South Shore Symphony Orchestra to Host Concert Series at The Regent

Residents are invited to enjoy an afternoon with Copland, Mendelssohn and Puccini when the South Shore Symphony Orchestra performs at The Regent in the first of a seven-part concert series.

The first symphony will take place July 1 from 2 to 5 p.m. in The Regent ballroom, 6437 Watson Rd., Riverview.

Under the baton of artistic director Dr. Susan B. Robinson, the orchestra will perform compositions by Copland, Mendelssohn, Rachmaninoff, Puccini, Holst and other composers. 

"It'll be wonderful to have a symphony here in the back yard of this bustling community," said Regent executive director Kristin Kerr. "We are so proud to be the home to this most kind and talented ensemble, and what a tremendous opportunity for the SSSO and our local residents."

Other concerts will take place Aug. 5, Sept. 16, Oct, 28, Dec. 16, Feb. 10 and March 24.

Summer series (July and August) tickets are $10 online and at the door. Winter series (September through March) tickets are $20 online and $25 at the door, if available. Student tickets are $10 at the door with ID.

Tickets also are available at the Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce, 10011 Water Works Ln., Riverview.

All performances are open seating. Doors will open 30 minutes before the performance. 

The symphony orchestra was formed Dec. 18, 2009, when partially retired musician booking agent Dominick Galati brought a group of musicians together for a concert at the United Methodist Church of Sun City Center. Impressed by the group's professionalism, Galati asked Jeff Jordan, the artistic director for the concert, if he'd be interested in conducting a community orchestra.

Together Galati and Jordan gathered a group of 22 musicians for a first rehearsal in February 2010. The volunteer orchestra continued to practice at the Methodist church every Wednesday evening, each week attracting more musicians, eventually attracting 40 musicians.

The nonprofit orchestra's first concert took place May 21, 2010, attracting an audience of 500. The orchestra continues to draw crowds wherever it performs.

For musicians interested in taking part, the orchestra will hold its next audition Aug. 11.

For further details, visit www.theSSSO.org