On April 18, the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra — the region’s premier professional orchestra — transforms the stage of the Mattie Kelly Arts Center into a space of breathtaking scale and sound. More than 200 musicians and singers will gather for Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 2, the awe-inspiring “Resurrection” Symphony, in what promises to be one of the most powerful artistic events of the season.
Mahler’s Second is not merely a symphony; it is an emotional and spiritual journey. It begins in darkness and uncertainty, wrestling with life’s deepest questions, and rises steadily toward a radiant conclusion that proclaims renewal and hope. In its final movement, a full chorus and vocal soloists join the orchestra in a breathtaking affirmation of life after struggle — a moment that has moved audiences for more than a century.
This extraordinary performance unites the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra with the Northwest Florida Symphony Chorale, the Choral Society of Pensacola, and Niceville High School Opus One. The sheer scale of the collaboration — more than 200 performers filling the stage — creates a sound both intimate and immense, surrounding the audience in a shared experience of uncommon magnitude.
Works of this scope are rarely presented in our region. Months of preparation and exceptional artistic forces are required to bring it to life. When the final chorus rises from a whisper to a thunderous declaration, the effect is overwhelming — not only heard, but deeply felt.
Mahler’s “Resurrection” Symphony will be performed on Friday, April 18 at 7 p.m. at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center. Tickets are available at MattieKellyArtsCenter.org or by calling 850-729-6000.
Ann Toomey, Soprano
American soprano Ann Toomey is enjoying a significant international career, praised for her rich voice and dramatic presence. She has performed major operatic roles including Madama Butterfly and Tosca with Lyric Opera of Kansas City and Florentine Opera, and made a celebrated European debut in Suor Angelica at the Berlin Philharmonie under Kirill Petrenko. She has also appeared with the Los Angeles Philharmonic under Gustavo Dudamel and sung Mahler’s Symphony No. 8 with the Nashville Symphony, among other acclaimed engagements. A former member of the Ryan Opera Center at Lyric Opera of Chicago, she was a national semifinalist in the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions.
Zoie Reams, Mezzo-Soprano
Mezzo-soprano Zoie Reams has garnered recognition for her “velvety” tone and versatile artistry. A graduate of the Houston Grand Opera Butler Studio, she appears regularly at Lyric Opera of Chicago in roles from La traviata to contemporary works, and has sung the title role in Carmen at Canadian Opera Company and Oregon’s Piedmont Opera. She made her Metropolitan Opera debut in Porgy and Bess and appears in major concert engagements including Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony with the Boston Symphony Orchestra and Handel’s Messiah at Washington National Cathedral. Reams’ season also includes appearances with Cincinnati Opera, Minnesota Opera, and the Los Angeles Philharmonic under Gustavo Dudamel.
