Gulf Coast Symphony presents ‘A Symphony of Firsts’ on Nov. 15 at the MACC

November 3, 2025

Saturday, Nov. 15 | 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. | Music & Arts Community Center

The Gulf Coast Symphony proudly presents A Symphony of Firsts, a captivating concert experience celebrating the imagination, innovation, and artistry that shaped the symphonic tradition. Two performances will take place on Saturday, Nov. 15, at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at the Music & Arts Community Center (13411 Shire Lane, Fort Myers).

From the elegance of the Classical era to the bold vision of the modern age, A Symphony of Firsts traces the evolution of orchestral sound through landmark works that changed music forever. Each piece marks a defining moment of creativity and expression — where composers expanded what an orchestra could say, and how deeply it could move us.

The program includes highlights from Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Berlioz, Tchaikovsky, Prokofiev, Debussy, and Copland — each revealing a “first” in the history of the symphony:

• Haydn – Symphony No. 94 “Surprise” (2nd Movement) – The birth of orchestral humor, where a single shocking chord turned polite music into playful theater.
• Mozart – Overture to The Magic Flute – A perfect blend of wit, grace, and intellect that set the standard for Classical form.
• Beethoven – Symphony No. 5 (1st Movement) – Four notes that changed music forever, shaping the foundation of symphonic storytelling.
• Berlioz – Roman Carnival Overture – A burst of Romantic color and virtuosity that expanded the orchestra’s emotional range.
• Tchaikovsky – Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture – Music as pure emotion — passion and tragedy intertwined.
• Prokofiev – Symphony No. 1 “Classical” (I. Allegro) – A witty, modern take on Haydn’s world — the first great neoclassical symphony.
• Debussy – Nocturnes: “Nuages” (Clouds) – Impressionism in sound, where harmony and texture paint shifting skies.
• Copland – Fanfare for the Common Man – The voice of America in music: bold, open, and profoundly human.

Together, these “firsts” tell the story of how the symphony evolved into one of humanity’s most expressive and enduring art forms — a reflection of our endless capacity to imagine, to feel, and to create.

To purchase tickets for A Symphony of Firsts, call (239) 277-1700 or visit gulfcoastsymphony.org.