Baroque Music and Local Craft Beer – a Perfect Combination!

January 15, 2025 | Sarasota

Key Chorale Chamber Singers and Church of the Redeemer present a 2-day, 3-concert festival February 7-8, celebrating music of the Baroque and the hoppy essence of beer. Corporate sponsor Calusa Brewing will feature several of its fall beers as a part of the festival’s opening Biergarten Experience with German food and dancing to Bill Milner’s Oompah Band as well as the Saturday night pre-concert reception. Rescheduled after the hurricanes in October, this is the second year that Key Chorale and Church of the Redeemer will team up.

“it is such a rare treat in our area to hear one full concert of music from the Baroque period,” said Maestro Joseph Caulkins. “We are excited to present three concerts in one weekend, from period instruments, to full chamber orchestra and chamber singers highlighting two titans of the Baroque, Handel and Vivaldi, there will be truly be something for everyone.”

The festival will feature a star-studded cast of performers, chamber orchestra, and chamber chorus. Ten guest artists will be spotlighted during the festival including, Daniel Jordan, Concertmaster of the Sarasota Orchestra, mezzo-soprano Thea Lobo, organist Sam Nelson, baritone Ryne Cherry and 2-time Grammy Award Nominee soprano Yulia Van Doren.

Van Doren will be featured in the opening and closing concerts, including Vivaldi’s popular Gloria and a In furore iustissimae irae, one of his most virtuosic vocal compositions ever written.

“Julia Van Doren, is an exceptionally talented soprano with a soaring, brilliantly ringing voice,” said Maestro Joseph Caulkins. “I am thrilled she can join us for this festival. Her dazzling coloratura will be on full display as well as her sensitive musicianship so perfect for this style of music.”

Each concert highlights a composer or style. The opening concerts features the festive sounds of trumpets and timpani. The organ recital celebrates the music of J.S. Bach, including a unique visual component, and followed by a gourmet “Bach’s” lunch. The Saturday night program will present music of the French Baroque period, all played on period instruments, instruments from the time of Bach.

2-Day Festival Schedule

Friday, February 7, 5:30 PM | Biergarten Experience

A Biergarten Experience of German food, beers from Calusa Brewing, and music from Bill Miner’s Oompah Band.

Friday, February 7, 7:00 PM | Opening Night Concert – Titans of Baroque

Experience two Titans of the Baroque era. Vivaldi composed more than 500 concertos, none more famous than The Four Seasons. We will feature Sarasota Orchestra concertmaster Daniel Jordan in Autumn, Grammy-nominated soprano Yulia Van Doren will display her dazzling coloratura in one of his most virtuosic compositions and will combine soloist Thea Lobo for his popular Gloria. Handel’s festive sounds of trumpets and timpani permeate the occasion with works written for the coronation of King George II and the rarely heard Te Deum commemorating the British victory and the King’s safe return from the Battle of Dettingen.

Saturday, February 8, 11:30 AM | Organ Recital & Bach’s Lunch

Last year you heard Sam Nelson’s red-blooded Bach. This year, we bring you Psychedelic Bach. Sam Nelson will present an all-Bach organ program with colorful visualizations not to be missed. Tickets buyers can also enjoy a gourmet “Bach’s” lunch.

Featuring: Passacaglia and Fugue in C-Minor, Concerto Grosso in D Minor, Gigue Fugue in G Major 

Saturday, February 8, 7:30 PM | Period instruments Chamber Music Concert – French Baroque

Join us for a program of ravishing and exciting French Baroque chamber music we’re calling La Fièvre du Samedi Soir (Saturday Night Fever). You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll want to stand up and dance! Featuring works by Jean-Philippe Rameau, François Couperin, Élisabeth Jacquet de La Guerre, and Jean-Baptiste Lully.

Saturday Night Ticket Buyers & Pass Holders: Join us from 6:30-7:15 PM for a Pre-Concert Reception.

Festival Details:
February 7 & 8, 2025
All concerts & Biergarten take place at Church of the Redeemer, 222 S Palm Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
Tickets can be purchased online at KeyChorale.org or by calling 941-552-8768. Prices range from $15-$45. Save 15% on the 2-day pass.