New Fort Myers Philharmonic Takes Root

In Friday’s (4/3) WGCU (Southwest Florida), Tom Hall writes, “Last April, the Southwest Florida Symphony Orchestra closed its doors after 64 years in operation. To fill the void, an organization spearheaded by community leader Carol Robinson has formed the Fort Myers Philharmonic. Southwest Florida Symphony’s music director and conductor of 16 years, Paul Nadler, will lead the newly created Fort Myers Phil. A highly regarded symphonic and operatic conductor, Nadler’s credits include leading more than 60 performances at the Metropolitan Opera. Christopher Confessore will serve as principal pops conductor. He currently serves as music director of the Brevard Symphony Orchestra and principal pops conductor of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra. The Fort Myers Philharmonic’s inaugural concert will take place on Sept. 11 at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Center in partnership with the Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers … The Fort Myers Philharmonic was founded in 2025 by arts leaders, professional musicians, and passionate supporters of the performing arts…. ‘With the formation of the Fort Myers Philharmonic, we are investing in the future of orchestral music in Southwest Florida,’ said board chair Carol Robinson…. The Southwest Florida Symphony Endowment Foundation has voted to provide financial support to the Fort Myers Philharmonic … Two full-time philharmonic staff members, an executive director and a development officer, will oversee operations and fundraising.”