Experience Expressive Works With A Dramatic Flair - SFSO Presents A Program Bursting With Bohemian Joy And Nordic Intensity

“Dvorak’s Eighth is like a love letter to his native Bohemia — you can hear that passion for his homeland burst through every note. It’s one of his most beloved symphonies, and it is as joyful to perform as it is to hear," says Maestra Alfonso. "Having Siwoo Kim, one of my favorite guest artists, return to perform Sibelius’ Violin Concerto provides a striking contrast. It’s breathtakingly demanding for the soloist, darkly romantic, and emotionally charged from start to finish. And it all begins with a delightful nod to Rossini with Schubert’s Overture in D major (In the Italian Style). It’s like visiting Prague, Finland, and Italy all in one night. I’m looking forward to the journey.”

Radiant melodies and rustic charm define Antonin Dvorak’s Symphony No. 8, a heartfelt tribute to his Bohemian homeland. Composed at the height of his career and inspired by the countryside surrounding Prague, the symphony brims with birdsong-like themes, folk rhythms, and sweeping lyricism. Joyful and deeply expressive, Dvorak’s Eighthcaptures the spirit of Bohemia and the heartbeat of Prague.

Haunting lyricism and virtuosic fireworks come to life in Jean Sibelius’ emotionally expressive Violin Concerto, the only concerto he composed in his lifetime. Written during a turbulent time in the composer’s life, the expressive brilliance of returning SFSO guest artist Siwoo Kim, will bring a passionate take on the demanding and dramatic work. 

Siwoo Kim is an “incisive” and “compelling” violinist (The New York Times) who “plays with stylistic sensitivity and generous tonal nuance” (The Chicago Tribune). Kim actively performs as soloist and chamber musician and he is the Founding Co-Artistic Director of VIVO Music Festival in his hometown of Columbus, Ohio. Since his Carnegie Hall concerto debut with the Juilliard Orchestra, he has gone on to perform as soloist with orchestras in four different continents including Tucson Symphony, Houston Symphony, Columbus Symphony, Seongnam Philharmonic, Johannesburg Philharmonic, and Orchestre Royal de Chambre de Wallonie. As chamber musician, he performs regularly at festivals. He is the principal violinist of Music From Copland House. An advocate of new music, Kim premiered and recorded Samuel Adler’s only violin concerto with Brandenburgisches Staatsorchester Frankfurt on Linn Records. Along with ECCO (East Coast Chamber Orchestra), Siwoo recently made the premiere recording of Michael Torke’s “Last,” a 12-movement work for solo violin and string orchestra. 

Hoping to gain an operatic commission from the Viennese theaters, Franz Schubert wrote two operatic overtures “in the Italian style” in 1817. His Overture in D major, composed of several tunes, and laden with Schubertian harmonic changes, is zesty, filled with operatic flair, and is pleasingly adorned with unmistakable charm.

SFSO’s 28th Season of “Juxtapositions” explores beauty in contrasts, where the bold and the sublime intersect, and timeless masterpieces share the stage with today’s most compelling and celebrated musical voices. SFSO’s upcoming finale performance on Wednesday, April 8th, 2026, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33304 will burst with color and power evoking visions of sun-drenched skies in Mendelssohn’s “Italian” and the dark mysticism of Scotland in his Hebrides Overture “Fingal’s Cave.” This season’s illuminating musical journey ends with the graceful, yet high-spirited Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 4. 

From sold-out masterworks performances to accompanying today’s musicians such as Natalie Merchant and performing modern musical scores including Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas and Back to the Future, featuring the iconic films screened live with audio and musical accompaniment, South Florida’s largest symphonic orchestra is continuing its journey of excellence inspiring audiences of all ages and musical genres. 

Tickets are now on sale beginning at $35 (plus ticketing fees). For March 10th, 2026/Miami Beach tickets: Buy tickets online at: https://southfloridasymphony.org. By phone at: (305) 673-3331. Or in-person at the New World Center Box Office. For March 11th, 2026/Fort Lauderdale tickets: Buy tickets online at: https://southfloridasymphony.org. Or: www.ParkerPlayhouse.com. By phone at: (954) 462-0222. Press#: 1. And in person at the Broward Center’s AutoNation Box Office.

Discounted Flex Passes are available by visiting: https://southfloridasymphony.org/2025-26-season. Or by calling: (954) 522-8445. Flex subscribers save up to 15% off single ticket prices and have the flexibility to use passes when it best fits their schedule.

For additional information, visit: https://southfloridasymphony.org. Call: (954) 522-8445. Or email: info@southfloridasymphony.org. 

About South Florida Symphony Orchestra (SFSO)

Founded in 1997 in Key West by Music Director Maestra Sebrina María Alfonso, the Fort Lauderdale-based South Florida Symphony Orchestra (SFSO) is celebrating its 28th Season. SFSO is dedicated to providing enriching cultural music experiences to residents and visitors in Monroe, Miami-Dade and Broward Counties. Guided by the belief that music is pivotal to thriving communities, SFSO brings vibrancy and engagement with the arts via innovative programming and transformative educational initiatives. A pioneer in its commitment to symphonic music for underserved communities, its Symphony in the Schools program has touched the lives of over 160,000 students since its inception in 1997. SFSO was recently named the first Partner in the Arts for The Parker by the Broward Center for the Performing Arts and has been recognized by the Broward County Cultural Division as a “Major Cultural Institution,” one of only a handful of organizations to be so honored. For a performance schedule and season tickets, call: (954) 522-8445. Or visit: https://southfloridasymphony.org.