Noteworthy

Tireless conductor has made Space Coast Symphony special

Now in his early 40s, Aaron Collins launched the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra while still in his 20s. TOM WILBY

Aaron Collins, founder, conductor and artistic director of the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra, isn’t giving away secrets, but surely he must have discovered a way to clone himself. Otherwise, how can one man do so much?

The symphony Collins founded in 2009, when he was in his early 20s, seems to be constantly performing in Brevard and Indian River counties. The orchestra is as firmly sewn into the cultural fabric of the Treasure Coast as it is in the Space Coast.

“Vero is a very important part of our history,” Collins said.

Collins is always front and center wherever the group plays, whether at the Scott Center in Melbourne, the Emerson Center in Vero Beach, or any of the many other venues that welcome the symphony on a regular basis for the approximately 90 performances on its annual schedule.

The symphony has always been a passion project for Collins. During its first three years, he drew no pay, making ends meet by working hospitality jobs at Café Margaux and Ron Jon Surf Shop.

As if conducting the busy symphony isn’t enough, he also serves as artistic director and conductor of Classical Arts Entertainment, which brings world-class ballet to audiences throughout North America. Over the past two decades, Collins has also conducted the Space Coast Oratorio Society, Pegasus and Colbourn Brass, Melbourne Community Orchestra, Space Coast Brass Ensemble, Trombonanza, Brevard Symphony Youth Orchestra and the Community Band of Brevard. He also serves as artistic adviser to numerous other ensembles and as guest conductor at leading orchestras in Dallas, Tulsa, Grand Rapids, San Jose, Jacksonville and Atlanta.

Space Coast Symphony Orchestra founder and artistic director Aaron Collins favors unique outfits when conducting the orchestra. TOM WILBY

TRUE COMMITMENT

Collins believes nurturing the next generation of music lovers is a critical part of his role as artistic director of the orchestra.

He is extremely good at what he does, earning a reputation that transcends the continent. He’s been described as “a man on fire” by the Fort Lauderdale Sun Sentinel, “an absolute powerhouse” by The Seattle Times and “the next big thing” by Cincinnati Magazine.

Collins is considered one of the most dynamic and engaging conductors today, celebrated for his commitment to innovative programming and his visionary approach to community and audience engagement. His leadership has transformed the symphony into one of Florida’s most innovative orchestras, praised for imaginative collaborations and steadfast dedication to accessibility.

Collins was the force behind the Symphony for Everyone outreach program, which provides music lovers the opportunity to experience live symphonic music regardless of financial means.

As a passionate advocate for nurturing the next generation of musicians, he has worked extensively with student ensembles and young artists across Florida and beyond. He champions the works of young composers by integrating their pieces into nearly every Space Coast Symphony performance. He has conducted more than 100 world and regional premieres, bringing to life works by both emerging and established composers.

“His true commitment to consistently performing new music by living composers sets him apart from many of his contemporaries,” said local composer Mark Piszczek. “He’s a true cultural asset.”

For Collins, it is always about great music’s ability to educate and inspire both young and old. He nurtures the next generation of audiences by providing free access to concerts for anyone 18 and younger or with college identification.

“Aaron has uncompromising vision and unparalleled devotion to music of the past, present and future,” said Grammy Award-winning New York City pianist and frequent symphony guest artist Jeffrey Biegel.

FIRST MOVEMENT

Collins chats with a concertgoer during a recent performance at the Emerson Center. TOM WILBY

Collins’ journey as a conductor began when he was asked to lead a few programs at “The Music Church,” Riverside Presbyterian Church in Cocoa Beach, as part of the Dr. Vernon Bushell concert series. He was so good, the church encouraged him to develop a series, so he piecemealed an orchestra through word of mouth.

“Later, after a few drinks, someone said to me that it would be so much fun if I started an orchestra,” Collins said.

And so, he did.

Jackie Hitzig has been a season ticket holder and volunteer since the symphony launched.

“The musicians, volunteers and audience members of the SCSO provide a warm, welcoming and fun atmosphere, which makes each performance an uplifting experience,” said the Cocoa Beach resident.

Hitzig is actually a second-generation patron: Her mom, Joy, was also a huge fan.

“She would brag about the orchestra to anyone,” Hitzig said. “She’d tell people to go to the concerts because you really don’t know what you are missing and follow with, ‘Aaron, the conductor, is from Cocoa Beach and he is a true musical genius and his musicians are some of the most gifted talent in this area.’”

Savannah residents Barbara Ruddy and her husband were building their second home in Vero Beach at the same time the symphony began its Vero concerts 15 years ago. They were smitten with Collins and the orchestra.

“We often timed visits to coincide with their concerts,” Ruddy said. “I love being at these concerts. I try to arrive early to see the musicians tune up for yet another great concert. They beam when Aaron walks in wearing another spectacular outfit, great shoes, with beautiful hair and a smile that does not quit. Seeing him making eye contact with the musicians and watching them respond is magical. Aaron is a master of his craft.”

Collins poses with his “tribe,” some of the musicians of the Space Coast Symphony.

Collins’ leadership has transformed the Symphony into one of Florida’s most innovative orchestras, a musical organization praised for its imaginative collaborations and steadfast dedication to accessibility. TOM WILBY

CHALLENGES

Tribute artist Tom Becker joined Collins and the Symphony for a unique John Denver-themed concert. TOM WILBY PHOTOS

Orchestras in major metropolitan areas can afford to hire musicians to play full time. To survive, symphonies the size of the SCSO rely on a large roster of musicians who may or may not be accessible for all performances because of other commitments. Whether they work every concert or only one or two a year is irrelevant to Collins, who treasures every one of them.

French horn player Mary Seal, one of the founding members of the symphony, suffered a horseback riding accident that left her paralyzed from the chest down 10 years ago. When the Melbourne resident was still in rehab, Collins organized a Concert for Mary, bringing together all the musical groups she had performed with to help with her recovery expenses.

“The auditorium was packed,” she said. “I will never forget what he did.”

While she can no longer play the French horn, Seal continues with the orchestra in the percussion section and serves as board treasurer.

A year-round schedule and a lean budget can make for tough times for an orchestra, particularly when the unexpected happens.

“If one concert doesn’t do well, you’re in trouble,” Collins said.

Collins thought the orchestra was in trouble when coffers were so empty that he had to cancel a concert some months ago, yet the community immediately responded with donations, including one for $100,000.

Now 41, Collins survived a stroke in his 30s. He sees the experience from his eternally glass-half-full perspective.

“I’m a much happier person now,” he said. “The stroke taught me not to take anything for granted.”

He still finds it hard to believe how much the symphony he created means to the community. During the pandemic, the symphony was one of a few in the nation to continue playing, albeit in plein air.

“I remember the concerts he did outside at The Avenue Viera,” said Keith Winsten, executive director of Brevard Zoo. “He really brings music to the people by finding unique settings and making it accessible. What a gift to the community.”

Despite all his tireless work, Collins is still incredulous at the progress the symphony has made — and how beloved it has become.

“I had no idea we would come this far,” he said.

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