Ocala residents gathered at the Ocala Golf Club on Sunday to celebrate Mother’s Day with the city’s annual Symphony Under the Stars, which featured a live performance by the Ocala Symphony Orchestra and a spectacular fireworks finale to conclude the holiday weekend.
The event, hosted by Fine Arts For Ocala, kicked off at 3:00 p.m. at the golf club, which is located at 3130 E. Silver Springs Boulevard.
Families spread out lawn chairs and blankets across the green as an opening act took the stage at 5:00 p.m. Attendees had the option of bringing their own picnic and beverages or purchasing meals from a local Food Truck Rally.
Under the direction of Maestro Matthew Wardell, the Ocala Symphony Orchestra played a diverse set list that included an orchestral suite from Aladdin, music from How to Train Your Dragon, a Chicago medley, and selections from My Fair Lady and Encanto.
The performance also included Broadway Showstoppers, David Bowie’s hits, the Carousel Waltz, Star Trek Through the Years, Moon River, the 1812 Overture, a tribute to the film composer, and Stars and Stripes Forever.
The evening concluded with a massive fireworks display that illuminated the night sky above the orchestra and the gathered crowd.
Proceeds from the event support Fine Arts For Ocala and the annual Ocala Arts Festival, which takes place in October.
Did you attend Symphony Under the Stars this year? Share your photos and favorite moments from the concert in the comments below or write a letter to the editor.