OSO announces its 49th season of concerts and events

Maestro Matthew Wardell, top right, will continue to lead the Ocala Symphony Orchestra in its new season. [Photo courtesy Reilly Arts Center]

The Ocala Symphony Orchestra has released its lineup of 2025 concerts and events, with something for all ages and interests.

The events include:

Young Artist Competition Finals – Jan. 12: The recital will feature finalists from the 34th annual Young Artist Competition. Musicians from junior and senior divisions will perform their concerto with a pianist. The winners will perform as soloists with the OSO at “Youth, Tricksters, and Metamorphosis” on March 8 and 9.

“Vive la France!” – Jan. 25 and 26 (free open rehearsal Jan. 24): Principal guest conductor, Raymond Chobaz will lead a musical journey to France through works by Debussy, Saint-Saëns and Ravel. For the add-on dinner experience, La Cuisine will curate a menu of classic French dishes.

“Sound and Fury” – Feb. 15 and 16 (free open rehearsal Feb. 14): Embark on a journey from the Scottish coasts to the depths of human emotion and the heights of heroic triumph, with Mendelssohn’s “Hebrides Overture” and Beethoven’s “Eroica” Symphony.

“Opera at the Reilly: Puccini Love and Laughter!” – Feb. 23: The University of Florida Opera Theatre and OSO present two of Giacomo Puccini’s greatest works, “Suor Angelica” and “Gianni Schicchi.” Both are one-act operas with supertitles.

“Youth, Tricksters, and Metamorphosis” – March 8 and 9 (free open rehearsal March 7): Featuring performances by two young concerto competition winners, the night will showcase Richard Strauss’s “Till Eulenspiegel” and Paul Hindemith’s “Symphonic Metamorphosis of Themes by Carl Maria von Weber.”

“Ode to Joy: Beethoven’s 9th Symphony” – March 30: Immerse yourself in the grandeur of Beethoven’s “Ninth Symphony,” a masterpiece that continues to inspire and move audiences around the world. OSO Maestro Matthew Wardell, Ocala Symphony Orchestra, College of Central Florida Patriot Singers and Ocala Symphony Chorus, led by the Joshua Mazur, will join forces for the event.

“The West meets Scheherazade” (and Godzilla, too) – April 12 and 13 (free open rehearsal April 11): Experience the grand finale of the Ocala Symphony Orchestra’s 49th season with a concert that promises a blend of humor, fantasy and exotic tales.

The Reilly Arts Center is located at 500 NE 9th St. Ocala. Event tickets can be purchased at reillyartscenter.com or by calling the box office at (352) 351-1606 or visiting in person.