May Blooms with Performances at Artis-Naples

For many Neapolitans, May brings a slower pace in anticipation of the tranquil summer months. However, Artis—Naples has not quite wrapped up its calendar of events, and May is still brimming with exciting opportunities for aficionados of art and music alike. As the organization begins to shift its focus to youth and community events in May and June, visitors have several chances left to experience stirring performances by the Naples Philharmonic in Hayes Hall, and The Baker Museum continues to offer outstanding gallery exhibitions.

Museumgoers should note that May marks the last chance to visit the landmark exhibition, Love Stories from the National Portrait Gallery, London before it closes on May 7. Since traveling across the pond, this collection has dazzled art enthusiasts and hopeless romantics with its artful ruminations on love and romance in portraiture throughout the centuries. Though our hearts will ache to see it go, its departure is softened by the continued offerings of the museum, notably the newest addition, Three Degrees of Separation: Artistic Connections in the Permanent Collection. The museum also continues to show the Florida Contemporary 2022-23 exhibition, as well as the crowd favorite Naples Collects 2022-23 featuring treasured artwork from Southwest Florida’s very own private collectors. The month concludes with an Art After Hours evening on May 31, where patrons can enjoy free admission to The Baker Museum amidst a backdrop of live music and concessions from Heidi’s Place.

In Hayes Hall, the Naples Philharmonic concludes yet another successful season of brilliant performances. The orchestra offers a classical program on May 5 and 6, featuring two versions of Romeo and Juliet alongside Shostakovich’s Piano Concerto No. 2. The performance will be led by guest conductor Andris Poga and has the honor of including piano virtuoso Simon Trpčeski. Classical music fans will also have opportunities to glimpse into the future of the genre with several special events, beginning with the EarShot Reading on May 16. This composer development program, in association with the American Composers Orchestra, has selected three of classical music’s most promising women composers to visit Artis—Naples and features both an open rehearsal and performance of their work. Secondly, the Summer Spectacular on May 21 offers audiences the rare opportunity to witness the Naples Philharmonic and the Naples Philharmonic Youth Orchestra performing together onstage, as our professional musicians guide the musicians of tomorrow in a shared performance. The Naples Philharmonic concludes May with the annual Patriotic Pops on May 25 and 26, a star-spangled celebration of our troops.

Artis—Naples also looks forward to welcoming Naples Ballet on May 12 as they return to Hayes Hall with a sparkling production of Cinderella. The Naples Philharmonic will accompany a twirling Cinderella attending the royal ball with a performance of Sergei Prokofiev’s magical score. Lastly, the final performance in Daniels Pavilion will feature the Naples Philharmonic Jazz Orchestra performing a swinging All That Jazz set honoring great American jazz composer Henry Mancini on May 17.