arts & entertainment
The Space Coast Symphony Orchestra continues their 18th performing season with favorites from the Great Bright Way, presenting Lights Up on Broadway on Sunday, July 19 at 3:00 PM. The concert at the Emerson Center, 1590 27th Avenue in Vero Beach, is a high-energy celebration of the songs, stories, and larger-than-life moments that define American musical theater.
The program opens with Gershwin’s vivid An American in Paris, the orchestral tone poem that inspired the classic 1951 musical film. At the heart of the evening is the world premiere of Rhapsody for a Blue Clarinet, by George! by composer Julian Bond. Performed by the orchestra’s principal clarinetist, Jennifer Royals, the Gershwin-inspired work is both playful and charming. The audience can expect to hear pieces from the Broadway blockbusters Cabaret, Chicago, South Pacific, Evita and Grease, as Lights Up on Broadway moves through several eras of theater music. The concert also features the vocal debut of Jordan Bicasan, longtime SCSO violinist, as he steps into the spotlight for the beloved American standards, “Dream a Little Dream of Me” and “Ain’t Misbehavin’.” $35 tickets for Lights Up on Broadway are available through the orchestra website at www.SpaceCoastSymphony.org or at Marine Bank & Trust branches. Tickets at the door are $40. Concertgoers aged 18 and under or with a college ID are admitted free to every SCSO concert. Sponsorship for Lights Up on Broadway provided by Wassi’s Meat Market in Melbourne. For more information, call 855-252-7276 or visit www.SpaceCoastSymphony.org.
The Space Coast Symphony Orchestra is one of only a handful of U.S. orchestras to perform year-round. The group has found the enduring popularity of Broadway musical numbers makes for an entertaining concert during the summer months. Aaron T. Collins, Conductor and Artistic Director, explains why the music of Broadway never seems to age.
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’s 2026-27 season or the Symphony for Everyone discounted ticket program, visit SpaceCoastSymphony.org or call toll-free (855) 252-7276.
ABOUT THE SPACE COAST SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA — The SCSO is a lively and passionate Central Florida orchestra comprised fully of professional musicians and music educators from throughout the Sunshine State. Many of its musicians also perform with other prestigious orchestras in Florida and the United States. Each season, select students are invited to participate in the SCSO’s Mentorship program, giving them the unique opportunity to perform alongside their professional counterparts on designated concerts. The Orchestra was formed by Conductor and Artistic Director Aaron T. Collins with a simple mission: to provide year-round professional concerts at genuinely affordable prices.
The SCSO is dedicated to supporting the work of living composers and shining a light on new music. Since 2009, the SCSO has presented dozens of World Premieres and Southeastern U.S. Premieres and actively promotes diversity by programming works by BIPOC composers. Aaron T. Collins is a past recipient of the Richard A. Stark Award for cultural leadership from the Cultural Council of Indian River County and has been recognized by LEAD Brevard as one of their “4 under 40” Young Professionals.
School-aged children 18 years and under are admitted free of charge, as are college students with a valid ID. More information about upcoming concerts, ticket sales, venues, and sponsorship opportunities is available at SpaceCoastSymphony.org or by calling (855) 252-7276.
Indian River Guardian 