Presidents Message

The North Port Symphony Board of Directors would like to welcome you to the beautiful North Port Performing Arts Center for the 2019-2020 season. We hope you are as excited as we are about the wide range of musical selections our maestro, Robert Romanski, has selected for this season. This will be the North Port Symphony's 36th year.

My name is Tim Swanson, the newly elected President of the North Port Symphony. This will be my fourth season playing with this fine orchestra. I must give credit to my father for instilling in me the love of music. My mother couldn't find a note if her life depended on it. Both parents, however, encouraged my brothers and I to sing while washing/drying dishes, on long car trips, and whenever that was the preferred sound over the many other noises four boys could create. Piano lessons began as soon as we could sit still. When asked in the fourth grade what instrument I might be interested in, I quickly chose the drums. My parents immediately suggested another instrument, a cello. A drum sounded much more fun and I had no idea what a cello was. I came home from school one day and there was a cello in the living room. End of story. Fast froward through many years of private lessons, summer camps at Interlochen, Michigan, several school and community orchestras, and here I am. I am truly honored to be part of the North Port Symphony Orchestra. To sit on stage in the midst of these fine musicians under the direction of such a talented director, is a thrill for me every time we perform. Should you catch me occasionally glancing back at the percussion section of the orchestra, you may wonder if I'm thinking, what if? Actually, I love the cello and am forever grateful to my parents for their guidance. Love those tympani's though.

Speaking for all members of the North Port Symphony Orchestra, we are so thrilled that our concerts are sold out and each year season ticket sales increase substantially. Much credit must be given to our maestro, Robert Romanski, for his leadership as he continues to challenge us, as musicians, to reach new heights. A big thank you to all attendees for supporting the North Port Symphony season after season.

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe was a german poet and statesman in the late 1700's. He said this, "A person should hear a little music, read a little poetry, and see a fine picture every day of their life, in order that the worldly cares may not obliterate the sense of the beautiful which God has implanted in the human soul." If we, as musicians have accomplished this for you today, we are truly delighted.

Sincerely,

Tim Swanson
President, North Port Symphony