by Allan Bowditch, Engage Estero’s Chief Communications Officer
FGCU’s Bower School of Music and the Arts, under the charge of Dr Krzysztof Biernacki, produced a season that offered something for everyone. Their program featured students involved in the full orchestra, choral and symphonic bands, jazz, wind orchestra, instrumental chamber ensembles, piano, and theatre performances, which featured “Heather: The Musical,” “Silent Sky,” and “The Life of Galileo.”
The Nisita Concert Series, a hallmark of FGCU’s cultural calendar, brings world-class musicians to the esteemed U. Tobe Concert Hall. This series has become a source of envy for universities across the USA, a testament to the caliber of talent it attracts.
In addition, under the tutelage of Dr Michael Baron, many pianists from around the world are choosing to attend The Bower School because of its extraordinarily high reputation. Students can enhance their skills and win many local, state, national, and international competitions. Their performances never fail to impress. Attending their concerts is a rewarding way to encourage them, and being some of the first to appreciate that they are likely to become some of the world’s most accomplished pianists.
One such prodigious talent is Quang Vo, a mere 17-year-old, who captivated the audience as the soloist at the April 21st Concert at Moorings Presbyterian Church. His rendition of Grieg’s Piano Concerto was a testament to his exceptional skill. Quang’s talent has been acknowledged with over 40 domestic and international awards, clearly indicating the bright future that awaits our musical community.
He was awarded a Certificate of Merit from the Prime Minister of Vietnam and honored as “The Promising New Face in Culture and Arts of Vietnam.” But he is far from alone, as many of his contemporaries have won many other awards. Four piano performance majors have been chosen as semi-finalists in the Kuleshov International Piano Competition, which was held April 12-15 in Oklahoma. Those selected are Quang Vo, Le Phuong Pham, Duy Vu, and Vu Dang.
Keep an eye out for the upcoming season of events from The Bower School in the coming months. https://www.fgcu.edu/cas/bsma/music/
The Gulfshore Opera organization based in Estero has also had a remarkably successful season that culminated in the Opera “Turandot” performed at Artis Naples. This stunning performance could have graced the world’s top opera houses. As the finale of an exquisite 10th Anniversary season, this full-scale presentation featured original sets and a cast of over 100 performers, that included the sensational Shannon Jennings in the titular role and Leonid Shoshyn, marking his American Opera debut as the valiant Prince Calaf. A creative team crafted the opera, including returning directors Josh Shaw and Jorge Parodi.
The season also featured
Each year, Gulfshore Opera (GO) presents a full-scale grand opera production featuring nationally recognized soloists and directors. The Grand Opera is performed at Artis–Naples with the Naples Philharmonic orchestra, the Charlotte Performing Arts Center in Punta Gorda, and Barbara B. Mann in Fort Myers with an all-professional GO orchestra and chorus. Please watch for their new season, which will start in the fall. https://gulfshoreopera.org/mainstage-events/
Southwest Florida Symphony’s Artistic & Operations Center has moved to a new, expanded space at Coconut Point Estero. The expanded space allows the symphony to host rehearsals, recitals, chamber concerts, and events for more people in a comfortable, exceptional acoustical setting.
The symphony orchestra has existed since 1961. It boasts a roster of 70 world-class professional musicians and is Lee County’s only fully professional orchestra and the fourth oldest in the state. In its 63rd year, the Southwest Florida Symphony continued the orchestra’s tradition of artistic excellence.
Their concerts do not only feature classical music. The next featured event is on Saturday, May 18th, at the Barbara B Mann in Fort Myers. Andrew Lipke features hits from the ’70s, ’80s & ’90s Unplugged with hits from Nirvana, Eric Clapton, Rod Stewart, 10,000 Maniacs, Alanis Morisette, Jodeci, The Eagles, Mariah Carey, George Michael, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Paul McCartney, Sheryl Crow, The Cranberries, and Chris Isaak. Check out their website for event updates at https://swflso.org/concerts/
In addition to these concerts and shows, don’t forget the wide range of events offered at Artis Naples https://artisnaples.org/events/ Barabara B Mann https://www.bbmannpah.com/events plus the Fort Myers “Theatre For All Ages” that features many hit shows. Upcoming events include “Men are Dogs” May 15th -25th; “Matilda” June 5th– 16th; “Legally Blond- Musical” July 13th– 21st https://ftmyerstheatre.com/. You can also get tickets to upcoming concerts, live shows, festivals, and events in Bonita Springs at https://www.bandsintown.com/c/bonita-springs-fl, and don’t forget the Bonita Concert Band https://bonitaspringsconcertband.org/
If you are disappointed that you missed any of these amazing concerts, obtain the new season’s brochures when they become available from the links provided!
Engage Estero is an all-volunteer, nonpolitical, nonprofit Community Engagement Association. We exist to inform citizens of significant community issues and encourage citizen engagement to impact the quality of life in greater Estero favorably.
