What would you give up to have everything you ever wanted?
The Fort Myers Philharmonic explores that timeless question this November with The Soldier’s Tale, an imaginative production combining live chamber music, theater, dance and storytelling. The Philharmonic will take the production to six venues throughout Southwest Florida November 9–14.
Written by Igor Stravinsky, The Soldier’s Tale follows a soldier who makes a fateful bargain with the Devil, trading his violin for the promise of wealth. What follows is a story of temptation, ambition, and consequence brought to life through Stravinsky’s inventive score, theatrical storytelling, and dance.
Maestro Paul Nadler, Music Director and Conductor of the Fort Myers Philharmonic, leads the ensemble, bringing his extensive orchestral and operatic experience to Stravinsky’s vivid and rhythmically charged score.
“This is not a traditional orchestra concert,” said Nadler. “The Soldier’s Tale combines music, theater, dance, and storytelling in a way that draws you into the action from the very beginning. You don’t need to know anything about classical music to enjoy it. It’s dramatic, entertaining, and filled with humor, temptation, and unexpected twists. Whether you’re a longtime concertgoer or have never attended an orchestra performance, this is a wonderful way to experience the power of live music and theater together.”
Originally composed in 1918, The Soldier’s Tale was created for a small instrumental ensemble and theatrical storytelling. More than a century later, its themes of temptation, choices, and the pursuit of wealth remain remarkably relevant.
Sonya McCarter, a celebrated Southwest Florida actor, director, and founder and executive director of Bridging the Gap Center for the Arts, directs the Fort Myers Philharmonic production. McCarter has directed works from August Wilson’s acclaimed American Century Cycle and is known for bringing powerful, human-centered stories to Southwest Florida stages.
Featured dancer and choreographer Lindsay Jorgensen brings an extensive professional dance background to the production. A Metropolitan Opera dancer, Jorgensen has also performed with American Repertory Ballet, Buglisi Dance Theatre and Ballet Nepantla. She is a summa cum laude graduate of the Ailey/Fordham BFA Dance Program, where she earned departmental honors in dance. As both dancer and choreographer, Jorgensen uses movement to heighten the story’s drama, rhythm and emotion, creating a powerful visual complement to Stravinsky’s music.
Stravinsky’s distinctive score is performed by an intimate ensemble of seven musicians featuring violin, double bass, clarinet, bassoon, trumpet, trombone and percussion. The unusual combination of instruments creates a colorful and expressive musical landscape that moves between playful melodies, dramatic tension and jazz-influenced rhythms.
The ensemble features internationally acclaimed violinist Florentina Râmniceanu, Concertmaster of the Fort Myers Philharmonic. A founding member of the renowned Orion Ensemble, Râmniceanu has performed throughout Europe and North America and served as concertmaster for the Chicago Philharmonic, Chicago Opera Theater, Joffrey Ballet and American Ballet Theatre. Her extraordinary experience as a soloist, chamber musician and orchestral leader brings exceptional artistry to this intimate production.
“A Soldier’s Tale is a story audiences can connect with on many levels,” said McCarter. “It’s about temptation, choices, and the consequences of wanting something so badly that you’re willing to risk what matters most. By bringing together music, theater and dance, we’re able to tell that story in a way that is immediate, engaging and very human. It’s an experience that can appeal just as much to someone who loves theater or dance as it does to someone who loves classical music.”
Presented during Veterans Day week, the production also takes on special resonance through its story of a soldier and its reflections on duty, sacrifice and the choices that shape a life.
Rather than presenting the production in a single concert hall, the Fort Myers Philharmonic is taking The Soldier’s Tale directly into communities throughout Southwest Florida, making the production accessible to audiences from Punta Gorda and Bonita Springs to Sanibel, Cape Coral and Fort Myers.
PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
Monday, November 9 — Gulf Theater at the Military Heritage Museum, Punta Gorda
Tuesday, November 10 — Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, Bonita Springs
Wednesday, November 11 — Florida Repertory Theatre, Fort Myers
Thursday, November 12 — Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ, Sanibel
Friday, November 13 — Faith Presbyterian Church, Cape Coral
Saturday, November 14 — Alliance for the Arts, Fort Myers
The six-community tour is part of the Fort Myers Philharmonic’s inaugural season and reflects the orchestra’s commitment to creating innovative musical experiences and bringing exceptional performances directly to audiences throughout Southwest Florida.
“The Soldier’s Tale represents the kind of experience we want to create at the Fort Myers Philharmonic,” said Mylissa Horrocks, Chief Executive Officer. “It brings together extraordinary musicians and artists in a production that is intimate, theatrical, and accessible. Taking it to six different venues also allows us to introduce the Philharmonic to audiences throughout Southwest Florida during our first season.”
In recognition of Veterans Day, 20% of net proceeds from the November 9 performance at the Military Heritage Museum in Punta Gorda will be donated to the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW).
Tickets start at $48 per person. For tickets, performance details and information about the Fort Myers Philharmonic’s inaugural season, visit fmphil.org.
About The Fort Myers Philharmonic
The Fort Myers Philharmonic is a professional orchestral organization dedicated to bringing the highest- quality symphonic music to Southwest Florida. Founded in 2025 by experienced arts leaders, professional musicians, and passionate supporters of the performing arts, the Philharmonic is committed to artistic excellence, innovative programming, and meaningful community engagement. Under the direction of Maestro Paul Nadler, internationally acclaimed conductor and longtime artistic leader in the region, and Maestro Christopher Confessore, versatile and popular throughout the country, the orchestra presents performances featuring exceptional musicians and dynamic collaborations with leading artistic partners.
The organization is headquartered at the Collaboratory in downtown Fort Myers. For more information, visit www.fmphil.org or email [email protected] or phone the office at (239) 350-1520.
Event venue
Florida Repertory Theatre, 2268 Bay St, Fort Myers, FL 33901, United States
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