Philanthropy: Flora Major, Patroness of the Arts

By Ryan G. Van Cleave  |  Photo by Nancy Guth

When Flora Major moved to Sarasota in 2005, she knew from previous experience that the best way to get involved in a community was to meet people involved in that region’s arts scene. So, out of the blue, she called up the Florida West Coast Symphony—the old name for the Sarasota Orchestra—and asked to speak to the head of development. “She just about dropped dead when I offered my money and services to help them out,” Flora says about that initial phone call. “That’s how my relationship with them started.”

Eventually, she became a board member and served two terms for that organization that she truly came to love. From being so involved with the Sarasota Orchestra, Flora quickly got to know plenty of kindred spirits who cherished the arts as much as she did. Together, they put a lot of time, energy, and financial support into the Sarasota Orchestra, as well as Sarasota Museum of Art, Ringling College of Art and Design, and many other organizations that make up part of the amazing arts culture we enjoy in this area.

“In Hungary, I grew up with the arts,” Flora explains. “My parents loved music, and we had subscriptions to the opera and theater, and we went to see a lot of films. I had a very educational upbringing. In communist countries, nothing else was very good, but the education there was excellent.” Because of that quality education, she learned a lot about music. Her parents pushed it, too, and while she took piano lessons, “I wasn’t very good at it,” she confesses. While music was a prominent part of her life, it was going to remain something she appreciated from an audience seat.

When Flora married an art collector, she helped develop his eclectic art collection, but she never forgot her early love for music. Being part of the Sarasota Orchestra’s development satisfied her—helping them become what they are today made her incredibly proud. “They have come such a long way since I first met them. They’re not that little regional orchestra anymore. They’re a force to be reckoned with—a jewel in the Sarasota arts scene. Truly wonderful.”

One of the things Flora likes most about the Sarasota Orchestra is how they’re unafraid to bring in music that’s unfamiliar, including works from composers many haven’t heard of. “They’re enlarging our vocabulary of music. Everybody knows Brahms, Beethoven, and Mozart, but it’s a treat to get new offerings from composers whose names might be hard to pronounce. These are very good works, regardless.”

Recently, Flora co-chaired the Sarasota Youth Orchestra’s 60th anniversary brunch event which featured numerous former members, including a string trio comprised of a woman alum and her two sons. “It was a lovely little concert,” Flora says about that event, “a great way to kick off the season.” She’s a huge fan of the youth orchestra, and she was still a board member when that group got invited to play at Carnegie Hall maybe a decade back. “That was a big deal. A very big deal,” she notes. Knowing that area youth are receiving a quality music education like she had as a child pleases her greatly.

One of the things that’s surprised Flora is how the Sarasota Orchestra managed to grow and excel despite not having an actual home. That comes from quality leadership, a high standard of hiring musicians, and generous donors, she explains. “We’re lucky to have so many art lovers here in this wealthy community. Whether it’s for the orchestra or music education, people are willing to open their pocketbooks and help. And one success leads to another.”

Without a doubt, Flora has embraced this community as much as it has embraced her. “It’s really the cultural aspect that appeals to me. Sarasota isn’t just a pretty, sunny place. I could go anywhere. I used to live in Miami Beach, but it didn’t suit me as well as it does here. I’ve never regretted moving here.” With a laugh, she adds, “It also helps that I see more baby carriages these days than just people in wheelchairs.”

One of Flora’s philanthropy heroes was leading Sarasota Orchestra donor Beatrice “Bea” Friedman, who passed away in late 2018. “She always looked pristine and beautifully dressed. She truly loved music—you could look at her face and see how much she was enjoying each concert,” Flora says. “I kept telling myself, my God, I hope that when I’m her age I’ll still want to get dressed and come to these concerts and be able to enjoy myself as much.” That’s always been a big factor in Flora’s relationship with the Sarasota Orchestra. Bea never missed an opening performance of their Masterworks concerts. For more than 40 years, she saw hundreds and hundreds of concerts. And Bea’s guiding generosity led to the building that houses the orchestra being named in her honor. 

Small wonder that Flora found another patroness of the arts so inspiring!

“We were lucky to have Anu Tali (former Music Director) for several years,” Flora adds. “She was a good influence on the group. But the future of the Sarasota Orchestra is bright, and with a little luck, our group will soon have their own home—one that’s worthy of their incredible talent.”

FOR MORE INFORMATIONon Sarasota Orchestra, please visit www.sarasotaorchestra.org or call 941.953.3434.