Preludes in the Park featured on 10 Tampa Bay

“Music can bring joy, can bring love, can touch one’s heart, can bring people together—all great things,” explains violinist Yuan-Yuan Wang.

But ask most any player and they’ll also tell you this.

“Music to me, at least, is no fun to do by yourself. It’s meant to share with an audience and to share with your colleagues and play together,” said Kaitlyn Resler, who plays French horn.
And that’s why a group of music makers, all friends from the Florida Orchestra, have been holding concerts outside a house across the street from Crescent Lake Park in St. Petersburg.
The Preludes in the Park events started, because the musicians were tired of being silenced and isolated because of COVID-19. But even though the Florida Orchestra is now performing again, the informal events have continued.
“We don’t need anything fancy to share music,” said tuba player TJ Graf. “That’s what we love to do.”
Residents from the neighborhood and parkgoers have been enjoying the concerts. “It was so nice and peaceful, and just relaxing,” said Deborah Lane from her beach chair on the grass. “I’ve been working two jobs, so this was the perfect thing for me to get away from all of that.”

The musicians have been collecting donations for various charitable groups. One event in November was dedicated to the memory of Matthew Matchin, the co-owner of Plant Love Ice Cream who died in September. The musicians wanted to support his mother, who is now running the shop alone.

Matthew’s mother, JoAnn Matchin, attended the concert. “I could feel Matt beside me. The tears rolled down my face as the music wrapped its arms around me and embraced me,” described Matchin.

The outdoor acoustics may not be perfect, but when music comes from the heart—it’s a notable experience.

There is also a GoFundMe page set up for Matthew Matchin.

The musicians plan to hold more concerts. You can find out when and where, by following “Preludes in the Park” on Instagram.