Choral Artists of Sarasota Announces 2023-2024 Season

August 11, 2023 – Sarasota

Choral Artists of Sarasota’s 45^th season features six concerts in November, December, February, March, April and May. A season highlight includes the Florida premiere of “Abraham Lincoln Walks at Midnight” by Florence Price, an African-American composer whose works were lost during the middle of the 20th century and later discovered in an attic trunk in 2009. Another season highlight is a performance of Craig Hella Johnson’s “Considering Matthew Shepard,” a modern-day “Passion” (modeled after the great “Passions” of J.S. Bach) that tells the story of Matthew Shepard, a gay American student at the University of Wyoming who was beaten, tortured, and left to die near Laramie on the night of October 6, 1998. This season also marks the launch of the group’s United We Stand Memorial Day concert, a moving tribute to those in the armed forces who have made the ultimate sacrifice. This concert serves as the kick-off for the Choral Artists’ tour to France to participate in the 80th anniversary of D-Day in Normandy.

Artistic Director Joseph Holt says, “In the kaleidoscope of choral performances offered this season, each concert features a unique tribute, commemoration, celebration, or recognition of people and events that have made a difference in our lives. From the movies to the military to Matthew Shepard, we have all been touched and inspired by their impact, each telling a story resonating deep within us. The medium of choral music, a magical marriage of words and music, takes us on this musical journey like no other. Our season concludes with a musical salute to the brave men and women who fought in World War II, and we are honored to be representing the people of Florida and the United States by participating in the 80th anniversary of D-Day in Normandy, France, in 2024.”

Holt will also illuminate the creative process, presenting “Meet the Music” prior to each concert throughout the season. Each will focus on the upcoming concert with a special guest joining the conversation and performance. “Meet the Music” programs are held at Art to Walk On at 16 South Palm Avenue in downtown Sarasota, 5:30-7 p.m., with a wine and hors d’oeuvre reception. Planned dates are November 2, November 30, February 1, February 29, April 4 and May 16.

This year’s season is sponsored in part by: the State of Florida through the Division of Arts and Culture and the National Endowment for the Arts; Sarasota County Tourist Development Tax revenues; and The Exchange.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.ChoralArtistsSarasota.org or call 941-387-4900. Single tickets and flexible season packages available September 1.