Music That Brings People Together: A Standout Season for the Palm Beach Symphony

The 2024–25 season was one of connection, growth, and unforgettable music for Palm Beach Symphony. With the generous support of the Cornelia T. Bailey Foundation, the Symphony expanded its reach, strengthened community partnerships, and welcomed more people than ever into the concert hall.

Across seven Masterworks concerts at the Kravis Center, thousands of audience members experienced world-class performances. Subscriptions grew by 6%, overall attendance increased by 11%, and a new initiative—Meet Me in the Mezzanine—helped attract younger audiences, boosting the Symphony’s young supporters group by 21%.

Grant support also made it possible to add an extra concert to the season, resulting in more than a 40% increase in total attendance. That additional performance became a true highlight: a side-by-side concert bringing together 181 musicians ages 11 to 81. Students, educators, amateur performers, and professionals shared the stage in Brahms’ Academic Festival Overture, creating powerful intergenerational connections and giving many participants their first opportunity to perform in a professional concert setting.

The season featured inspiring performances by acclaimed guest artists including Gil Shaham, Jean-Yves Thibaudet, Leonidas Kavakos, and Garrick Ohlsson—raising the artistic bar and leaving audiences energized.

Community engagement remained at the heart of the Symphony’s work. Each Masterworks concert opened with a pre-concert lobby performance by local school or community ensembles, giving young musicians the chance to shine and connect with professional artists. Through its complimentary ticket program, more than 2,100 students, educators, and families from underserved communities attended concerts at no cost—many experiencing a live symphony for the very first time.

Audience feedback captured the spirit of the season. Patrons described performances as “incredible,” “virtuoso,” and “unforgettable,” while the May side-by-side concert was praised as both “moving” and “joyful.” One listener summed it up simply: the concert felt like “a gift to the community.”

Looking ahead, Palm Beach Symphony has announced an exciting 2025–26 season featuring masterpieces, returning favorites, and new voices—including a world premiere by Pulitzer Prize–winning composer Paul Moravec, along with performances by returning pianist Emanuel Ax and debut appearances by Alisa Weilerstein and Vadim Repin.

Thanks to the Cornelia T. Bailey Foundation’s continued support, Palm Beach Symphony is building momentum—expanding access to music, nurturing young talent, and bringing people together through powerful live performances. The 2024–25 season proved just how meaningful that impact can be, and the future promises even more moments of connection, creativity, and joy.