About the South Florida Symphony
The symphony started in August 1997, when Maestra Sebrina María Alfonso created the Key West Symphony Orchestra with support of family, friends, and civic leaders, interested in making live symphonic music accessible to the community. A fundraising concert was performed in March 1998, which attracted enough interest to debut a full orchestra in December of that year. In December of 1998, 48 musicians gathered at the Tennessee Williams Theatre in Key West to perform their first Masterwork concert with renowned cellist Zuill Bailey playing the Shostakovich Cello Concerto. Now in its 21st season, the South Florida Symphony distinguishes itself not only by bringing inspiring performances to its audience, but also pioneering musical education programs in schools throughout the community. The symphony continuously makes a difference through love of music and love of those who listen to it.
About Maestra Sebrina María Alfonso
Born and raised in Key West, Sebrina María Alfonso founded the South Florida Symphony Orchestra more than 20 years ago in her own hometown. As one of the few maestras in the country, in a field dominated by men, Sebrina expresses her passion and love for music during each season, conducting the orchestra. With a Bachelors and Masters in music from Virginia Commonwealth University, in addition to doctoral studies with an emphasis in conducting from the Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University, Sebrina breathes and lives music, continuously working with her team to make a dream come true.