Through The Doors

Newsflash! Direct mail is not dead. A large, glossy postcard arrived from the Florida Orchestra and rocked our world—they were slated to perform 21 hits from The Doors. This performance, part of the Rock Series, would mark our introduction to the Florida Orchestra and my husband was beyond thrilled that it would feature vocals by Randy Jackson of the rock band Zebra.

I thought it was a groovy, non-traditional way to experience the Orchestra—with aqua, purple and red lights dancing in time to the music (and Jim Morrison's poetry). According to the Florida Orchestra, The Music of The Doors was arranged for orchestra and rock band by conductor Brent Havens, who has also produced individual symphonic rock shows of the music of Led Zeppelin, The Eagles, Pink Floyd, Queen and The Who. Havens' concept for all of these shows has been to remain as true to the original recordings as possible while making the orchestra sound like another instrument within the band.

Noteworthy events from the Florida Orchestra's 2013-2014 season:

The Music of Pink Floyd

• Friday, November 29, 2013 at 8:00 PM Mahaffey Theatre – St. Petersburg

Bond & Beyond (Part of the Pops Series)

• Friday, January 17, 2014 at 8:00 PM Straz Center for the Performing Arts – Tampa
• Saturday, January 18, 2014 at 8:00 PM Mahaffey Theatre – St. Petersburg
• Sunday, January 19, 2014 at 7:30 PM Ruth Eckerd Hall – Clearwater

The Music of the Eagles

• Friday, May 9, 2014 at 8:00 PM Mahaffey Theatre – St. Petersburg 

Tickets for all of the above go on sale August 12. floridaorchestra.org