South Florida Symphony Orchestra Opens 28th Season with Brahms, Saint-Saëns, Beethoven & Massenet at The Parker at The Parker

South Florida Symphony Orchestra’s (SFSO) 28th season, “Juxtapositions,” ignites with a powerful reminder that even in darkness, light will always find its way. Led by award-winning Maestra Sebrina María Alfonso, SFSO launches the electrifying evening with Beethoven's freedom-fighting Egmont Overture followed by Saint-Saëns’ fiery Cello Concerto No. 1 and Massenet’s hushed “Méditation” from Thaïs featuring GRAMMY®-winning cellist virtuoso  Zuill Bailey. Capping the evening is Brahms’ Symphony No. 1 – a profound work that took the composer decades to complete, beautifully articulating one’s journey from darkness to triumph. The concert will take place on Wednesday, November 5, at 7:30 p.m., at The Parker in Fort Lauderdale (707 NE 8th St.). Enjoy a pre-concert chat with Dr. Alan Mason 30 minutes before the concert, featuring in-depth conversation and insights about the works and composers.

A work of extraordinary triumph that took decades to complete, Brahms’ First Symphony is an epic, deeply human piece reflecting the composer’s battles with self-doubt and perfectionism under the weight of Beethoven’s omnipresent shadow. From its brooding, stormy opening to the life-affirming finale, Brahms beautifully traces one’s journey from darkness to light. A signature of this work is the candescent French horn, brilliantly illuminating the path from despair to victory. 

Saint-Saëns’ Cello Concerto No. 1 is a whirlwind of movement—elegant yet fiery, delicate yet commanding. With no pause from start to finish, the music flows in an unbroken surge of passion and virtuosity. Audience favorite cellist Zuill Bailey returns to SFSO bringing his signature artistry to this expressive work.

Beethoven’s freedom-fighting Egmont Overture portrays the tragic heroism of a man who makes the ultimate sacrifice in defiance of oppression and tyranny.

Originally composed for violin, Massenet’s “Méditation” from Thaïs takes on new depth in this interpretation for cello—an SFSO first. A hushed prayer amid the opera’s high drama, this sublime interlude floats with quiet longing. 

SFSO’s 28th season of “Juxtapositions” explores beauty in contrasts, where the bold and the sublime intersect, and timeless masterpieces share the stage with today’s most compelling and celebrated musical voices. From Mozart’svivacious “Haffner” symphony to the sun-drenched skies of Mendelssohn’s “Italian” and the sweeping emotion of Sibelius’ Violin Concerto — performances burst with color and power. Beethoven’s luminous Piano Concerto No. 4 and Dvoák’s Bohemian Eighth deepen the journey, while Rimsky-Korsakov’s Capriccio espagnol whirls with Spanish flair. SFSO is also proud to present upcoming orchestra firsts by GRAMMY-nominated composers, including the Florida premiere of Had to Be by Haitian-American Nathalie Joachim, featuring breakout cellist Seth Parker Woods, and Carlos Simon’s Four Black American Dances.

From sold-out masterworks performances to accompanying today’s musicians such as Natalie Merchant and performing modern musical scores including Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas and Back to the Future, featuring the iconic films screened live with audio and musical accompaniment, South Florida’s largest symphonic orchestra is continuing its journey of excellence inspiring audiences of all ages and musical genres. 

Tickets are on sale now beginning at $35 (plus ticketing fees). Buy tickets online at southfloridasymphony.org or ParkerPlayhouse.com; by phone at (954) 462-0222, press 1; and in person at the Broward Center’s AutoNation Box Office. Season subscriptions are available for the Fort Lauderdale season at The Parker. Discounted subscription packages may be purchased by visiting southfloridasymphony.org/2025-26-season or by calling (954) 522-8445. Subscribers save up to 20% off single ticket prices and have first access to the best seats in the house. Five-concert packages in Fort Lauderdale are available from $180 (prices do not include ticketing fees or Handel’s Messiah tickets).

For additional information, visit southfloridasymphony.org, call (954) 522-8445 or email info@southfloridasymphony.org.