Event
Young Person’s Concert
with musicians of the Naples Philharmonic
A performance for elementary school students
Penelope’s Odyssey of the Orchestra
Composed by James M. Stephenson
Musicians of the Naples Philharmonic
Manuel López-Gómez, associate conductor
Vanessa Rossberg, narrator
The Naples Philharmonic presents Penelope’s Odyssey of the Orchestra, a concert experience with a welcoming environment for children and people of all ages. Through the music of the Naples Philharmonic, you’ll follow Greek king Odysseus’ on his epic journey home. Along the way, the audience will gain a deeper understanding of the orchestra’s family of instruments and appreciate how each section contributes to the mood and narrative of this piece commissioned specifically for our annual Young Person’s Concert. Held in the intimate Daniels Pavilion, this performance also allows audiences an opportunity to engage more closely with the orchestra.
Family Concert
October 10 at 10am
This concert experience is designed for the whole family, providing a welcoming environment for children of all ages, parents, grandparents and more!
Sensory-Friendly Concert
October 10 at 11:30am
This concert experience is designed for patrons with sensory processing disorders and/or who are neurodivergent. This inclusive musical experience will provide a welcoming environment with modifications to lighting and volume levels. The house lights will remain on throughout the performance and there will be no assigned seats. Patrons are welcome to bring fidget toys, pillows, tablets, noise-reduction headphones or any other objects that provide familiarity and comfort. A “quiet room” will be available for any child or adult seeking a break from the stimulation of the live performance.
The Young Person's concerts for the 2026-27 season are generously sponsored by Joyce Hagen and Donald Fites, Dr. Jonathan Sonne and Dr. Rebecca Lambert, and David Shockley.
Naples Philharmonic
Naples Philharmonic
Founded in 1982, the Naples Philharmonic normally performs over 140 orchestral and chamber concerts, as well as opera and ballet, education, community and special event concerts from September through June each year.
Meet the Musicians
Alexander Shelley
Artistic and Music Director Meet Alexander
Jack Everly
Principal Pops Conductor Meet Jack
James Ehnes
Artistic Partner Meet James
Manuel López-Gómez
Associate Conductor Meet Manuel
Manuel López-Gómez
Manuel López-Gómez
Hugely successful appearances across the globe with many of the world’s finest orchestras have established Manuel López-Gómez’s reputation as a forceful, visionary and inspiring conductor. In addition to his concert work, Manuel is passionate about opera, having previously conducted and recorded the world premiere of Atahualpa by Carlo Enrico Pasta as well as engagements conducting Roméo et Juliette, Il viaggio a Reims and Le nozze di Figaro.
For more than 15 years, Manuel worked side-by-side with Gustavo Dudamel on symphonic and opera projects in Caracas, Los Angeles, Paris and at the Salzburg Festival.
Manuel began studying violin, piano, chamber music, composition and conducting in Venezuela. A product of El Sistema, he views the musical training of young people as a key duty. In 2024, he served as associate conductor of the Medellín Philharmonic Orchestra and currently holds the position of associate conductor of the Naples Philharmonic.
Meet Manuel
Vanessa Rossberg
Vanessa Rossberg
Born and raised in New Jersey, Rossberg is a graduate of Montclair State University, where she earned a bachelor's degree in musical theater. She has performed across the country, from Carnegie Hall to stages throughout the East Coast. Recent Naples credits include Les Misérables (Fantine, The Naples Players) and Oliver! (Mrs. Sowerberry, TheatreZone). She sends her endless love and gratitude to her husband, Kelly, for his unwavering support.
