Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation Welcomes Back Artist-In-Residence Adrian Anantawan

March 11, 2024 – Sarasota

The Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation is pleased to welcome the return of Adrian Anantawan, acclaimed violinist and disability advocate, as an Artist-In-Residence for the second consecutive year. Anantawan, a renowned violinist born with one hand, will host a series of engagements beginning March 19, including free public concerts and community engagements aimed at celebrating accessibility and the power of music to transcend barriers.

“Through Adrian’s inspiring performances and advocacy, we witness the universal language of the arts breaking down perceived boundaries and fostering profound connections within our community,” said Tania Castroverde Moskalenko, Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation Chief Executive Officer. “We look forward to experiencing the magic of his music and to furthering our mission of making the arts accessible to all.”

Free public concerts:

Among the highlights of Anantawan’s residency is The Family Interactive Performance, taking place on Saturday, March 23 at the Desoto Library (Arcadia, FL) from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. This family-friendly bilingual event will offer an engaging musical journey through Anantawan’s life, growing up with a disability, featuring violin classics as well as a piece co-composed by the audience live.

On March 25, Anantawan will headline Sundays at the Bay as part the Signature Artists of the Bay series, performing works by celebrated composers such as Gershwin, Mozart, and Kreisler. The 6 p.m. performance in Bay Park (Sarasota, FL) will also feature students with disabilities from The Haven and strings students from Booker High School’s Visual Performing Arts Program. Through this collaboration, the concert aims to underscore themes of overcoming adversity and adaptation through the unifying power of music and community. For more information, visit here.

Community engagements:

On March 19, Anantawan will perform at The Haven campus, followed up with a master class on March 22 at Booker High School with students from both the school and The Haven.The Haven offers programs and services for adults and children with disabilities to enhance quality of life by encouraging independence, championing inclusion and advocating for their individual rights. Anantawan will visit All Children’s Hospital on March 20 to work with music therapists and play for their young patients. He will also perform at the Salvation Army on March 21 for men and women in the recovery program.

The Artist in Residence Program is sponsored by Jenne K. Britell.

About Adrian Anantawan:

Adrian Anantawan holds degrees from the Curtis Institute of Music, Yale University, and Harvard Graduate School of Education. As a violinist, he studied with Itzhak Perlman and Pinchas Zukerman, and Anne-Sophie Mutter; his academic work in education was supervised by Howard Gardner. Memorable moments include performances at the White House, the Opening Ceremonies of the Athens and Vancouver Olympic Games, and the United Nations. He has played for the late Christopher Reeve, Pope John Paul II, and His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Anantawan has captivated audiences worldwide with his extraordinary talent, despite facing physical challenges. As an advocate for inclusivity in the arts, he has collaborated with researchers, musicians, doctors, and educators to develop adaptive musical instruments for young professionals with disabilities. Through his performances and speaking engagements, Anantawan continues to inspire and empower individuals from all walks of life.