Who says summers in Sarasota are lazy, months? Not so! Take a look at some outstanding concerts in June and into early July:
The Sarasota Music Festival is a summer world-renowned festival held in Sarasota for three weeks in June, and it features a variety of concerts, master classes, and workshops that is sponsored by Sarasota Orchestra.
The yearly festival attracts some of the best young musicians from around the world and is a great opportunity for young musicians to learn and grow. The festival provides musicians with the opportunity to perform in concerts, take master classes, and participate in workshops. The festival also provides musicians with the opportunity to network with other musicians and make connections that can help them in their careers.
Founded in 1964 by Paul Wolfe, the former music director of the Sarasota Orchestra, Wolfe wanted to create a festival that would provide young musicians with the opportunity to learn from some of the best musicians in the world. The festival has grown significantly since its inception, and it now attracts over 600 young musicians from around the world.
The Sarasota Orchestra is a professional orchestra based in Sarasota, Florida. It was founded in 1949 as the Florida West Coast Symphony by Ruth Cotton Butler, a Sarasota music teacher. The orchestra’s first concert was held on March 12, 1949, at the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium.
In 1951, Alexander Bloch became the orchestra’s second music director. He held the position for six years, during which time the orchestra expanded its repertoire and toured throughout Florida. In 1957, Lota Mundy founded the Symphony Women’s Association, which raised money to support the orchestra.
In 1961, Paul Wolfe became the orchestra’s third music director. He held the position for 35 years, during which time the orchestra grew in size and reputation.
In 1985, the Sarasota Orchestra merged with the Sarasota Music Festival. The merged organization adopted the name Sarasota Orchestra. The orchestra’s current music director is Jeffrey Kahane.
The Sarasota Orchestra is a vital part of the cultural life of Sarasota. It performs more than 100 concerts each year, including classical, pops, and chamber music. The orchestra also offers a variety of educational programs for children and adults.
Here are some highlights of the Sarasota Music Festival:
Performances: The Sarasota Music Festival features a variety of concerts, including orchestral concerts, chamber music concerts, and solo recitals.
- Romance and the City (June 8-11): This program features music from some of the most romantic composers, including Mozart, Beethoven, and Tchaikovsky.
- Scenes and Seasons (June 15-18): This program celebrates the beauty of nature through music, with works by Dvořák, Copland, and Saint-Saëns.
- Pastorale (June 22-25): This program features music that evokes a sense of peace and tranquility, with works by Bach, Handel, and Telemann.
- Rising Stars (June 29-July 2): This program features the Sarasota Orchestra’s young musicians, who will perform a variety of music from different genres
- Appalachian Spring (July 6-9): This program features Aaron Copland’s iconic ballet, with choreography by Eliot Feld.
In addition to these mainstage shows, the Sarasota Orchestra also offers a variety of other summer events, including:
- Summer Music Festival (June 5-July 16): This festival features performances by the Sarasota Orchestra, as well as master classes, workshops, and other educational events.
- Young Artist’s Competition (June 13-18): This competition is open to young musicians from around the world, and the winners will have the opportunity to perform with the Sarasota Orchestra.
- Family Concerts (June 25-July 15): These concerts are designed for children and families, and they feature a variety of music from different genres.
The Sarasota Orchestra is a great way to enjoy the summer in Sarasota. With a variety of shows and events to choose from, there is something for everyone.