We spoke with all three artists leading the Tampa Bay premiere about the challenge of rehearsals, synching first the music and dance, then adding in actors followed by less than a week rehearsing at The Mahaffey. Reimagined by American Stage’s Helen Murray, The Florida Orchestra’s Chelsea Gallo and projectAlchemy’s Alexander Jones, the piece — originally developed at The Cleveland Orchestra with 56 musicians — is expanded, adding dance and multimedia, plus new pieces to the one-hour show.

“… The Good Peaches is the first-ever collaboration by TFO, American Stage, and projectALCHEMY, conducted by Resident Conductor Chelsea Gallo, directed by Helen Murray, with choreography by Alexander Jones. …”

“… Chelsea Gallo, a Resident Conductor of The Florida Orchestra, Principal Guest Conductor of Orlando Philharmonic, and Assistant Conductor with New York Philharmonic will be your special Musical Host. A “rising star” conductor, Gallo, has been praised for her ability to “lead the orchestra with grace and fiery command” (Michigan Daily). As A Solti Career Grant recipient, Gallo collaborates with diverse organizations like Disney, NASA, and the New York Yankees, with the pursuit to expand the reach of classical music and share its relevancy and humanity. …”

OPERA America has announced its 2025 Marineau Opera Grants for Women Stage Directors and Conductors.

“… If you attend one of The Florida Orchestra’s five Holiday Pops concerts this weekend, consider this: The players onstage are athletes. Not only is a professional orchestra job physically challenging to begin with, TFO’s ranks include musicians who are runners and cyclists, swimmers and hikers—even a former professional softball pitcher. …”

Today’s guest on the Arts Alive! podcast is Chelsea Gallo, resident conductor for The Florida Orchestra. Gallo was hired a year ago as assistant conductor, by music director Michael Francis, and recently received a promotion.