FLORIDA SOUTHERN COLLEGE ANNOUNCES 2026-2027 FESTIVAL OF FINE ARTS SEASON

LAKELAND, Fla., Sept. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Florida Southern College is proud to announce the 2026-2027 Festival of Fine Arts season, continuing a cherished tradition that has enriched campus life and connected the College with the greater Lakeland community for generations.

Under the direction of Dr. Martha Placeres, this year's Festival will bring together acclaimed guest artists, accomplished faculty members and talented student performers in a dynamic celebration of artistic excellence. Through music, theatre and dance, the Festival of Fine Arts showcases the transformative power of the arts at Florida Southern College.

"Audiences will leave this season's performances with a renewed appreciation for the creativity, talent, and power of the arts to bring people together. Through a diverse range of music, theatre, musical theatre and dance, each event offers an opportunity to experience different artistic perspectives, styles, and traditions," said Dr. Martha Placeres, Wilhelmina MacDonald Endowed Chair in Music and Director of Orchestra, as well as the Festival of Fine Arts Director. "Whether discovering the talents of our students or experiencing the artistry of nationally recognized guest performers, audiences can expect to be inspired, entertained and connected through meaningful and memorable artistic experiences."

The season opens with Great Composers, Enduring Music, featuring Florida Southern's distinguished music faculty, and continues with performances by the Chamber Singers, Concert Choir, Symphony Band, Orchestra, Jazz Ensembles and Opera Theatre. Theatre audiences will enjoy productions of A Doll's House Parts 1 and 2, Wait Until Dark, Sister Act, and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, while FSC/Dance presents two dynamic productions showcasing the creativity and talent of Florida Southern student dancers.

The Festival will welcome an impressive roster of guest artists, including internationally renowned pianist Andy Liu; pianists Kevin Chance, Cheryl Tschanz, and Fen-Fang Chen; mezzo-sopranos Jenny Heidtman and Christianne Roll; and violist Rafael Ramirez. These distinguished performers will enrich the season through performances and educational engagement, offering students unique opportunities to learn from accomplished artists.

The season also marks the return of one of Florida Southern's most beloved traditions, Spirit of the Season: The Christmas Gala. This festive celebration brings together performers from across the College in a joyful showcase of music, community, and holiday spirit, continuing a tradition that has become a highlight of the Festival calendar for audiences throughout the region.

"The Festival of Fine Arts is more than a series of performances. It is an opportunity to experience the talent that defines Florida Southern College," said Dr. Jeremy Martin, president of Florida Southern College. "We hope you will join us throughout the season as we celebrate the performing arts and continue a tradition that enriches both our campus and the greater community."

For more information, as well as a complete list of events and to buy tickets, visit https://www.flsouthern.edu/campus-life/arts-centers/festival-of-fine-arts.

About the Festival of Fine Arts

First introduced in 1970 as a "Concert-Lecture Series," Florida Southern College's renowned Festival of Fine Arts continues to be a cultural cornerstone in Central Florida, offering a platform for artistic excellence and cultural enrichment, including concerts and theatrical performances by the College community (faculty and students), as well as outside guests. The Festival has featured performances by the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, National Circus of China, Ballet Hispanico, Count Basie Orchestra, Duke Ellington Orchestra, Michael Feinstein, and Bobby McFerrin, to name a few.

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SOURCE Florida Southern College