Broward’s own professional orchestra, the Symphony of the Americas, recently celebrated a major milestone of 20 years !Founded in l987
Broward’s own professional orchestra, the Symphony of the Americas, recently celebrated a major milestone of 20 years !Founded in l987 with its concerts at the Second Presbyterian Church, the orchestra has experienced continuous growth, bringing the best of classical music to the multi-cultural population of South Florida. The Symphony has presented its International Guest Artist Series in its performance home at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts since performing the Broward Center’s Gala Opening Concert of the Amaturo Theater in l991.
James Brooks-Bruzzese’s Symphony of the Americas has maintained a niche in Broward’s cultural landscape. With its loyal audiences, savvy marketing and artful political outreach, the organization makes many larger groups look like rank amateurs”. (Larry Johnson, Sun-Sentinel, October 2006)
In this 21st Season, the Symphony continues to present its Guest Artist Subscription Series and outreach concerts during the regular season; a myriad of educational programs with ensembles and full orchestra; and the internationally renowned Summerfest, hosting an internationally acclaimed chamber orchestra each summer joined by selected members of the Symphony of the Americas for concerts throughout Florida and the Americas under Maestro Brooks-Bruzzese’s baton. The Symphony takes a leadership role in fostering cultural relations with the Americas, initiating musical exchanges throughout Europe, the US, and Central and South America.
The Symphony remains dedicated to improving the lives of children through the magic of musical investigations, both in South Florida and the Americas. Young children and families learn about musical instruments in programs such as “Patriotic Portrait”, “Peanut Butter”N Jamboree” or all encompassing “Jack O Lantern JamBoree” family concerts which are experienced by Maestro, musicians and audience in costume. The Symphony is proud of its partnerships to expose young at-risk students to the arts, architecture, and environment, as exemplified by its continuing programs with the Bonnet House. Learning experiences such as instrument workshops and open rehearsals for school age and older students, and master classes with international guest artists, all offer a wide range of experiences to stretch growing minds and senses. Educational and outreach programs reach over 35,000 people.
As a collaborator with community organizations and various South Florida cities, the Symphony performs outreach concerts series throughout Palm Beach County, as well as in Weston, Boca Raton, Deerfield Beach, Pembroke Pines, Hollywood, and Miami - all woven into the fabric of our community in parks, community centers, museums and libraries. Presentations of the Symphony are not done and forgotten. Summerfest and other concerts are captured on PBS and compact disc recordings, which are distributed nationally and internationally.
Continuing into its next decade, the Symphony will keep its focus of enriching the lives of all who it touches through the wonderful power of music, taking pride in the contribution it makes to the cultural environment of South Florida.
