Ocala Symphony Orchestra Presents "To Spring!" with Young Artist Competition Winners March 21-22

The Ocala Symphony Orchestra presents "To Spring!" on March 21 and 22, 2026, at the Reilly Arts Center in Ocala. The subscription concert pairs spring-inspired repertoire with performances by winners of the orchestra's 35th Annual Young Artist Competition.

Program and Performers

Music Director Matthew Wardell leads the orchestra through a program that opens with Daniel Perttu's "To Spring," a piece that captures the spirit of seasonal renewal. Winners of the 35th Annual Young Artist Competition then take the stage to perform alongside the full orchestra, a tradition that has showcased emerging musical talent from the Marion County area for more than three decades.

The second half of the program features Beethoven's Symphony No. 6 in F Major, known as the "Pastoral." Composed in 1808, the symphony is one of Beethoven's most programmatic works, evoking scenes of countryside life, a thunderstorm, and the grateful feelings that follow. According to organizers, the pairing of Perttu's contemporary work with Beethoven's classic creates a program celebrating both the beauty of nature and the brilliance of young performers.

Performance Details

The Saturday evening performance begins at 7:30 p.m., and the Sunday matinee starts at 3:00 p.m. Both concerts take place at the Reilly Arts Center, located at 500 NE 9th Street in Ocala. Tickets range from $10 to $48 and are available through the Reilly Arts Center box office at (352) 351-1606 or online.

The concert is sponsored by Duke Energy and the Community Foundation.

Looking Ahead

"To Spring!" is the penultimate concert of the Ocala Symphony Orchestra's season. The orchestra closes its golden anniversary year with "I Got Rhythm: Bernstein, Gershwin, and Copland" on April 11-12, a celebration of American classical masters.