Choral Artists of Sarasota Perform At the Point Selby Gardens

Choral Artists, Sarasota’s professional chorus, presents a program of musical prayer from various world religions – a spiritual experience in the great outdoors.

Formed in 1979, Choral Artists of Sarasota (originally Gloria Musicae) is one of only a handful of professional choruses whose members live and work locally. The versatile ensemble of 32 classically trained singers and 8 apprentices has a repertoire spanning four centuries: from major works with orchestra, folk songs, and close-harmony jazz, to show tunes. Under the direction of Dr. Joseph Holt since 2008, the ensemble has undertaken new cultural initiatives and partnerships to become a voice for the community in Sarasota. Unique among these programs has been the commemoration of the Holocaust with a spectacular presentation at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall in April 2014 of Voices of the Holocaust with a massed chorus comprised of area choruses and original choreography by Elizabeth Weil Bergmann. Choral Artists joins in partnership with the Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota to create programs that align with the artistic plans of both organizations. Carmina Burana with Sarasota Young Voices and original choreography by Sarasota Contemporary Dance’s Leymis Bolaños Wilmott, Too Hot to Handel with the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe and State College of Florida Chamber Chorus, Verdi’s Requiem with The Master Chorale of Tampa Bay and the Sarasota Orchestra, Haydn’s The Creation, with the Sarasota Orchestra and the Science and Environment Council of Southwest Florida. The 2021-22 season featured the world premiere of James Grant’s Listen to the Earth in partnership with regional environmental works and presenting nature photography by local artist, Jill Hoffman-Kowal.