this journey. Together, we’ll celebrate extraordinary music and enjoy everything this season has to offer.

Christine Kasten, President & CEO The Venice Symphony

A Ghoulish Gathering

October 9th 2026

7:30pm

October 10th 2026

3:30pm Featuring

Enter a world of witches, phantoms, and spine-tingling thrills as the orchestra conjures a night of mischief and mystery. From eerie suspense to playful scares, this concert takes you on a journey through the shadowy, the supernatural, and the spectacularly spooky. The evening’s dramatic climax soars from darkness into dazzling transformation, promising chills, laughter, and a Halloween experience you won’t soon forget.

Death and Transfiguration - Strauss

The Witches of Eastwick - Williams

The Phantom of the Opera - Lloyd Webber

The Nightmare Before Christmas - Elfman

Strauss and Surprises!

November 20th 2026 7:30pm

November 21st 2026 3:30pm + 7:30pm

Get ready to waltz, whirl, and be delightfully surprised!

This sparkling program brims with effervescent melodies, soaring solos, and playful twists that keep you guessing at every turn. From lively dances to dazzling orchestral fireworks, the evening blends elegance, humor, and the sheer joy of musical magic.

Principal Horn, The Venice Symphony

Soloist Joseph Lovinsky Featuring

Die Fledermaus Overture - Strauss

Emperor Waltz - Strauss

Gypsy Earrings - Farah

Symphony No. 94 in G Major (Surprise) - Haydn

4 Performances!

A Holiday Celebration

December 18th 2026 7:30pm

December 19th 2026 3:30pm + 7:30pm

December 20th 2026 3:30pm

Spend the most magical time of the year with The Venice Symphony! This familyfriendly favorite welcomes audiences of all ages to enjoy a seasonal experience filled with warmth, wonder, and joyful surprises. Featuring guest vocalist Colin Eaton, the program blends cherished traditions from across the holidays and engaging narration, creating a musical evening that feels both timeless and inviting, perfect for sharing with family, friends, and loved ones.

Guest Vocalist Colin Eaton

Featuring

The First Noel - Dragon

Chanukah Suite - Tyzik

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer - Marks

Yes, Virginia! There is a Santa Claus - Oppido

The Twelve Gifts of Christmas - Tyzik

Photo Credit: Elliott Corn

THE MOVIE MASTERS and

January 8th 2027 7:30pm January 9th 2027 3:30pm + 7:30pm

Step into the golden age of film music with this thrilling tribute to cinema’s legendary composers. From suspenseful intrigue to sweeping, unforgettable themes, this program brings Hollywood’s most iconic scores to life in an evening of glamour and cinematic flair.

Featuring

Goldfinger - Barry

End Title from The Godfather Part II - Rota

The Pink Panther - Mancini

Breakfast at Tiffany’s - Mancini

avalentine’s celebration

February 5th 2027 7:30pm

February 6th 2027 3:30pm + 7:30pm

Experience love in all its forms with guest vocalist Andrea Lykke. Sweeping classics and modern favorites intertwine in a program full of passion, drama, and unforgettable melodies — an evening that stirs the heart and lifts the spirit.

Guest Vocalist Andrea Lykke

Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture - Tchaikovsky

My Heart Will Go On - Horner

Carmen Suite No. 1 - Bizet

Defying Gravity - Schwartz Featuring

New World Journey Songs from the Homeland

February 26th 2027 7:30pm February 27th 2027 3:30pm + 7:30pm

Embark on a musical voyage with guest pianist Janice Carissa. This evocative program celebrates the melodies and rhythms that capture the spirit of home, the thrill of exploration, and the promise of new horizons.

Guest Artist Janice Carissa

Featuring

Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini - Rachmaninoff Down a Country Lane - Copland Symphony No. 9 (New World) - Dvorák The Moldau from My Homeland - Smetana

Heroes & Titans

March 19th 2027 7:30pm

March 20th 2027

3:30pm + 7:30pm

Feel the power of myth and legend. Thrilling fanfares, epic stories, and larger-than-life music celebrate courage, triumph, and adventure in a program designed to stir the imagination!

Ride of Valkyries from Die Walküre - Wagner Featuring

Symphony No. 1 in D major (Titan) - Mahler Summon the Heroes - Williams Suite from Thor - Doyle

Photo Credit: Elliott Corn

Untamed!

April 23rd 2027

7:30pm

April 24th 2027

3:30pm + 7:30pm

Experience the thrill of the wild through music that roars, soars, and prowls.

From majestic creatures to playful antics and untamed adventures, this program brings the animal kingdom to life with bold orchestral colors, soaring melodies, and unforgettable moments of musical excitement.

The Firebird Suite (1919) - Stravinsky

How to Train Your Dragon Suite - Powell Dance of the Hours - Ponchielli Featuring

Jurassic Park - Williams

Photo Credit: Elliott Corn

Soundscapes Chamber Series

Three Performances at the Venice Community Center.

General admission $30

See page 15 for more information.

From Dawn to Dusk

Sunday, January 17, 2027, 3:30pm

The Venice Symphony String Quartet invites you on a journey across a lifetime of music. From bold beginnings to a luminous farewell, this program offers music that speaks to every stage of the human experience.

Saxappeal: The Language of Love

Sunday, February 14, 2027, 3:30pm

The Venice Symphony Saxophone Quartet, four of Southwest Florida’s finest saxophonists, brings warmth, charm, and virtuosity to a program celebrating love in all its forms. Blending classical elegance with jazz flair, the quartet makes the rich history of the saxophone ensemble through music both timeless and playful.

Once Upon a Wind

Sunday, April 11, 2027, 3:30pm

The Venice Symphony Woodwind Quintet invites families of all ages on a musical adventure filled with color, character, and imagination. The afternoon culminates in Prokofiev’s beloved Peter and the Wolf, performed with a narrator, where each instrument becomes a storybook character in a tale that has captivated generations.

venice Symphony BIG BAND!

Three performances at the Venice Performing Arts Center!

See page 15 for more information.

The New Voice of the Great American Songbook

November 14, 2026 3:30pm

Celebrate the timeless melodies of the Great American Songbook with guest artist Danny Sinoff, a dynamic jazz pianist, singer, and bandleader with more than 20 years of captivating audiences across Southwest Florida and beyond. Joined by the Venice Symphony Big Band, Sinoff brings fresh energy to beloved classics with smooth vocals, swinging rhythms, and irresistible charm. It’s an afternoon of style, swing, and pure big band sparkle you won’t want to miss.

Wayne Bergeron“Plays Well with Others”

January 23, 2027 3:30pm

Trumpet powerhouse Wayne Bergeron joins the Venice Symphony Big Band for a performance of bold brass and big band brilliance. From Maynard Ferguson’s legendary lead chair to more than 500 film and television soundtracks, including La La Land, Frozen, and West Side Story, Bergeron’s soaring trumpet has defined the sound of modern music. Don’t miss this high-voltage evening of virtuosity, versatility, and unstoppable swing!

An Afternoon with Veronica Swift and Javier Nero

March 6, 2027 3:30pm

Experience an unforgettable afternoon as the sensational Veronica Swift joins forces with acclaimed music arranger and trombonist Javier Nero and the Venice Symphony Big Band. Praised by The Wall Street Journal for her “miraculous voice,” Swift dazzles across genres with fearless artistry and magnetic stage presence. Paired with Nero’s award-winning virtuosity and bold brass sound, this dynamic collaboration promises soaring vocals, sizzling solos, and nonstop big band excitement.

• Save 10% on subscriptions for all 8 concerts

• Save 5% on packages of 4 to 7 concerts

• Free ticket exchanges for season subscribers

• Group Discount – 10% for groups of 10 or more

• Student Discount – 50% off all tickets

• FL Educator Discount – 25% off all tickets

Subscription Order Form | The Venice Symphony 2026-2027 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, 2026. Seating assignments begin June 1, 2026.

A Ghoulish Gathering Fri, Oct 9 @ 7:30pm Sat, Oct 10 @ 3:30pm Subscriber Add-on

Strauss and Surprises! Fri, Nov 20 @ 7:30pm Sat, Nov 21 @ 3:30pm Sat, Nov 21 @ 7:30pm

A Holiday Celebration Fri, Dec 18 @ 7:30pm Sat, Dec 19 @ 3:30pm Sat, Dec 19 @ 7:30pm Sun, Dec 20 @ 3:30pm

Mancini & the Movie Masters Fri, Jan 8 @ 7:30pm Sat, Jan 9 @ 3:30pm Sat, Jan 9 @ 7:30pm New World Journey Fri, Feb 26 @ 7:30pm Sat, Feb 27 @ 3:30pm Sat, Feb 27 @ 7:30pm Heroes & Titans Fri, March 19 @ 7:30pm Sat, March 20 @ 3:30pm Sat, March 20 @ 7:30pm

Fri, April 23 @ 7:30pm Sat, April 24 @ 3:30pm Sat, April 24 @ 7:30pm Romantic Rendezvous Fri, Feb 5 @ 7:30pm Sat, Feb 6 @ 3:30pm Sat, Feb 6 @ 7:30pm

Seating Information | The Venice Symphony

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) ______

Requesting wheelchair accessible seating.

Further explain your request:

Payment Method

A check made payable to The Venice Symphony is enclosed, check #

Credit card #

Cardholder’s Signature

Expiration Date

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 | Venice Symphony Big Band

Special Performance Date

The New Voice of the Great American Songbook

Wayne Bergeron “Plays Well with Others”

An Afternoon with Veronica Swift and Javier Nero

Sat, Nov 14 @ 3:30pm Sat, Jan 23 @ 3:30pm Sat, Mar 6 @ 3:30pm

Number of Tickets

$55 $60 $65 $ Amount

Total $

Transfer amount to page 13.

Please circle and label your first and second choices for seating.

These are stand-alone concerts, separate from the 26-27 Season, and with no subscriber discounts.

Tickets will be assigned on preference, circled or noted.

Seating Information | Soundscapes Chamber Series

Special Performance Date

From Dawn to Dusk

Saxappeal: The Language of Love

Once Upon a Wind Sun, Jan 17 @ 3:30pm Sun, Feb 14 @ 3:30pm Sun, April 11 @ 3:30pm

Total

Number of Tickets

$30 $ Amount

Transfer amount to page 13.

• This is a stand-alone concert separate from the 26-27 season with no subscriber discounts.

• 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. $

Guest Artists 2026-2027 Season*

Joseph Lovinsky horn

Joseph Lovinsky, Principal horn of The Venice Symphony, has performed worldwide from Carnegie Hall to Beijing. A Yamaha Performing Artist, he began formal horn studies at seventeen and studied at Curtis Institute of Music and Juilliard. Retired Principal of The United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own”, Miami City Ballet, and Israel Pops, he has performed with Yo-Yo Ma, Jessye Norman, and Dizzy Gillespie, and is a sought-after soloist, educator, and clinician.

Janice Carissa piano

Gilmore Young Artist and Salon de Virtuosi winner Janice Carissa is praised for her “multicolored highlights of a mature pianist” (Philadelphia Inquirer). She has appeared at the Sydney Opera House, Carnegie Hall, and the Kennedy Center, and as soloist with major orchestras including the Minnesota Orchestra and Houston Symphony. A devoted chamber musician, she is a Curtis Institute of Music alumna and earned her master’s degree from The Juilliard School.

Colin Eaton vocalist

Tenor Colin Eaton has been praised by The Washington Post as “commanding” and by the Baltimore Sun as “a singer who dazzles audiences with ease.” Eaton’s career includes long-time service as a member of the U.S. Army Chorus, where he performed at high-profile events such as the internment ceremony for President Ronald Reagan and a naturalization ceremony in the White House Rose Garden alongside President Obama. His career spans opera, oratorio, and crossover performance, with solo appearances in Carmina Burana, Messiah, The Creation, and leading operatic roles.

Andrea Lykke vocalist

Andrea Lykke is one of Denmark’s most exciting young vocal talents, celebrated for her captivating voice and natural, self-taught technique. She rose to national prominence starring in The Bodyguard Musical and has lent her voice to two major roles: the Danish dub of Wicked, where she took on the powerhouse role of Elphaba, and Wish, Disney’s latest animated blockbuster, in which she voiced the lead character Asha. A sought-after guest soloist, she has performed with major orchestras across Europe, appeared at the BBC Proms, toured with Andrea Bocelli, and is a frequent

*Artists and programs are subject to change.

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.

Ticket prices and tuition only cover a portion of the cost to achieve excellence in our live concerts and music education efforts. Your contributions are essential. 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.*

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 in excellent condition. 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 the donor advantageous tax benefits. *

*Because each situation is different, please consult your tax advisor or financial institution..

For more information on any of these opportunities, please call our Development Staff at (941) 207-8822

Legacy Circle

Become a Legacy Circle Member Your Passion. Your Plan. Your Legacy. Become a member of our Legacy Circle by pledging to remember The Venice Symphony in your will, trust, or 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 what matters most to you. All pledges are confidential and may be updated at any time.

Experience the joy of pledging today, for a better tomorrow.

Your commitment today, will help secure the future of live, world-class symphonic music and education for generations to come. All Legacy Circle members are invited to an annual luncheon in your honor with special guest, Music Director Troy Quinn.

For more information, please contact our Vice President of Philanthropy, Holly Anderson at (941) 303-5738 or by email at: handerson@thevenicesymphony.org

2026-27 Season Giving Levels

Contribution Level will be based on cumulative gifts received June 1, 2026 through May 31, 2027

Early notification of Symphony events and fundraisers

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 a special VIP event

Invitation to have a private performance by a solo musician in your home

Invitation to have a private performance by a duo or ensemble in your home

Visionary Leadership Circle

of Florida. Website: www.800helpfla.com

Chair Society

When you join this Giving Society of our most loyal patrons, you are investing in excellence. Your charitable contribution helps secure the highest talent in the field, the most sought after and hard to attain musical scores and fully orchestrated concerts.

MEMBERSHIPS

CHAIR SPONSORSHIPS*

As Members and Chair Sponsors in this important 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

Named Chair next to musician in concert book

to an exclusive Sponsor & Musician Reception

Invitation to an exclusive VS VIP event

Dine with the Maestro and CEO

Chair Society Membership Payment

complete the

Join The Who are the Friends of the Symphony?

Friends of The Symphony

The Friends are a dedicated group of community ambassadors who support and promote The Venice Symphony. They are community members who appreciate music and recognize the value of the Symphony.

The Friends are committed to advancing the mission and longevity of The Venice Symphony through dedicated advocacy, strategic fundraising, and meaningful volunteer engagement. They strive to ensure the Symphony continues to flourish for generations to come.

Their goals are to support the Symphony’s artistic excellence and its musicians, invest in youth music education, and enrich the cultural life of the community.