The Tampa Bay Symphony was founded in 1986 as a non-profit, tax-exempt corporation. The 80+ musicians, all of whom are volunteers, come from many walks of life and all ages. Teachers, lawyers, doctors, housewives, and of course, students and retirees are among those represented. In 2012, Mark Sforzini was appointed Music Director and Conductor, replacing Dr. Jack Heller who led the orchestra the previous 25 years. Sforzini is well recognized in the Tampa Bay Community and is also the Artistic Director of the St. Petersburg Opera.
The mission of the Tampa Bay Symphony is to promote interest in classical music in the Tampa Bay area, to encourage and educate youth throughout Florida, to promote the creation of new music and provide a channel for living composers to have their works recognized and performed, to provide an opportunity for qualified volunteer musicians of all ages to perform challenging music and to enhance and enrich the artistic and cultural life of our community.