Filed Under:Arts, Attractions, Best Of, David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts, Mahaffey Theatre, Orchestra, Parkshore Grill, Paul's Chicago Pizza, Ruth Eckerd Hall, Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, Tampa Bay Symphony, The Refinery
The Tampa Bay Symphony (credit: www.tampabaysymphony.com)


The Tampa Bay Symphony was founded in 1986. Its stated goals are to “promote interest and education in music of high standards, to provide musicians of all ages an opportunity to perform in a symphony orchestra and, thus, to enhance the cultural and artistic life of members of our community.” The Tampa Bay Symphony is composed of more than 90 musicians who are all volunteers with various backgrounds. There is no age requirement for those wishing to join the symphony – the only requirement is skill, as determined by Music Director Dr. Jack Keller. Keller has been with the symphony for 25 years and the 2010 – 2011 season is his final run as conductor. The symphony performs at the Grand Ballroom at the Mahaffey Theatre, Ruth Eckerd Hall, and the David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts. The symphony’s rehearsals are always conducted at St. James United Methodist Church and the sessions are open to the public. Here’s a short guide to the Tampa Bay Symphony.

Contact Information:

Tampa Bay Symphony

P.O. Box 4653
Clearwater, FL 33758
(727) 595-0345
For more information

Rehearsal Location: 

St. James United Methodist Church

845 87th Ave North
St. Petersburg, FL 33702
Time: 7 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Performance Locations:

Mahaffey Theatre

400 First Street South
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
(727) 892-5798
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Ruth Eckerd Hall

1111 McMullen Booth Road
Clearwater, Florida 33759
(727) 791-7400
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David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts

(Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center)
1010 North W.C. MacInnes Place
Tampa, FL 33602
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Schedule & Ticket Prices:

The Tampa Bay Symphony season runs from October to April, culminating with performances by the winner of the “Young Artist Competition” on April 14th 2011 at 7:30 p.m. at the Mahaffey Theater and on April 17th at 4:00 p.m. at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts. There are also two special performances to mark the musical director’s departure on Feb. 13 and 14.

For more information

Ticket prices are $20, paid at the door. However, students can get tickets for $5 by sending a written request to the symphony at least 10 days before a show. Group discounts are also available.

What’s Nearby:

If you find yourself in the mood for a pre-show or post-show dinner while at the Mahaffey Theatre, visit…

Parkshore Grill

300 Beach Dr
Saint Petersburg, FL 33701
(727) 896-3463
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If you’re attending a show at the Ruth Eckerd Hall…

Paul’s Chicago Pizza

1500 N McMullen Booth Rd
Clearwater, FL 33759
(727) 723-9777
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If your concert is at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center…

The Refinery

5137 N Florida Ave
Tampa, FL 33603
(813) 237-2000
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