Southwest Florida Symphony partners with Babcock Ranch for annual tree lighting festival

Southwest Florida Symphony partners with Babcock Ranch for annual tree lighting festival

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Nov. 17, 2023) – The Southwest Florida Symphony, the only professional orchestra in Lee County and fourth oldest orchestra in the state, is thrilled to announce members of symphony will perform alongside internationally-acclaimed soprano Heather Ivy at the Babcock Ranch Tree Lighting Festival on Friday, Dec. 1. The performance begins at 5:00 p.m. in Founder’s Square, with other festivities continuing until 9:00 p.m.

The magical evening will include delicious food truck fare, an enchanting tree lighting ceremony, and the opportunity to stroll along the beautifully lit boardwalk while enjoying classic holiday tunes. Guests will experience big, bright holiday sounds from a “little big-band” orchestra, complemented by Ivy’s spectacular vocals.

Ivy’s remarkable, versatile career spans Broadway, Opera and Pop. She dazzles audiences with her extraordinary talent and genuine warmth, headlining shows in performing arts centers across the US and around the world on luxury cruise lines. Her professional career began on the concert stages of New York City and the Broadway International Tour of Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” and she has performed in multiple musicals around the US.

Ivy is currently based in Naples and has become a fixture in the world of symphony and concert performances throughout Florida. Additionally, she owns and operates a private voice studio and guest teaches at Florida Gulf Coast University and Opera Naples.

About Southwest Florida Symphony

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.