The Venice Symphony has announced a special 2023-24 schedule to commemorate its 50th anniversary year. In addition to its annual fall concert series, the symphony will lead a year-long array of public engagements and initiatives throughout the community.

"Venice and its vibrant neighboring towns have played an integral role in our organization's journey," Christine Kasten, the symphony's president and CEO, said in a press release. "We deeply appreciate decades-long support from our community and only find it fitting to celebrate this significant milestone together."

The symphony's community engagements will begin this month with a concert ticket giveaway at one of Venice's popular annual events, The Sertoma Club of Venice's Sun Fiesta. The 50^th anniversary concert season will kick off on Nov. 17 with the premiere of "A Symphony Fantastic!," featuring Hector Berlioz's epic and dramatic Symphonie Fantastique.

Following "A Symphony Fantastic!" is "A Holiday Spectacular" on Dec. 15 and 16, a popular performance that includes favorite holiday songs. On Jan. 12 and 13, "Tall Tales and Treasure" will feature guest vocalist Lauren Jelencovich and swashbuckling music from films like Captain Blood, Pirates of the Caribbean, Mulan and How to Train Your Dragon. On Feb. 23 and 24, the symphony—along with guest artists Key Chorale—pays tribute to Disney composer Alan Menken with songs from Aladdin, The Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast. Next up is "Arabian Nights," on March 15 and 16, a concert that includes the overture from Lawrence of Arabia, the theme from Exodus, works by Modest Mussorgsky and Camille Saint-Saens, and a premiere of Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade. Rounding out the season is "The Crown Jewel Finale," with vocalists Deanna Breiwick and Dashon Burton, as well as Key Chorale, joining the symphony on stage. 

For more information and to purchase tickets, click here or call (941) 207-8822.