By Coral Gables Gazette staff

A crescendo of classical brilliance will close out the South Florida Symphony Orchestra’s “Summer with the Symphony” chamber music series in Coral Gables this month, as the final performance—“The Titans”—brings together two giants of Western music in an intimate setting.

The Coral Gables Museum will host a chamber concert on Thursday, July 24 at 7:30 p.m. featuring Johann Sebastian Bach’s commanding Keyboard Concerto in D minor and Antonín Dvořák’s lively and lyrical String Quintet No. 2. The evening promises a dynamic juxtaposition of Baroque rigor and Romantic exuberance, capped by a post-concert reception where guests can meet and mingle with the musicians.

An evening of musical mastery

The program pairs two works known for their distinct emotional power. Bach’s Keyboard Concerto in D minor, one of his most stormy and dramatic compositions, channels urgency through relentless counterpoint and virtuosic keyboard passages. Dvořák’s String Quintet No. 2, by contrast, glows with folk-inspired themes and Bohemian warmth—an ode to the composer’s roots and a showcase of his melodic genius.

Performing the concert will be a distinguished sextet of musicians from the South Florida Symphony Orchestra: Huifang Chen (first violin), Erika Venable (second violin), Brandon Wu (viola), Claudio Jaffe (cello), Amy Nickler (double bass), and Catherine Lan (piano). Each is a respected performer and educator in their own right, known throughout the region and beyond for their artistry.

Intimate setting, world-class talent

The Coral Gables Museum, located at 285 Aragon Avenue in the heart of downtown, offers an acoustically warm and architecturally striking venue that has become a popular site for cultural programming. With its Mediterranean Revival design and central location, it provides the ideal backdrop for chamber music—up close, personal, and powerful.

Thursday’s event marks the third and final performance in this summer’s chamber series, which has featured curated pairings of classical repertoire and high-caliber musicianship. Previous installments included Mozart, Brahms, and Saint-Saëns, attracting classical music enthusiasts from across South Florida.

Tickets and student access

Tickets for The Titans range from $17.50 to $35.00, including fees, and are available through the South Florida Symphony Orchestra’s website. Students with valid ID are eligible for discounted tickets, but must email proof of their ID to info@southfloridasymphony.org prior to the concert to receive the reduced rate. Organizers stress that expired or unverified IDs will not be accepted and refunds will not be issued for invalid student submissions.

Seating is limited, and advance reservations are strongly encouraged due to the museum’s intimate capacity and the popularity of the summer series.

Post-concert reception with the musicians

Adding a personal touch to the performance, the Symphony invites concertgoers to stay for a complimentary post-concert reception and meet-and-greet with the performers. These informal gatherings allow attendees to engage directly with the artists—many of whom are faculty members or soloists who perform internationally—and learn more about the music, the instruments, and the collaborative spirit behind chamber ensembles.

The reception underscores the Symphony’s mission to make classical music accessible and interactive, bridging the gap between the stage and the audience.

Part of a growing cultural tradition

Now in its third summer, the “Summer with the Symphony” chamber concert series has become a seasonal highlight in Coral Gables, offering residents and visitors alike a chance to experience professional-caliber classical music without traveling to larger venues in Fort Lauderdale or Miami Beach. Its downtown Coral Gables location also supports the city’s cultural ecosystem, driving foot traffic to local restaurants, cafes, and businesses.

The South Florida Symphony Orchestra, under the leadership of Music Director Sebrina María Alfonso, continues to expand its reach and reputation as one of the region’s premier professional ensembles. With a commitment to education, outreach, and artistic excellence, the Symphony has played a growing role in shaping South Florida’s musical landscape—both in grand concert halls and intimate chamber settings.

If you go

• What: The Titans – Summer with the Symphony Chamber Concert
• When: Thursday, July 24, 2025, at 7:30 p.m.
• Where: Coral Gables Museum, 285 Aragon Avenue, Coral Gables
• Tickets: $17.50–$35.00 at southfloridasymphony.org
• Student Tickets: Available with valid student ID and email confirmation
• Phone: 954-522-8445
• Email: info@southfloridasymphony.org

For those seeking an elevated musical experience this summer, The Titans offers a rare opportunity: world-class performances of Bach and Dvořák in the elegant heart of Coral Gables—followed by a toast to the talent that brings it all to life.