Florida is known for its beaches, but once the sun sets, visitors discover a flourishing performing and visual arts scene in cities throughout the state.
FORT MYERS
The world-class Southwest Florida Symphony, a cornerstone of the Lee County performing arts community, has been delivering musical performances since 1961. The Masterworks Concert Series brings to life the works of Shostakovich, Beethoven, Brahms and other renowned composers.
Barbara B. Manning Performing Arts Hall, Florida Southwestern State College.
8290 College Parkway, Fort Myers, Fla. 239-418-1500.
ST. PETERSBURG
The Dali Museum is home to the most comprehensive collection of Salvador Dali art outside Europe. Some of the Spanish surrealist’s most famous works are exhibited here, including “The Disintegration of Persistence of Memory,” which features one of Dali’s iconic melting watches. The eccentric artist is known for paintings that incorporate mind-bending double images, optical illusions and holograms. A prime example is “Gala Contemplating the Mediterranean Sea Which at Twenty Meters Becomes the Portrait of Abraham Lincoln (Homage to Rothko).”
SARASOTA
Asolo Repertory Theatre, one of the largest professional theaters in the Southeast, has been entertaining Sarasota for more than half a century with classical and contemporary works, musicals and newly commissioned plays that sometimes make it all the way to Broadway. Under the leadership of artistic director Michael Donald Edwards, the theater has increased its national profile, including collaborations with New York-based directors and actors.
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