Choral Artists of Sarasota Receives Over $72,00 in Grants

October 28, 2024 | Sarasota

Choral Artists of Sarasota is pleased to announce the receipt of multiple grants totaling over $72,000. These generous contributions will help expand the nonprofit’s 2024-2025 programming.

The awarded grants include:

· Community Foundation of Sarasota through the Huisking Family Fund; McCauley-Brown Fund; and the John J. Weiss Memorial Fund: $25,000 to support Choral Artist’s “Considering Matthew Shepard” performance on April 5, 2025. This haunting modern-day cantata tells the story of Matthew Shepard, a young gay man from Wyoming who was brutally beaten and left to die on a fence. The story is both gut-wrenching and heart-warming at the same time, offering hope for a better world where love and acceptance are the norm

· The Exchange: $6,000 to fund Choral Artist’s 2024-2025 season.

· Tourist Development Cultural/Arts (TDCA): $41,114 to fund Choral Artist’s 2024-2025 season.

“We are incredibly grateful for this generous support, which allows us to bring impactful and meaningful works to our community,” says Joseph Holt, artistic director of

Choral Artists of Sarasota. “These grants make it possible for us to share messages of resilience, empathy, and hope. We’re excited to offer a season that inspires reflection and connection through music.”

The Choral Artists of Sarasota comprises some of the region’s most notable professional singers. Eight young singers, ages 16 to 22, are also invited to join the group each year, as part of the organization’s educational outreach. One of these gifted singers will be awarded the new Ann Stephenson Moe Apprentice Scholarship, a funding program to support either private lessons or vocal training at an institution of higher learning. For more information, visit ChoralArtistsSarasota.org or call 941-387-6046.

Season Highlights Include:

Happy Christmukkah Sunday, December 8; 7 p.m., at Church of the Redeemer The season of light is enriched by the music of Christmas and Hanukkah combined. Lighting candles during this time of year is a treasured ritual, whether celebrating the birth of a child or the miracle of the holy menorah. The sparkle of light will abound in this holiday choral program promoting peace, comfort and joy for the season. Meet the Music with Dr. Holt is December 5, 6 p.m., at Art to Walk On, 16 S. Palm Avenue, Sarasota.

Gilbert & Sullivan Revue Sunday, January 26; 4 p.m., at First United Methodist Church Choral Artists presents the topsy-turvy world of Gilbert & Sullivan where absurdities reach logical conclusions. The famed English team of the 19th century wrote such memorable shows as “The Mikado,” “The Pirates of Penzance,” “Gondoliers,” and “HMS Pinafore” among others, featuring many hit tunes from these shows are familiar to this day. Baritone Bob McDonald joins Choral Artists as the featured soloist. Meet the

Music with Dr. Holt is January 16, 6 p.m., at Art to Walk On, 16 S. Palm Avenue, Sarasota.

The Measure of All Faith

Sunday, February 23; 7 p.m., at Church of the Redeemer Spiritual music takes center stage in this concert, featuring music from a wide variety of faith traditions from around the world. Christian, Jewish, Buddhist, and Native American music celebrates the divine in our lives. Meet the Music with Dr. Holt is February 13, 6 p.m., at Art to Walk On, 16 S. Palm Avenue, Sarasota.

Considering Matthew Shepard

Encore Performance

Saturday, April 5, 4 p.m., at Harvest House’s The Venue @ LEC.

This haunting modern-day cantata tells the story of Matthew Shepard, young gay man from Wyoming who was brutally beaten and left to die on a fence. The story is both gut-wrenching and heart-warming at the same time, offering hope for a better world where love and acceptance are the norm. Meet the Music with Dr. Holt is March 27, 6 p.m., at Art to Walk On, 16 S. Palm Avenue, Sarasota.

United We Stand: Memorial Day Concert With the Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble Saturday, May 24; 4 p.m., at Church of the Palms, 3224 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota. This traditional patriotic concert offers us a chance to reflect on the lives of service women and men who have paid the ultimate sacrifice to defend our country while in uniform. We proudly salute them for their service to the United States and securing freedom around the world. Meet the Music with Dr. Holt is May 15, 6 p.m., at Art to Walk On, 16 S. Palm Avenue, Sarasota.