Florida Philharmonic Orchestra

Beginning in 1959, the Miami Philharmonic Orchestra, also known as the Greater Miami Philharmonic Orchestra, performed concerts under the direction of music director Fabien Sevitzky. When he died suddenly in 1967, Alain Lombard took the helm and led the group until 1975. However, when Lombard began having disagreements with his major supporter, philanthropist Maurice Gusman, the orchestra changed its name to the Florida Philharmonic Orchestra. It endured until 1982, when labor disputes forced it to fold.

Three years later, a completely new Florida Philharmonic Orchestra was formed, based in Fort Lauderdale. It later relocated to Coral Gables to serve the South Florida metropolitan area, including Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade counties. At its height, the group comprised 80 musicians, led by British conductor and music director James Judd.

Financial difficulties plagued the orchestra throughout most of its existence. Eventually, the money problems caused the organization to collapse. The Florida Philharmonic Orchestra's last concert was held in Boca Raton in May of 2003. At that time, the group's address was listed as 243 University Drive, Coral Gables, Florida 33134.

First-class symphony performances are still available here, however, led by the Naples Philharmonic Orchestra in the southwest. With 49 musicians, it has been recognized among the top regional orchestras in the country, serving continuously as South Florida's premier professional orchestra for nearly three decades.