Florida Orchestra's 50th anniversary gala to feature Sting

The Florida Orchestra is celebrating its 50th birthday later this year in a big way.

The orchestra is holding a 50th gala concert on Dec. 9 at the Mahaffey Theater that will feature world-renowned musician Sting.

Orchestra officials are billing the event as “an intimate evening with The Florida Orchestra and Sting.”

“We have a true world star coming to make music with The Florida Orchestra,” says Orchestra Music Director Michael Francis, who will share a stage with the British rock icon. “Sting is not just a rock star. He’s a deep, comprehensive artist who is constantly re-examining the world around him.”

The iconic rocker and former frontman of The Police will be joined by a three-piece band to accompany the orchestra. Concert-goers can expect a run-through of the 16-time Grammy winner’s major hits with The Police and as a solo performer: “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic,” “Englishman In New York,” “Roxanne,” “Every Breath You Take” and “Fields Of Gold,” among others.

“Not only is Sting involved in rock, pop, jazz, and world music, but he loves and supports the classical world,” Francis said. “He really sums up what the Florida Orchestra is all about, especially as we look to the future. We are genuinely communicating with Tampa Bay in so many different ways.”

Gala concert tickets go on sale exclusively to Florida Orchestra subscribers on Sept. 25, and to the general public on Oct. 2. Tickets will be $75, $100, $150, $250 and $375, with select premium seats at $450.

Concert tickets do not include gala reception or dinner.

Gala package reservations are on sale now at 727-362-5424, or email nardle@floridaorchestra.org.

This story was originally published August 3, 2017 at 11:36 AM with the headline "Florida Orchestra's 50th anniversary gala to feature Sting."