Music, art, history, and community converge in the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra’s newest project: T is for Tallahassee—The ABCs of our Musical City. This beautiful book is TSO’s own love letter to our artistic community. Each letter of the alphabet represents a unique piece of Tallahassee, including events, iconic figures, local venues, music terminology, and more.
The book features work from twenty-six local artists creating a unique and visually dazzling homage to our community, its art, and its music.
The creation of T is for Tallahassee has been percolating in the mind of the TSO’s CEO, Amanda Stringer, for nearly a decade. “We are thrilled to finally produce this wonderful book that has been on our wish list for many years. It celebrates our city’s creative class and is a ‘thank you’ to everyone who contributes to Tallahassee’s rich cultural life. We are especially happy that its launch coincides with Tallahassee’s bicentennial in 2024.”
Stringer hired Amanda Karioth Thompson, who heads arts events company AKT Artful, to identify the book’s artists and curate its artwork. The two together worked with several of our city’s music historians on what to depict in the book and worked collaboratively to write the text, bringing different areas of expertise to the table.
The result is a book chock-full of local references and classic music terminology. For example, “A is for the Adderley Brothers” features a stunning acrylic on canvas by Dean Gioia that hearkens the late Nate Adderley. “P is for Pastoral” is a lovely acrylic on wood panel by Anne Hempel that ties Beethoven’s 6th Symphony to Tallahassee’s own bucolic landscapes.
Journalist and former county commissioner, Mary Ann Lindley, served as the book’s editor.
Each letter in the book is sponsored by a local business or individual, and proceeds from the purchase of the book will help support the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra’s educational programming and initiatives.
T is for Tallahassee launches November 19 at Hearth & Soul from 12-3 p.m., located at 1410 Market St, and all are invited to be the first to see the beautiful publication. Refreshments will be served and the artists represented in the book will have original artwork on sale. Live music will be provided by Rachel, Jack & Bakan.
Following the launch, T is for Tallahassee will be available for purchase at Hearth & Soul, Midtown Reader, the TSO Office, Lemoyne Arts, and online. More information about T is for Tallahassee and the artists who contributed is available at www.tallahasseesymphony.org
