Fort Myers Philharmonic Names Florentina Râmniceanu Concertmaster for the 2026–2027 Season

The Fort Myers Philharmonic is proud to announce the appointment of internationally acclaimed violinist Florentina Râmniceanu as Concertmaster for the 2026–2027 season.

“We are thrilled to welcome Florentina as Concertmaster of the Fort Myers Philharmonic,” said Paul Nadler, Music Director and Conductor. “Her artistry, leadership, and extraordinary depth of experience make her the ideal Concertmaster for our orchestra. She embodies the musical excellence and collaborative spirit that define the Philharmonic. We are honored to welcome Florentina to our musical family and look forward to the artistry and inspiration she will bring to our stage for years to come.”

As Concertmaster, Râmniceanu will lead the orchestra’s violin section, serve as the principal liaison between the conductor and musicians, and perform featured violin solos throughout the season. Her appointment marks an exciting milestone as the Fort Myers Philharmonic continues to build an orchestra of exceptional artistic caliber.

A founding member of the renowned Orion Ensemble, Râmniceanu brings decades of extraordinary artistic achievement to the Philharmonic. A native of Romania, she graduated with honors from the Bucharest Conservatory of Music, where she studied with some of the world’s most distinguished violinists, including David Oistrakh, Ștefan Gheorghiu, and Galina Barinowa. She was awarded the prestigious Romanian National Music Prize for four consecutive years.

Throughout her career, Râmniceanu has distinguished herself as a soloist, chamber musician, and orchestral leader, performing throughout Europe and North America. She has served as concertmaster for many of the nation’s premier ensembles, including the Chicago Opera Theater, Chicago Philharmonic, Joffrey Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, Miami City Ballet, Chicago Chamber Orchestra, Ravinia Festival Orchestra, and Goodman Theatre. She has also appeared as guest concertmaster with leading orchestras in cities including San Francisco, Washington, D.C., Detroit, Houston, Seattle, Toronto, Dallas, Vancouver, Moscow, London, and Tokyo.

As concertmaster of the Chicago Opera Theater, she performed landmark productions including Nixon in China. Since 1990, she has also served as concertmaster for the internationally acclaimed Bugs Bunny on Broadway, a live orchestra and film production that has toured to sold-out audiences around the world.

A passionate chamber musician, Râmniceanu has toured extensively with both the Orion Ensemble and the Consortium String Quartet. Her recording credits include Mannheim Steamroller’s celebrated Christmas Album, which earned a Gold Record, along with numerous chamber, orchestral, jazz, soul, television, and radio recordings.

In addition to her performance career, Râmniceanu is a dedicated educator and mentor, coaching chamber music ensembles and working with graduate violin students at DePaul and Roosevelt Universities.

Outside the concert hall, Râmniceanu enjoys spending time in the mountains, gardening, skiing, attending concerts, and supporting animal rescue organizations. She shares her home with her beloved dogs and is passionate about helping homeless pets find loving homes.

Audiences will have their first opportunity to experience Râmniceanu’s artistry as Concertmaster when the Fort Myers Philharmonic opens its 2026–2027 season with Honoring First Responders, a moving tribute to the heroes of September 11 and the first responders who continue to serve our community. Under the direction of Music Director Paul Nadler, the concert will take place on Friday, September 11, at 7:30 p.m. at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall.

The evening’s program features Samuel Barber’s profoundly moving Adagio for Strings and culminates with Mozart’s monumental Requiem, performed by the Fort Myers Philharmonic, the acclaimed Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers under the direction of Matthew Koller, and an outstanding quartet of soloists: Sarah Tucker, soprano; Gina Perregrino, mezzo-soprano; Joshua Blue, tenor; and Lawson Anderson, bass-baritone.

For tickets, visit www.fmphil.org. Ticket prices start at $65.93, including processing fees and taxes. For more information, email info@fmphil.org or call (239) 350-1520.

About the Fort Myers Philharmonic

The Fort Myers Philharmonic is a professional orchestral organization dedicated to bringing the highest- quality symphonic music to Southwest Florida. Founded in 2025 by experienced arts leaders, professional musicians, and passionate supporters of the performing arts, the Philharmonic is committed to artistic excellence, innovative programming, and meaningful community engagement. Under the direction of Maestro Paul Nadler, internationally acclaimed conductor and longtime artistic leader in the region, and Maestro Christopher Confessore, versatile and popular throughout the country, the orchestra presents performances featuring exceptional musicians and dynamic collaborations with leading artistic partners.

The organization is headquartered at the Collaboratory in downtown Fort Myers. For more information, visit www.fmphil.org or email info@fmphil.org or phone the office at (239) 350-1520.