Member News

“Beethoven No. 5 and the British Invasion” on Jan. 6

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Nov. 28, 2023) – The Southwest Florida Symphony, the only professional orchestra in Lee County and fourth oldest orchestra in the state, is excited to announce Grammy award-winning artist Charles Yang will perform the second Masterworks concert of the season on Saturday, Jan. 6. “Beethoven No. 5 and the British Invasion” begins at 7:30 p.m. at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall in Fort Myers. Yang, a renowned violinist, will perform as Maestro Radu Paponiu leads one of Beethoven’s most well-known symphonic pieces and the most recognizable piece of classical music in history, “Symphony No. 5 in C minor,” as well as a mix of classical and contemporary favorites such as “Blackbird” by the Beatles, “House of the Rising Sun” by the Animals, “Tzigane” by Maurice Ravel, “Csárdás” by Vittorio Monti and “Entr’acte” by famed composer Caroline Shaw.

            As part of the symphony’s signature series, patrons will also have the opportunity to attend an exclusive pre-concert lecture prior to the show led by Yang and Paponiu, including a Q&A session, to enhance the concert experience and provide insights into the pieces being performed. The lecture begins at 6:30 p.m.

A 2018 recipient of the Leonard Bernstein Award, Yang has been described as one who “plays classical violin with the charisma of a rock star.” The Juilliard graduate began his violin studies with his mother, Sha Zhu, in Austin, Texas, a city renowned for musical innovation, and has since studied with world-renowned instructors Kurt Sassmanshaus, Paul Kantor, Brian Lewis and Glenn Dicterow. He has performed as a soloist with orchestras and in concerts throughout the United States, Europe, Brazil, Russia, China and Taiwan. In June 2005, the mayor of Austin presented Yang with his own “Charles Yang Day.” In 2016, he joined the multi-genre string-band Time for Three as violinist and lead singer.

In addition to his classical expertise, Yang’s improvisational crossover abilities as a violinist, electric violinist and vocalist have led him to featured performances at festivals and some of the world’s most celebrated venues such as Carnegie Hall, Musikverein, Lincoln Center, Konzerthaus Berlin, Rudolfinum, Walt Disney Concert Hall, Royal Danish Theatre, Joe’s Pub, ACL Live, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and The Forbidden City in Beijing. He has performed in the presence of two former United States presidents and the Queen of Denmark. He has shared the stage in collaborations with artists including Peter Dugan, Michael Thurber and CDZA, Steve Miller, Jesse Colin Young, Joshua Bell, Jake Shimabukuro, Ray Benson, Savion Glover, Twyla Tharp, Misty Copeland and Jon Batiste.

An adventurous composer, arranger, songwriter and collaborator, Yang’s works have been featured in projects for Glamour and Pentagram. In 2021, he co-wrote the original score to Robin Wright’s 2021 feature film, “Land.” Time for Three’s album, “Letters for the Future” with Xian Zhang and The Philadelphia Orchestra featuring concertos written by Kevin Puts and Jennifer Higdon, won the 2023 Grammy award for “Best Classical Instrumental Solo.” Yang has also been featured in Nick Romeo’s book, “Driven” as well as Discovery Channel’s “Curiosity.”

The Southwest Florida Symphony’s Masterworks series is sponsored by Uhler Vertich White Advisors and the L.A.T. Foundation.

To purchase tickets or learn more, visit swflso.org/tickets/.

The Southwest Florida Symphony made its debut as a community orchestra on April 15, 1961, playing in schools and community centers, with a roster of only 24 volunteer musicians. Today, the symphony boasts a roster of 70 world-class professional musicians and is Lee County’s only fully professional orchestra and fourth oldest in the state. The Southwest Florida Symphony’s 63rd year continues the orchestra’s tradition of artistic excellence and innovation as Music Director Maestro Radu Paponiu leads another season of spectacular performances. Maestro Paponiu, the sixth music director in the organization’s history, also serves as the associate conductor and youth orchestra director for the Naples Philharmonic in addition to guest-conducting with orchestras throughout the United States and Europe.

For more information about the Southwest Florida Symphony, upcoming season performances and subscription and ticketing information, visit swflso.org or call 239-418-1500.

NOVEMBER 27, 2023 – FORT MYERS, FLA – The Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) Buccaneers are excited to announce their Inaugural Glow Run on the FSW Fort Myers Campus Friday, Jan. 12 with all proceeds benefiting FSW Bucs Athletics.

Get ready to light up the night as you run around FSW’s beautiful campus. This fun run takes place after the sun sets, so bring your glow sticks and neon attire to create a mesmerizing spectacle as you traverse the 5-kilometer course. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just looking for a unique way to kickstart the new year, the FSW 5k Glow Run promises an unforgettable evening of fitness and fun. Come and be a part of this luminescent adventure that’s sure to leave you glowing with joy!

Racers will have an opportunity to mingle with FSW student-athletes and coaches before, during, and after the race. There will also be food trucks, games, and fun, so make plans to join the Bucs for the FSW Glow Run on Jan. 12.

Racers who sign up for Dec. 1 will get an early bird rate of just $30 while that price will go up to $35 after that date. Sign up by Dec. 12 to guarantee a T-shirt.

For more information or to sign up, go to https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/FortMyers/FloridaSouthWesternStateCollege5KGlowRun.

(FORT MYERS, Fla., Nov. 27, 2023) – Salty Papa’s Shrimp House and Sunset Builders & Maintenance are asking for the community’s participation in their first annual Holiday Drive to benefit the RYAN Healing Center.

“We believe in the spirit of giving and are honored to support our community this holiday season,” said Marc Arnett, Owner of Sunset Builders & Maintenance. “We invite the community to join us in this endeavor and help make a meaningful impact in the lives of those in need at the RYAN Healing Center.”

The RYAN Healing Center is seeking the following unwrapped donations:

Infant supplies, remote control toys, arts and crafts, sports balls, Lego sets, modeling clay, masks and costumes, puzzles, activity books, colored pencils, crayons, markers, toy cars, games, books, building toys, silverware sets, dish sets, pan sets, plastic drinking glasses, small coffee pots, holiday wrapping paper, induction burners, pot holders, king size bed sheets, full size bed sheets, bath towels, wash cloths, hand towels, door mats, Brita water filters, bath rugs, and Walmart gift cards.

Donations can be dropped off at Salty Papa’s Shrimp House located at 15271 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers, FL, daily between 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Items will be accepted through December 15.

About Sunset Builders & Maintenance

Sunset Builders & Maintenance, located in southwest Florida, is a veteran-owned, family-owned and operated, licensed, and insured general contractor. Sunset Builders & Maintenance has specialized in complete home remodeling and renovations since 2010, as well as kitchen and bathroom remodeling, impact window and door installations, stair and deck replacements, home watch and property management, and maintenance and repairs.

About Salty Papa’s Shrimp House

Salty Papa’s Shrimp House is a family-run southern-style seafood restaurant. The restaurant serves fresh, locally sourced fish in a casual setting.

About RYAN Healing Center

RYAN Healing Center is a nonprofit organization offering a supportive living environment for anyone in bondage to any life limiting addictive behavior. Many of the individuals trapped in addictions have been victims of emotional and physical abuse as well as human trafficking. The center provides regenerative and transformative holistic healing services offering hope, help, and healing for the mind, body, and soul.