arts & entertainment

Before the June launch of their 18^th performing season, the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra is pairing two things everyone loves – a party and great music!

First up on Saturday, May 2nd is the Season Announcement Party at First Presbyterian Church of Vero Beach, a mixer with SCSO conductor, Aaron Collins and orchestra members that will include the release of programming for 2026-27 and an opportunity to renew season passes and reserve concert seating.

Attendees can go straight from the 12:30 PM party to the free 2:00 PM recital, The Music Between Us: From Habanera to Hollywood, which will feature renowned soprano Tesia Kwarteng and celebrated Vero Beach pianist Jacob Craig. The program at 520 Royal Palm Boulevard in Vero Beach will invite audiences to journey from the elegance of European art song to the vibrant spirit of Broadway and American classics. Among the recital selections are Bizet’s famous “Habanera,” the jaunty “Fly Me to the Moon” and the Gershwin classic, “Love Is Here to Stay.” Tesia Kwarteng is a versatile and multi-faceted Ghanaian-American artist who is equally at home on the operatic stage, on screen, and in the studio. 

Admission to The Music Between Us is free of charge. A $20 donation is suggested to help defray the production costs of free community concerts. For more information about The Music Between Us or to get your free ticket to the Season Announcement party (required), call 855-252-7276 or visit www.SpaceCoastSymphony.org.   

Ms. Kwarteng was recently seen as a featured soloist at The Atlantic Council Global Citizen Awards with the American Pops Orchestra, Maddalena in Rigoletto at Cincinnati Opera and in the world premiere of Loving v. Virginia as Annette Byrd at Virginia Opera. She was also seen as Grandmother/Elder and Magdalena Silva in The Cartography Project productions at The Kennedy Center. She made her role debut as Carmen at Opera Columbus. in the 2023-2024 season, she made her Broadway Debut as Lady Catherine in Camelot and performed at the 76th Annual Tony Awards. 

Moving effortlessly across musical styles, The Music Between Us embraces spirituals, jazz standards, and Broadway favorites. Aaron T. Collins, Artistic Director of the Space Coast Symphony, is delighted to present the afternoon recital as a free gift to the community.

“This is a very special pairing of two exceptional talents,” said Collins. “The eclectic and engaging program celebrates the timeless power of melody, storytelling, and pure emotion.” 

The remaining presentation in the 2025-26 season will be ‘Made in America: Side by Side’ on May 23 and 24 in Melbourne and Vero Beach. The concert of all-American composers will include select youth musicians from across Central Florida in a powerful performance alongside their professional SCSO counterparts.

The Space Coast Symphony Orchestra is one of only a handful of U.S. orchestras to perform year-round. Concertgoers aged 18 and under or with a college ID are admitted free to every SCSO concert. For more information about the Space Coast Symphony upcoming season or the Symphony for Everyone ticket program, visit SpaceCoastSymphony.org or call (855) 252-7276.