Gulf Coast Symphony launches new Fort Myers-based Community Orchestra
November 11, 2026
Weekly rehearsals begin Nov. 17 at the Music & Arts Community Center in Fort Myers
Gulf Coast Symphony is launching a new Fort Myers-based community orchestra, creating an opportunity for experienced amateur musicians throughout Southwest Florida to come together for weekly rehearsals, musical exploration, and eventually public performances.
The orchestra will meet Tuesday evenings throughout the season, 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., beginning Tuesday, November 17, at the Gulf Coast Symphony’s Music & Arts Community Center in Fort Myers. The ensemble will operate as a reading orchestra through the remainder of 2026, allowing musicians to explore a variety of orchestral repertoire, develop relationships, and build the foundation for a performing ensemble. Public concerts will begin in 2027.
Go to GulfCoastSymphony.org/Community-Orchestra to learn more. Musicians interested in participating can go to tinyurl.com/GCCommunityOrch to sign up.
The initiative represents a return to Gulf Coast Symphony’s roots. Founded in 1995 as a community orchestra, the organization has evolved into a professional performing arts institution presenting orchestral concerts, musical theater, jazz, and educational programming throughout Southwest Florida.
“Our organization began with the simple idea that making music together creates community,” said Andrew M. Kurtz, Founder, President & CEO, and Music Director of Gulf Coast Symphony. “As Gulf Coast Symphony grew into a professional orchestra, we recognized that there was still a tremendous need for opportunities for talented community musicians to play together. This new orchestra allows us to reconnect with our founding spirit while expanding the ways people can participate in musical life.”
Experienced conductor Diego Hernandez will lead the new ensemble. Hernandez currently serves as Assistant Conductor of Gulf Coast Symphony and Conductor of the Gulf Coast Youth Orchestra.
Before coming to Southwest Florida, Hernandez served as the music director of the Googler Orchestra, Google’s employee community orchestra, which was a finalist for the American Prize. He holds a Master of Music degree in orchestral conducting from Northwestern University and degrees in music and computer science from Stanford University.
“Community orchestras bring together people who share a love of music, regardless of their professions or backgrounds,” said Hernandez. “Our initial reading sessions will give musicians an opportunity to explore repertoire, develop a shared musical language, and help shape this new ensemble. I’m excited to build something that is both artistically rewarding and welcoming.”
The orchestra welcomes adult instrumentalists with previous orchestral or ensemble experience, including those who have stepped away from regular performance and are interested in returning to music-making.
The initial reading-orchestra format will allow participants to explore a variety of symphonic literature without the immediate pressure of concert preparation. No formal competitive audition will be required for the inaugural reading sessions.
Weekly rehearsals will take place at the Music & Arts Community Center, (13411 Shire Lane, Fort Myers), home of the Gulf Coast Symphony, Gulf Coast Jazz Collective, and the Southwest Florida Theatre Company.
The new community orchestra will operate as a distinct ensemble within Gulf Coast Symphony, complementing its professional orchestra and resident ensembles, youth ensembles, and music education programs.
Go to tinyurl.com/GCCommunityOrch to sign up for the Community Orchestra. To learn more about Gulf Coast Symphony and the Music & Arts Community Center, call 239-277-1700 or visit gulfcoastsymphony.org.
About Gulf Coast Symphony
Founded in 1995, Gulf Coast Symphony is a nonprofit performing arts organization dedicated to Creating Community Through Music. The organization serves Southwest Florida through professional orchestral performances, musical theater, jazz, arts education, youth ensembles, and community programs. Gulf Coast Symphony operates the Music & Arts Community Center in Fort Myers and presents performances throughout Lee County.