About Us

Founded in 1997 by Key West native Sebrina María Alfonso, South Florida Symphony Orchestra (SFSO) began with a bold idea: to bring world-class symphonic music to communities that had little or no access to it. Today, SFSO is the largest professional orchestra serving Broward, Miami-Dade, and Monroe counties. The heartbeat of SFSO is made strong by its unwavering dedication, compassion, and the deep roots it has forged in the communities it serves.  

Recognized as a “Major Cultural Institution” by the Broward County Cultural Division and named the first Partner in the Arts at The Parker by the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, SFSO continues to lead with excellence, equity, and a passion for making great music accessible to all.    

From its earliest days, SFSO has been guided by a deep belief: music is pivotal to a thriving community. Now headquartered in the heart of Flagler Village, Fort Lauderdale, SFSO brings enriching artistic programming, innovative educational initiatives, and community outreach programs to neighborhoods across South Florida.  

SFSO is committed to expanding the reach of classical music through innovative and inclusive programming. In recent years, audiences have experienced the Symphony in unexpected ways — from performing alongside Natalie Merchant to full orchestral presentations of blockbuster films like Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas, Harry Potter & the Sorcerer’s Stone, and Back to the Future. Additional highlights include a critically acclaimed production of Porgy and Bess, a sold-out collaboration with the Martha Graham Dance Company, and the Symphony premiere of Leonard Bernstein’s Candide — a witty, whirlwind satire brought to life with theatrical flair. 

We also champion the music of today, presenting works by celebrated composers such as Jessie Montgomery and Pulitzer Prize-winner Ellen Taaffe Zwilich, and regularly engage acclaimed and rising guest soloists, including GRAMMY winners Zuill Bailey and Awadagin Pratt.

Supporting Educators. Inspiring Students. Enhancing Performance.

SFSO is especially proud of its pioneering work in music education. Symphony in the Schools. Launched with its inaugural concert in 1997, we have reached over 130,000 students, many from under-resourced areas, providing life-changing access to music. With a host of afterschool programs, including its popular Afterschool Strings program, Jump Starts (for newer students), Instrument Fittings, Ensemble training, Masterclasses, and more, our Teaching Artists serve not as instructors or clinicians, but as artistic mentors, offering students a unique window into the world of musical professionalism and performance-level excellence.  

In addition, SFSO offers public-school children free STEAM-based concerts, introducing students to the world of classical music through an innovative approach that combines science, music, and technology in a fun and engaging way, often exposing children to live classical music for the first time.  

SFSO serves approximately 30,000 youth annually today!

Music Heals. Music Unites. Music is for Everyone.

Our Community Beats initiative brings free, high-quality concerts and public education programs to parks, community centers, and neighborhoods across South Florida — in partnership with local cities and cultural organizations. These events remove financial and physical barriers to great music, ensuring that everyone can experience the power and joy of live performance.