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 in 1991.
The first meeting was held in September and members began developing the structure of the organization. A Planning Committee was formed, a name selected, and a mission statement was written, with activities centered on audience development, education and fundraising. The Florida Orchestra North Suncoast Associates, Inc. was born.
A Steering Committee consisting of Mary Turner, Joyce Bennett, Rhoda Smolensky, Barry Alpert and Maria Cantonis was formed to carry on the work for two years. The first Tune Up Meeting was held on March 30, 1993.
In 1994 a 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, NSA continues to organize events to promote The Florida Orchestra. We will be celebrating our 30th Bravura Brunch on March 2, 2024.
