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The Florida Orchestra is an orchestra based in Florida , USA . It was founded as the Florida Gulf Coast Symphony, when the St. Petersburg Symphony Orchestra and the Tampa Philharmonic agreed to merge in 1968 . It is recognized as Tampa Bay 's leading performing arts institution, and one of the leading professional symphony orchestras in Florida. It gives concerts in Tampa , Clearwater , and St. Petersburg . The first music director of the orchestra was Irwin Hoffman . In 1988 , Jahja Ling succeeded Hoffman as Music Director. In 2002, Stefan Sanderling was appointed the next Music Director of the Orchestra, and officially assumed the post with the 2003 - 2004 season. In recent years, the orchestra has greatly expanded its repertoire. Under Sanderling's baton, TFO plays many contemporary works by little-known composers as well as many of the classics of the literature. As a testament to the players' abilities, Sanderling and the orchestra have programmed a Mahler Symphony each year, keeping up a tradition started under Ling's tenure. Many of the Orchestra's members are valuable members of the area's educational community; giving young musicians an opportunity to grow in their own studies. Their work with area schools, the Patel Conservatory Youth Orchestra (PCYO)and the Pinellas Youth Symphony (PYS) have brough forth tremendous prosperity among the Area's young musicians. Each year, the Orchestra hosts a Young Artist's competition, allowing members of the community an opportunity to solo on a professional stage. The Florida Orchestra like many other American mid-sized orchestras, however, has had its share of financial difficulties. In fiscal year. John Fleming, "Storms a stressor on orchestra finances". St. Petersburg Times, 1 November 2006. . In June 2006, Sanderling extended his contract with the Florida Orchestra through the 2010 - 2011 season John Fleming, "Maestro's song to play through 2011". St. Petersburg Times, 8 June 2006. Vivien Schweitzer, "Stefan Sanderling Extends Contract with Florida Orchestra". Playbill Arts, 8 June 2006. . MUSIC DIRECTORS
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