The USF College of Design, Art & Performance and The Florida Orchestra have formed
a new partnership to elevate music education, inspire artistic expression and strengthen
community engagement.
As part of the collaboration, the USF Symphony Orchestra, which is composed of 70
undergraduate and graduate students, will work directly with two internationally acclaimed
conductors from Florida’s largest professional orchestra TFO Music Director Michael Francis and Resident Conductor Chelsea Gallo will serve as artists-in-residence at USF, providing students professional-level
ensemble experiences that will help shape them as musicians and prepare them for future
success.
“Not only does this initiative strengthen mentorship and raise performance standards
for both institutions, it also provides a space where learning, artistry and inspiration
coalesce to create lasting bonds between the university, the orchestra and the community
we serve,” said Chris Garvin, dean of USF College of Design, Art & Performance.
Francis and Gallo will conduct the USF Symphony Orchestra in a series of free performances
at the USF School of Music’s Peter and Cynthia Zinober Concert Hall. Additionally,
students have the opportunity to work side-by-side with TFO musicians and attend masterclasses
led by internationally renowned guest artists.
For Kellie Mccann, an oboe player and fourth-year student double majoring in industrial
engineering and music studies, the orchestra’s mix of disciplines reflects how music
builds community. “Everyone contributes their own sound and background, but the goal
is always something greater than ourselves,” she said. “There’s a level of communication
and trust that happens without words. When it all locks in, it’s one of the most rewarding
feelings you can experience as a musician.”
The partnership reaches far beyond music to expand the student experience. Music becomes
a bridge between the orchestra and fields like engineering, business and sciences
to foster collaboration across disciplines. Upcoming initiatives will include innovative
projects that bring students and faculty together from diverse areas of study, along
with new works and commissions inspired by diverse themes.
“The Florida Orchestra is passionate about connecting everyone in Tampa Bay to our
beautiful music,” Francis said. “Creating this new, expansive partnership with the
University of South Florida allows us an unprecedented opportunity to both share our
expertise with the next generation and to learn from these marvelously talented young
musicians. This fantastic partnership reflects the very heart of our mission throughout
Tampa Bay: to inspire and educate through the unifying power and beauty of music.
I am grateful to everyone at USF and TFO who worked hard to bring us all together
for this one-of-a-kind partnership.”
“This collaboration with USF is part of our mission to encourage life-long musical
learning,” Gallo said. “Getting to make music with USF’s student musicians has been
an absolute joy. Their talent, curiosity and eagerness to explore new ideas bring
such vibrant energy to every rehearsal. It’s truly inspiring to watch them grow into
their own voices and to imagine together what the future of orchestral music might
sound like.”
“There are few human experiences that can compare to performing in an orchestra,”
said Oliver Cole, a cello player and master’s student in music performance. “You become
part of something much bigger than yourself working under maestros who’ve led world-renowned
orchestras. At first, my initial reaction was one of nervousness and anxiety; but
that feeling faded into that of higher expectations for myself and the orchestra.”
Raul Marcano, a clarinetist and second-year master’s student in performance, echoed
that sentiment. “Working with Michael Francis and Chelsea Gallo has pushed us to elevate
our preparation and approach to orchestral rehearsal. They’ve set a high bar, and
the group has really responded to that challenge.”
The USF Symphony Orchestra will perform next on Nov. 20. The series is free and open
to the public, with advance reservation required. Additional free performances are
scheduled for March 5 and April 30. This underscores the College’s ongoing commitment
to making the arts accessible to the entire Tampa Bay community.
USF Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Chelsea Gallo
Thursday, November 20, 7:30 pm, Peter and Cynthia Zinober Concert Hall, USF Tampa
Reserve Free Tickets
As part of the partnership, USF Students can receive complimentary tickets* to The
Florida Orchestra performances including its Soundwaves Chamber Orchestra Series concerts on the USF Tampa and St. Petersburg campuses. Public tickets are also available
for purchase.
*Available while supplies last by contacting basteove@usf.edu
As the creative center of the University of South Florida, the College of Design,
Art & Performance provides an enriched, creative, and professional environment for
tomorrow’s leaders in architecture, design, art, art history, dance, music, and theatre.
The college embraces opportunities to embed new and existing arts programming in the
rapidly growing regional communities, serving as an integral engine for socioeconomic
progress through its research, advocacy, and engagement.
The USF School of Music in the College of Design, Art & Performance is a leader for
innovation and transformation. The curricula are forward-thinking and focused on the
needs of students, embedded in the College and one of the most artistically active
areas in Florida. There are many incentives that attract music students to USF, including
distinguished faculty, splendid ensembles that perform regularly at state, regional
and national music events, an innovative and forward looking music education program,
an exceptional jazz studies program, a commercial music program that is focused the
music of today, and an environment that boasts a wide range of excellent cultural
activities.
The Florida Orchestra’s mission is to INSPIRE | EDUCATE | UNITE through the power
of music. Celebrating our 58th season in 2025-26, The Florida Orchestra is the largest
professional orchestra in the state and the only arts organization that bridges the
bay. TFO is home to 70 full-time professional musicians and conductors, under the
artistic leadership of internationally acclaimed Music Director Michael Francis. Each
season, the orchestra performs more than 100 concerts in venues throughout Tampa Bay,
including a wide range of classical, popular, film and family-friendly music, as well
as performances with global stars. TFO programs bring the transformative power of
music to schools, youth and senior centers, to underserved areas and to those who
would not have such opportunities otherwise. Through concerts and education/community
programs combined, TFO serves more than 150,000 residents each year – nearly half
through free or low-cost programs. For tickets and information: FloridaOrchestra.org. The Florida Orchestra is a non-profit 501(c)3 EIN: 59-1223691 CH#1830.