Press Releases

Media Alert    August 15, 2024

Contact: pr@tampabaysymphony.org  (727) 827-8087

Click to download press release as PDF.

Click for photos and video of Mark Sforzini with the Tampa Bay Symphony.

It is with great pleasure that the Tampa Bay Symphony announces Maestro Mark Sforzini has signed a three-year contract extension to continue as their Music Director and Conductor.

Now beginning his 13^th season with the symphony, Mark has raised the level of artistry of this talented volunteer orchestra to become a treasured jewel of the Tampa Bay community, producing professional level performances for the listening pleasure of their audiences. Mark established the International Composition Competition with the Tampa Bay Symphony to promote 21^st century works by composers around the world. He continues to promote classical music for young musicians by mentoring winning contestants as they participate in the symphony’s Jack Heller Young Artist Competition. For audiences, Mark’s creative and charismatic demonstrations of the music being performed educate and entertain those who are new to classical music as well as those who have loved it for years.

Click here for Mark’s full bio.

“Mark brings out the best in us as musicians so that we are not just playing notes but communicating the emotions of the composer to our audience,” said TBS Board president and violinist Dr. Judy Rowland. “Mark understands the administrative and business side of producing quality music and makes it a pleasure to serve on the TBS Board. He fully supports the vision of the Tampa Bay Symphony through his leadership and innovative interpretation of classical music.”

Maestro Sforzini stated, “It’s an honor to be offered and to accept a fourth contract extension. The rapport with the musicians has only gotten stronger through the years, and every season their collective artistry and technique seems to surpass the previous season. Their ability to excel at difficult repertoire is inspiring and will be on display this coming year as we tackle three symphonic warhorses:  Beethoven’s 7^th Symphony, Sibelius’s 1^st Symphony and Scheherazade.”

“Mark is one of the gems of the musical arts community in Tampa/St. Pete. His artistry and vision allow the orchestra to play at a high level and his passion and excitement for the group and our audience is truly invigorating,” said Tampa Bay Symphony Concertmaster, Jesse Munoz. “Looking forward to seeing what Mark has in store for us next!”

The Tampa Bay Symphony was established in its current form in 1986 as a volunteer community orchestra to promote interest in symphonic music in the Tampa Bay area while enhancing and enriching the cultural life and educational experiences of our community.

Click here for more information about the Tampa Bay Symphony.

Tickets are now available for the 2024-2025 concert season which will be sure to delight and entertain all under the direction of Maestro Sforzini. This season TBS concerts will feature the winner of their 39^th annual Jack Heller Young Artist Competition, the winning composition from their 8^th annual International Composition Competition and will also include works from Beethoven, Grieg, Sibelius, Rimsky-Korsakov and more.

Click here for full concert programming and ticket purchasing information.