Thomas E. Suta, Principal Timpani

Member of Southwest Florida Symphony since: 1987

Born: Born and grew up in Florida

Age started learning Timpani/Percussion: 12 yrs old

Degrees: Bachelor of Music (BM) and Master of Music (MM) from New England Conservatory

Symphonic experience Tom brings to SWFSO:  Boston Symphony Orchestra (extra), Boston Philharmonic, New England Philharmonic, Nashua Symphony Orchestra, Harvard Symphony Orchestra, Boston Conservatory Opera Orchestra, St. Petersburg Opera, Florida West Coast Symphony Orchestra, Venice Symphony Orchestra, North Port Symphony Orchestra, Port Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, Naples Opera, Gulf Shore Opera

Famous musicians Tom has worked with:  Seji Ozawa, John Williams, Gunther Schuller, Frank Battisti, Michael Tilson Thomas, Kurt Masur, Andre Previn, etc.

Teaching Experience Tom has:  “Professor of percussion studies at State College of Florida for 35 years. Retired. I teach privately. Ages 8- 80.”

Music Festivals Tom has been a part of: Boston University Tanglewood Festival and the Berkshire Tanglewood music festival. Both as a performer.

Something you may not know about Tom: “I'm a composer on the side.” [visit his website here]

Special music awards, scholarships, or accomplishments Tom has earned?

1st and 2nd place at an international and state composition contest. Commissioned by Sarasota Youth Opera in 1994 to write a work that premiered in 1996.

What Tom likes most about playing in SWFSO:  “I especially liked working with Paul Nadler.”