Maestro Paul Nadler. PHOTO PROVIDED

The Fort Myers Philharmonic will open its 2026-2027 season with a moving tribute to the heroes of September 11 and the first responders who continue to serve our community. Honoring First Responders, under the direction of Music Director Paul Nadler, will take place on Friday, Sept. 11, at 7:30 p.m. at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall.

The special commemorative concert marks the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks with an evening of remembrance, reflection, and extraordinary music.

Before the performance, WGCU’s Tom Hall will present a short film featuring interviews with first responders who served at the World Trade Center on September 11, offering personal reflections on courage, sacrifice, and resilience. The film sets the stage for an evening dedicated to honoring those who answered the call in one of America’s darkest moments.

The musical program opens with Samuel Barber’s Adagio for Strings, one of the most poignant and emotionally powerful works in the orchestral repertoire. Its timeless beauty has become synonymous with remembrance and healing.

The concert culminates with Mozart’s Requiem, the composer’s final masterpiece and one of the most celebrated choral works ever written. The Fort Myers Philharmonic will perform alongside the acclaimed Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers, an 80-plus-voice ensemble of men and women dedicated to musical excellence. Led by Matthew Koller, the Mastersingers will be joined by an outstanding quartet of soloists: Sarah Tucker, soprano; Gina Perregrino, mezzo-soprano; Joshua Blue, tenor; and Lawson Anderson, bass-baritone. Together, they will bring this monumental work to life with the power, beauty, and emotional depth that have inspired audiences for generations.

“Music has a unique ability to bring people together, to help us remember, and to express emotions that words alone cannot,” said Paul Nadler, Music Director and Conductor of the Fort Myers Philharmonic. “As we mark the 25th anniversary of September 11, this performance honors the extraordinary courage of those who responded that day, while recognizing the dedication and sacrifice of the first responders who continue to protect our community every day.”

The evening serves as both a tribute and a celebration of resilience, hope, and the enduring strength of the human spirit. Audience members will experience an unforgettable program that honors the memory of those lost, recognizes the bravery of first responders, and reflects on the unity that emerged in the wake of tragedy.

Community members, veterans, active and retired first responders, and families are invited to join the Philharmonic for this meaningful evening of music and remembrance.

Save 10% When Purchasing Ten or More Tickets. Call the Barbara B. Mann PAH Box Office at (239) 481-4849 x3104.

For more information visit, https://www.fmphil.org/.