Step into the immersive world of the Florida Wind Band’s “Lights Out” Chamber Series, where music and myth converge in the beauty of Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church. Featuring an evocative woodwind quartet and guided by Artistic Director Matthew McCutchen as narrator, this performance retells the ancient tale of Persephone, the goddess whose footsteps shape the seasons. Follow her journey from sunlit meadows to the shadowed depths of the Underworld — a story of innocence, power, and transformation. With each musical phrase, the myth comes alive: the flutter of the flute as Persephone, the rich sorrow of the oboe as Demeter, the low whispers of bassoon as Hades, and the nimble steps of clarinet as Hermes. This is not just a concert. It’s a theatrical voyage into the heart of a goddess through love, loss, and the eternal turning of the earth.
Join the adventure with Heroes and Harmony—an unforgettable musical journey where legendary heroes and epic tales come to life! In concert with the Autumn Winds Youth Ensemble, the Florida Wind Band will perform John Williams’ epic Superman March, Jess Turner’s sinister Black Bolt, Michael Daugherty’s powerful Red Cape Tango, and Eric Whitacre’s riveting and hilarious Godzilla Eats Las Vegas.
Don’t miss this action-packed performance as we escape into vibrant music and unforgettable moments together, and witness the power of music to unite generations.
Celebrate the season with A Time for Joy—a heartwarming concert that brings together timeless holiday classics and exciting band masterworks.
Experience the festive cheer of Sleigh Ride by Leroy Anderson, the beauty of Bach’s Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring, and the lively rhythms of Yiddish Dances by Adam Gorb. Enjoy the ethereal elegance of Angels in the Architecture by Frank Ticheli, and a wonderful arrangement of the beloved I’ll Be Home for Christmas by Julie Giroux in a special holiday performance that will fill your heart with joy. This event is perfect for the entire family!
Step into the intimate world of the Florida Wind Band’s “Lights Out” Chamber Series, where story and sound entwine beneath the soft glow of the beautifully lit sanctuary at Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church. Guided by Artistic Director Matthew McCutchen as narrator, Whispers of the Heart brings to life the timeless Greek myth of Eros and Psyche — a tale of love veiled in mystery, tested by trust, and redeemed by faith.
As the story unfolds, a reed quintet breathes emotion into every moment: the soaring oboe as Psyche, filled with wonder and longing, the sensuous lines of the saxophone as Eros, god of love in disguise, the searching clarinet, the brooding warmth of bass clarinet,
and the grounding shadows of the bassoon, echoing the voice of fate. Together, the quintet will conjure a dreamscape of invisible lovers, impossible trials, and a soul’s awakening to love's deepest truth.
Step into the final chapter of the Florida Wind Band’s “Lights Out” Chamber Series, where ancient myth crackles to life in flickering shadow and sound. In the luminous space of Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church, join us for The Flame Bearer Oath — a bold retelling of the myth of Prometheus, the Titan who dared to steal fire from the gods… and give it to humanity. Guided by Artistic Director Matthew McCutchen as narrator, this performance explores a story of defiance, vision, and the price of progress. Through the voices of a vibrant woodwind quintet, the tale unfolds in smoke and sparks. Each note burns with the weight of choice, echoing a rebellion that reshaped the mortal world. This is music that challenges, inspires, and refuses to look away.
Experience the spirit of America in our concert titled Bold, Brave, and Beautiful—a powerful celebration of the music that defines our nation’s strength and creativity. From Aaron Copland’s iconic Fanfare for the Common Man to the thrilling Candide Suite by Leonard Bernstein, this concert showcases the bold spirit of America in every note. Enjoy music by American icons George and Ira Gershwin, Scott Joplin, Benny Goodman, Woody Herman, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, and more.
We conclude our 18th season with From Day to Night—a program of music filled with hope, reflection, and passion. From Benjamin Horne’s stunning arrangement of the American spiritual Deep River to Dan Forrest’s tear-jerking Good Night, Dear Heart, this concert features music that will move audiences on both emotional and spiritual levels. Of special note is Omar Thomas’ Of a New Day Begun—perhaps one of the most powerful pieces of music composed in the last 10 years.
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