Maestro
Christopher Confessore
Maestro
Paul Nadler
Board Chair
Carol Robinson
(Fort Myers, FL – March 26, 2026)— With the launch of the newly created Fort Myers Philharmonic, Southwest Florida’s cultural landscape enters an exciting new chapter. Passionate arts leaders and supporters, along with noted local musicians, have joined together to form an organization dedicated to bringing musical performances of the highest quality to a wide range of concertgoers.
Maestro Paul Nadler will serve as the Philharmonic’s Music Director and Conductor. A highly regarded and exciting symphonic and operatic conductor who has led the Metropolitan Opera in more than 60 performances, Maestro Nadler is also known for his dedication to advancing the Southwest Florida Symphony Orchestra (SWFLSO) to a fully professional level. In addition to his 16-year tenure as Music Director and Conductor of the SWFLSO, Maestro Nadler’s career leading symphony and opera performances has taken him across the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. He is Principal Guest Conductor of the Filarmonia de Stat “Moldova” in Romania and Founder of the Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra.
“I am honored to help shape a new chapter of orchestral music in Southwest Florida,” said Maestro Nadler. “The Fort Myers Philharmonic is committed to building an orchestra defined by excellence. Our goal is to bring music to life at the highest artistic level, making orchestral performances inspiring, unforgettable, and accessible for audiences throughout the region.”
The Fort Myers Philharmonic is pleased to have Maestro Christopher Confessore serving as the Principal Pops Conductor. Maestro Confessore currently serves as Music Director of the Brevard Symphony Orchestra and Principal POPS Conductor of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra and has been a guest conductor for numerous orchestras throughout the country. He will bring innovative programming, spirited performances, and a broad repertoire to our community. Throughout his career, Maestro Confessore has demonstrated a strong commitment to sharing symphonic music with young people. During the 2025-26 season, he has conducted more than 50 performances of ten different educational programs with orchestras across the country for a combined audience of more than 80,000 eager young listeners.
“Early in my career, I had the privilege of performing under the direction of Maestro Paul Nadler.” Maestro Confessore said. “I found him to be an inspiring leader, completely dedicated to bringing the music to life. It is an honor to now work with the Maestro to bring great performances of orchestral music to audiences in the region.”
The new organization is guided by Board Chair Carol Robinson, a respected community leader known for her business insight, nonprofit leadership, and dedication to the arts. Under her direction, the Philharmonic has formed a board representing a diverse range of experience, including leaders in education, business, finance, development, and the arts.
“With the formation of the Fort Myers Philharmonic, we are investing in the future of orchestral music in Southwest Florida,” Robinson said. “This organization stands on the pillars of artistic excellence, strong governance, and a deep belief in the transformative power of music. We are thrilled to build something meaningful and lasting for our community.”
Maestro Nadler will conduct the Fort Myers Philharmonic’s inaugural concert on September 11, 2026, at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall. The featured works will be Samuel Barber’s Adagio for Strings and Mozart’s Requiem. The latter will be in partnership with the Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers, with choral preparation by their Artistic Director, Matthew Koller.
The partnership with the Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers, a premier ensemble of 120 voices known for musical excellence, will also play a central role in the first annual Holiday Program at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall.
In a significant endorsement of the new organization, the Southwest Florida Symphony Endowment Foundation has voted to provide financial support to the Fort Myers Philharmonic, thereby helping to ensure long-term sustainability and artistic excellence.
The Philharmonic’s administrative offices are located at the Collaboratory in downtown Fort Myers, placing the organization within a hub of innovation, collaboration, and community impact. Two full-time Philharmonic staff members, an Executive Director and a Development Officer, will oversee operations and fundraising. Additional part-time and contracted staff will provide support for performances and administrative needs.
For more information, updates, and future ticket announcements, visit www.fmphil.org or email [email protected].
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 Fort Myers Philharmonic will present concerts in the region with its first full season debuting on September 11, 2026, at Barbara B Mann Performing Arts Hall.
The organization is headquartered at the Collaboratory in downtown Fort Myers. For more information, visit www.fmphil.org or email [email protected] or phone the office at 239-350-1520.
