Central Florida Community Arts kicks its 15th-anniversary celebration into high gear with two big concerts in the coming weeks that go to the heart of its mission: Connecting people through music.
In order to offer all people the chance to connect, the nonprofit will debut a sensory-friendly version of its annual “Celebrate the Season” holiday concert.
But, first up on Nov. 14 and 15, comes “Dreaming Together,” featuring more than 300 singers from the organization’s first program, its Community Choir, accompanied by more than 40 Symphony Orchestra musicians. In keeping with the anniversary, the program will include pop and Broadway favorites of the past 15 years.
“Dreaming Together is about more than music. It’s about the relationships and sense of belonging that have grown alongside CFCArts over the past decade and a half,” says CFCArts executive director Justin Muchoney in the concert announcement. “Every note, every song, every story shared on stage is a reflection of our community and its dreams, dedication and joy. It’s a celebration of where we’ve been and an invitation to dream about the future we want to create together.”
December’s “Celebrate the Season” features even more performers: 400 musicians will take the stage with the Community Choir.
The sensory-friendly concert, 7 p.m. Dec. 3, will feature a shorter length, reduced volume and lighting effects, along with other modifications. Sensory-friendly arts events are a growing trend to make shows more accessible to those on the autism spectrum, as well as those with other sensory-processing disorders.
“As we celebrate 15 years of creating belonging through the arts, it’s important to keep expanding what belonging looks like,” Muchoney says. “Offering a sensory-friendly concert is a meaningful leap forward. Everyone deserves to experience the joy, beauty, and connection of live performance, and this adaptation ensures more of our community can share in that magic.”
The full-scale version of the concert will be presented Dec. 4-5. Performances of both shows take place at Northland Church in Longwood.
Brandon Fender conducts the Central Florida Community Arts Community Choir. (Courtesy Trisha Houlihan via CFCArts)
The milestone 15th season is providing an opportunity for the organization to both reflect and move ahead, according to Muchoney.
“These anniversary events represent the heart of what CFCArts does best,” he says. “We’re honoring our past, celebrating who we are, and looking forward to a future where more people can participate, perform and feel the sense of belonging that comes with being part of a vibrant community.”
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Central Florida Community Arts has been making music for 15 years. Pictured is a CFCArts Symphony Orchestra concert from 2024. (Courtesy Trisha Houlihan via CFCArts)
CFCArts concerts
What & When: “Dreaming Together: Greatest Hits from 15 Years of Community” will be at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 14, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Nov. 15. “Celebrate the Season” will be at 7 p.m. Dec. 3 (sensory-friendly version), 7:30 p.m. Dec. 4-5.
Where: Northland church, 522 Dog Track Road in Longwood
Cost: $10 and up
Info: CFCArts.com/events
https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2025/11/11/cfcarts-anniversary-season-concerts/
