Company Profile
The Southwest Florida Symphony
Company Overview
The Southwest Florida Symphony enters its 58th year, continuing the orchestra’s tradition of artistic excellence as internationally acclaimed Maestro Nir Kabaretti leads the Symphony in another exciting season of spectacular performances. Maestro Kabaretti is the fifth music director in the organization’s history. He has led critically acclaimed performances throughout his first three seasons with the Southwest Florida Symphony. In April 2017 he signed a new three-year agreement with the Symphony, extending his contract as Music Director through the 2019 – 2020 season.
Company History
The Southwest Florida Symphony is the only professional symphony orchestra in Lee County and one of the oldest on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Founded by conductor Arlo Deibler, the Symphony made its debut as a community orchestra on April 15, 1961 with a roster of 24 musicians who performed in community centers and schools throughout Lee and Collier Counties. It has since grown to become Lee County’s premiere symphonic ensemble, with a roster of 65 world-class musicians playing to packed houses at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall. The Southwest Florida Symphony’s mission is to present outstanding music for the entertainment, education and enrichment of the broadest possible public.