SOCIAL SCENE: Fifty and fabulous
The Ocala Symphony Orchestra opened its 50th season with glitz, glamour and great music.
Matthew Wardell conducts the Ocala Symphony Orchestra during the opening night for the 50th anniversary season with the “Nights In The Gardens Of Spain” concert at the Reilly Arts Center in Ocala, Fla. on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2025.
The many guests at the Oct. 18 opening of the Ocala Symphony Orchestra’s 50th season pulled out all the stops when it came to elegant attire and stylish presentations.
And the symphony went above board in delivering its “Nights in the Garden of Spain” program, which featured acclaimed pianist José María Inglés as well as the United States premiere of María de Pablos’ “Castilla” and more, on both Saturday evening and for the Oct. 19 matinee performance.
“Opening night was a resounding success and a real testament to our community’s support of the OSO. Seeing our patrons for the first time each season is always exciting, but this opening weekend was uniquely special,” said Maestro Matthew Wardell.
“It was such a real privilege for me to take the stage with our musicians — truly the strongest group of players we’ve ever had. Our soloist, José, was sincere, such a nice person, and an incredible partner to make music with. I’m just very excited for the rest of this season and beyond — lots of growth ahead,” Wardell added.
“We couldn’t have asked for a better start to this anniversary season. A full house, an inspired program and a thrilling performance by Maestro Wardell and our musicians. It was wonderful seeing many longtime supporters of the orchestra, but also so many new faces in the audience experiencing the Ocala Symphony for the first time. What an exciting start to our 50th season,” noted Reilly Arts Center & Ocala Symphony Orchestra Executive Director Natalie McComb.
The OSO’s 2025-2026 season includes six subscription concerts and eight special events. The orchestra also has launched a new Music Box Series, in which musicians will host intimate chamber music experiences.
SUBSCRIPTION CONCERTS:
“Pops! Goes the Holidays”
Dec. 6, 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 7, 3 and 7:30 p.m.
“Romantic America”
Jan. 24, 2026, 7:30 p.m. and Jan. 25, 3 p.m., with free open rehearsal at 7 p.m. Jan. 23
“Film Music Spectacular”
Feb. 14, 2026, 7:30 p.m. and Feb. 15, 3 p.m., with free open rehearsal at 7 p.m. Feb. 13
“To Spring!”
March 21, 2026, 7:30 p.m. and March 22, 3 p.m., with free open rehearsal at 7 p.m. March 20
“I Got Rhythm: Bernstein, Gershwin and Copland”
April 11, 2026, 7:30 p.m. and April 12, 3 p.m. with free open rehearsal at 7 p.m. April 10
SPECIAL CONCERTS:
Handel’s “Messiah”
Nov. 23, 3 p.m.
“Symphony Under the Lights”
Dec. 5, 7:30 p.m.
“Nutcracker” with the Ocala Symphony
Dec. 13, 7 p.m.
“Young Artist Competition Finals”
Jan. 11, 2026, 3 p.m.
“Celtic Visions II”
March 15, 2026, 3 p.m.
MUSIC BOX SERIES:
“Music Box 2: The Tritium Ensemble”
Nov. 9, 3 p.m.
“Music Box 3: Kristen Stoner and the Flutes of the Ocala Symphony”
March 1, 2026, 3 p.m.
“Music Box 4: Arnold Irchai and Dale Fedele”
May 3, 2026, 3 p.m.
For more information, go to reillyartscenter.com/ocala-symphony
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