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Florida Orchestra Concludes Masterworks Series with Mahler’s Symphony No. 3

Florida Orchestra performing Mahler's Symphony No. 3 at the Mahaffey Theater.

News Summary

The Florida Orchestra will wrap up its Masterworks series this weekend with performances of Mahler’s Symphony No. 3. This event marks the retirement of principal timpanist John Bannon, who will share the stage with his son Kelsey. Music Director Michael Francis describes the symphony as a transformative experience for listeners. John Bannon has been a vital member of the orchestra since 1988 and is also known for his dedication to music education. His departure will leave a significant impact on the Florida music community.

Tampa, Florida – The Florida Orchestra is set to conclude its Masterworks series this weekend with thrilling performances of Mahler’s Symphony No. 3, marking a notable farewell for the orchestra’s principal timpanist, John Bannon, who is retiring after nearly 40 years with the ensemble. His final concerts will be particularly special as they will also feature his son, Kelsey Bannon, a professional timpanist who will join his father on stage.

Music Director Michael Francis has emphasized the significance of Mahler’s Symphony No. 3, describing it as a “once-in-a-lifetime symphony” that takes listeners on “an epic journey.” Concerts will take place at the Mahaffey Theater, scheduled for Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. Tickets for these performances are available on the Florida Orchestra website.

John Bannon has played a vital role in the Florida Orchestra since he joined in 1988. Before his tenure with the orchestra, he held positions as a timpanist with various orchestras throughout North America. Bannon has been a cornerstone of the orchestra’s percussion section, which has performed together for 30 years, making it one of the longest-standing sections in the country.

In addition to his performance career, Bannon is dedicated to music education. He teaches at St. Petersburg College and Hillsborough Community College, where he imparts his knowledge and passion for music to his students. He has expressed that he often finds himself learning more from his students than they do from him, illustrating a philosophy of continual growth and learning in the art of music.

Kelsey Bannon, who has spent much of his life surrounded by the music scene, reflected on the emotional weight of his father’s retirement, noting the dedication and commitment John has shown to the orchestra for over half of his life. Having practically grown up backstage at various venues, including the Mahaffey Theater, Kelsey recognizes the significant stepping stone his father’s retirement represents, both personally and professionally.

Michael Francis has praised John Bannon for his lifelong enthusiasm for music, highlighting the substantial impact he has made both in performances and behind the scenes. Described as a “true character” and a “wonderful musician,” Bannon’s departure from the orchestra is noted to leave a “huge hole,” emphasizing his importance within the musical community.

As John Bannon embarks on this new chapter of life, he looks forward to enjoying more free time during retirement while continuing to nurture the next generation of musicians through teaching. His legacy within the Florida Orchestra and the broader music community will undoubtedly resonate for years to come, as he passes the torch to his son, who is now poised to continue the family tradition of musical excellence.

Attendees of this weekend’s performances can expect a poignant blend of celebratory music and nostalgia as the Bannon family makes its mark on the Orlando music scene for one final, memorable performance together.