From the cheerful trill of spring birds to the dramatic rumble of a summer thunderstorm, Vivaldi’s Four Seasons is a masterpiece that brings the year’s moods to life in music, and the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra is delivering it for Foo Foo Fest.
On November 2, the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra will bring this timeless Baroque work to The Sanctuary, a venue steeped in the city’s musical history. Music Director Peter Rubardt leads four Pensacola Symphony Orchestra violin soloists—Petra Bubanja, Leonid Yanovskiy, Edward Charity, and Grace Kim—through each concerto, showcasing both the delicacy and drama that have made this work beloved for centuries.
“This season marks a special anniversary for both Four Seasons—published 300 years ago—and the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra’s 100th year,” says Courtney Dell, Patron Development and Communications for the orchestra. “Performing in The Sanctuary, our orchestra’s home in the 1950s and 60s, feels like a fitting tribute. It’s been decades since we’ve played there, and we’re thrilled to welcome the community and visitors back for this intimate, one-time performance.”
Unlike a traditional concert hall production, this chamber performance allows for a more intimate experience. The Sanctuary accommodates just a few hundred guests, making it possible to feel the music surround you. Vivaldi’s programmatic writing—chirping birds, rustling leaves, sudden storms, and soft snowfall—creates a vivid, almost cinematic sense of each season, making it accessible whether you’re a longtime symphony-goer or hearing it live for the first time, Courtney adds.
Featuring local talent, the four soloists shine both individually and together, giving audiences a chance to experience the depth of musicianship right here in Pensacola. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to celebrate a timeless piece while highlighting musicians from our own community,” says Courtney.
For the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra, Foo Foo Fest offers the perfect backdrop to share this music with a broad audience. “Foo Foo gives people the chance to experience the arts in ways they might not otherwise,” Courtney says. “Visitors and locals alike can try something new, enjoy the Gulf Coast, and see the depth and diversity of our offerings.”
General admission tickets are available for $45 at PensacolaSymphony.com.