OCALA, FL (352today.com) – The Ocala Symphony Orchestra is celebrating 50 years of musical service to the Ocala community. What started as a band of musicians coming together to create an orchestra, performing at the Ocala Breeder’s Sales Pavillion and the College of Central Florida, formerly known as Central Florida Community College, turned into an Ocala staple for audiences. The symphony led a fundraiser to renovate what is now the Reilly Arts Center, giving the community a hub for larger performances.
The Ocala Symphony Orchestra supports the community with music and connection through their programs. Arts for our Veterans is a partnership between the Reilly Arts Center and Vet Tix, providing complementary tickets to Marion County veterans for a variety of performances with the Red, White and Oso Blue: A salute to Independence concert further honoring them. Symphony for Schools is a music presentation that the symphony brings to Marion County elementary schools for kids to learn more about orchestra with instrumental demonstrations. The Community Ticket Program provides tickets to local nonprofits to share music with clients and staff. The Young Artists Competition gives young musicians from across the country the opportunity to compete and win prizes.
These programs serve the community and now, the Reilly Arts Center will be host to a fundraising Golden Anniversary Gala, on Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026, for which the community supported the local arts institution by buying tickets (which are currently sold out), or by donating to their gala donation page. The gala will be featuring an elegant evening of entertainment, dinner and drinks for a lively evening for those supporting the arts. The dress code will be black tie optional with navy and gold pieces encouraged to set the celebratory look of the evening.
The lead sponsors of the gala include Fort McCoy Beef, Midgett Family Foundation, Frank and Daine Monroe, Maven Photo & Film, Ausley Construction, Seacoast Bank, Dean Mead, Southeast Trust and Party Time. To donate, guests can visit the gala donation page here or by calling the Reilly Arts Box Office at 352-351-1606 Ext. 101 during the hours of operation on Tuesday-Friday from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.