Two trustees of The Florida Orchestra, Barry Alpert and Maria Cantonis along with long-time subscriber Mary Turner, began to recruit members for orchestra support group in 1992.
Members began meeting in the Fall and developed the organization’s structure – forming a planning committee, selecting a name and writing a mission statement. Activities centered on education, audience development and fund-raising. The Florida Orchestra North Suncoast Associates, Inc. was born.
For the next two years, TFONSA recruited members, conducted general meetings, initiated the Meet the Artist series, recognized new orchestra subscribers at Ruth Eckerd Hall, delivered orchestra literature to community events, gave assistance to Youth Concerts, preconcert lectures, Orchestra 101, a children’s petting zoo of musical instruments, promoted fundraising projects and inaugurated the Bravura Brunch which has generated major funds for the Orchestra.
In 1994 the Steering Committee wrote bylaws and adopted a regular organization structure. In May 1995, Susan Siewruk was installed as the first elected president of The Florida Orchestra North Suncoast Associates.
Today, TFONSA continues to organize events to promote The Florida Orchestra.
