Lake County-based orchestra readies for its third season

Building on the beautiful sounds of its first two seasons, the Florida Lakes Symphony Orchestra will continue its soulful performances with a third year of concerts beginning on Thursday, Oct. 11.

Based in Lake County, the not-for-profit orchestra features 60 professional musicians from the Central Florida area. Internationally acclaimed composer and pianist Guy Saint-Clair, who has recorded with the London Symphony, founded the orchestra. Led by the award-winning conductor Michael J. Garasi, the orchestra has established a reputation for excellence.

The third season by the Florida Lakes Symphony Orchestra includes the following concerts at 7:30 p.m. at the St. Patrick Catholic Church of Mount Dora, located at 6803 Old Highway 441, and at Montverde Academy in downtown Montverde, located at 17235 Seventh St.:

• Dazzling Dances for Orchestra — The season begins with music inspired by dance.
  • Oct. 11 in Mount Dora
  • Oct. 12 in Montverde
• Centennial Celebration — Enjoy this spectacular concert of Leroy Anderson compositions.
  • Jan. 10 in Mount Dora
  • Jan. 11 in Montverde
• Evening at the Opera — This concert features exciting moments from famous operas and guest soloists.
  • Feb. 21 in Mount Dora
  • Feb. 22 in Montverde
• Cowboy Concerto — Listen to Western influences of this real symphony hoedown.
  • April 3 in Mount Dora
  • April 4 in Montverde
• Symphony Spectacular — The featured musical pieces present a grandiose finale of the season.
  • May 1 in Mount Dora
  • May 2 at Eastridge High School, located at 13322 Excalibur Road, Clermont 34711, behind the Office Depot

For more information about the Florida Lakes Symphony Orchestra or to order tickets, call (352) 429-4650 or write Florida Lakes Symphony Orchestra, PO Box 524, Groveland, FL 34736. Concert tickets are $36 in advance, $42 at the door or $150 for the entire five-concert season.