The Florida Orchestra Invites Community Musicians to Perform Live at Play Out Tampa Bay 2026
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
First-Ever Community Play-Along Concert Comes to the Straz Center This May
The Florida Orchestra is doing something it has never done before — and Tampa Bay musicians of all skill levels are invited to be part of it.
Play Out Tampa Bay, the orchestra's first-ever community play-along concert, is set for Thursday, May 21, 2026 at 7:30 PM at the Straz Center's Ferguson Hall in downtown Tampa. The event brings together amateur local musicians and professional orchestral players on the same stage for a full-scale live performance.
What Makes This Event Different
Unlike a traditional orchestra concert where the audience simply watches from their seats, Play Out Tampa Bay is designed as an immersive, participatory experience. Local musicians — regardless of whether they play at a professional level — are invited to sit side by side with members of The Florida Orchestra and perform together as a single ensemble.
The event is led by Music Director Michael Francis and represents a significant departure from the conventional concert format. According to The Florida Orchestra, the goal is to showcase the depth of musical talent within the Tampa Bay community while celebrating the region's broader creative spirit.
A Program Built for the Occasion
The concert features an ambitious and crowd-friendly program spanning classical masterworks and recognizable popular arrangements, including:
Aaron Copland's Hoe-Down from Rodeo: Four Dance Episodes
The iconic James Bond Theme, arranged by Ford
Dvořák's Symphony No. 9 (movements II and IV)
Stravinsky's Finale from the Firebird Suite
Sibelius's Finlandia
Bernstein's Somewhere from West Side Story
Elgar's Nimrod from Enigma Variations
Mussorgsky's The Great Gate of Kiev from Pictures at an Exhibition
The lineup balances accessibility with artistic ambition which makes it a compelling evening for both seasoned music lovers and first-time orchestral concertgoers.
Pay What You Can Admission
In keeping with The Florida Orchestra's commitment to community accessibility, Play Out Tampa Bay operates on a "Pay What You Can" model, with general admission available at the door. There is no fixed ticket price, removing financial barriers for anyone who wants to attend.
Whether you are taking a seat in the audience or bringing your instrument to perform alongside the professionals, this event is open to the Tampa Bay community.
Event Details
Date: Thursday, May 21, 2026
Time: 7:30 PM
Venue: Straz Center – Ferguson Hall, Tampa, FL
Admission: Pay What You Can at the door, general admission
For more information, visit floridaorchestra.org.
