News Summary
The Florida Orchestra has announced that renowned artist Audra McDonald will headline its gala benefit concert ‘An Evening with Audra McDonald’ at the Straz Center. Conducted by Michael Francis, the concert aims to raise funds to support community programs and artistic initiatives. Tickets will be available to TFO subscribers and top donors first, followed by the general public. This signature fundraising event promises a premium concert experience along with a preconcert reception and a seated dinner at the Tampa Museum of Art.
Tampa, Florida – The Florida Orchestra (TFO) has officially announced that renowned artist Audra McDonald will headline its gala benefit concert titled “An Evening with Audra McDonald” on February 28, 2026. The concert, which will begin at 8 p.m., will be conducted by TFO’s Music Director Michael Francis and is set to take place at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts in Tampa.
The gala is a key fundraising event for TFO, with proceeds supporting the orchestra’s mission to inspire, educate, and unite the community through music. As a nonprofit organization, TFO is committed to delivering bold artistic initiatives along with free education and community programs throughout the Tampa Bay area.
Audra McDonald is a celebrated performer with multiple accolades, including six Tony Awards, two Grammy Awards, and an Emmy Award. Her remarkable career spans Broadway, film, and television, with acclaimed performances in productions such as “Porgy and Bess” and “Ragtime.” Additionally, McDonald has garnered significant recognition for her roles in popular TV series like “The Good Fight” and “The Gilded Age.”
Ticket Information
Tickets for “An Evening with Audra McDonald” will be available for TFO subscribers and top donors starting October 7, 2025, at 10 a.m. The general public will be able to purchase tickets beginning October 14, 2025, at 10 a.m. Tickets can be purchased online at floridaorchestra.org, by calling 727-892-3337, or in person at TFO’s ticket center located at 244 Second Ave. N, St. Petersburg.
Event Details
This gala event is TFO’s signature fundraising initiative of the year, featuring not only a premium concert experience but also a preconcert reception and a seated dinner at the nearby Tampa Museum of Art. VIP packages and sponsorship opportunities will be limited and offered on a first-reserved basis.
Background on The Florida Orchestra
The Florida Orchestra will be celebrating its 58th season in 2025-26, affirming its status as the largest professional orchestra in Florida. As a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, TFO aims to build community ties through the transformative power of music. The orchestra’s upcoming Hough Family Foundation Masterworks series kicks off with Strauss’ “An Alpine Symphony” on October 3 and 5, 2025, at the Straz Center and Mahaffey Theater.
Contact Information
For additional information regarding the gala benefit concert, interested individuals can reach out to Susana Weymouth at [email protected] or Carla Corvo at [email protected].
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Additional Resources
- Osprey Observer: Audra McDonald Gala Concert Announcement
- Wikipedia: Audra McDonald
- Broadway World: Audra McDonald Tony Awards Message
- Google Search: Audra McDonald
- The Grio: Audra McDonald Joins Broadway Rallies
- Google Scholar: Audra McDonald
- Broadway World: Audra McDonald Joins Broadway Barks
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Audra McDonald
Author: STAFF HERE TAMPA WRITER
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