SOUTH FLORIDA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA HONORS FLORIDA KEYS ARTS ADVOCATES DURING 25TH ANNIVERSARY DINNER

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (May 1, 2023) – South Florida Symphony Orchestra (SFSO) recently celebrated Florida Keys arts and culture advocates who champion musical creativity and innovation at its 25th anniversary dinner and private concert at Hemingway’s Library at Hemingway Rum Company, Papa’s Pilar Distillery. The musical powerhouse debuted its arts recognition program, the “Sound of Success,” which honored Elizabeth Young, executive director, Florida Keys Council of the Arts; Sheri Lohr, founding board member; Elena Spottswood, founding board chair; Theresa Axford, superintendent, Monroe County School District; Linda Shagena, board member, Stradivarius Society; Shirley Freeman and Harvey Server, Stradivarius Society; and Phillip Miani, former board member, Stradivarius Society.

Attendees were treated to a cocktail reception followed by an exquisite rum-paired dinner by Chef Martin Liz (Key West Personal Chef and Lost Kitchen Supper Club), and an intimate concert by GRAMMY award-winning artist Zuill Bailey.

“The post-awards passing of our dear friend and patron, Philip Miani, deeply saddens everyone at South Florida Symphony Orchestra,” said Jacqueline Lorber, SFSO’s president and CEO. “As a former board and Legacy Society member, he played an integral role in our success in the Keys and beyond. Phil was especially supportive of our Symphony in the Schools music education program, and we are forever grateful for his commitment throughout the years. Professionally, he was a financial advisor and found his happy place making a home in the Keys. We have set up a Memorial Chair to celebrate the joy he brought into our world.”

“Sound of Success” is part of South Florida Symphony Orchestra’s anniversary season of firsts. In this milestone year, the growing symphony announced its new Miami home at the Michael Tilson Thomas Performance Hall at the New World Center (500 17th Street in Miami Beach) and received a commemorative proclamation from the City of Miami Beach. Last month, SFSO received a first-time National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Grants for Arts Projects award of $10,000 for its Symphony in the Schools educational initiative, “Preserving Our Coral Reefs.” Since its founding, this signature music education program has reached over 100,000 students from underserved communities and has provided more than $3.5 million in services and resources in the past five years.

For SFSO supporters wishing to honor Phillip Miani’s memory and accomplishments, please visit https://bit.ly/SFSOMianiMemorialChair.