A Lifelong Love for Music: Lydia Landa and Sarasota Orchestra

By Kaileia Suvannamaccha | Photo by Harry Sayer | March 2025

Lydia Landa’s passion for music has carried her across continents, from attending performances at The Royal Ballet in London to world-class concerts at Lincoln Center in New York. 

Growing up in Lisbon, Portugal, she had a variety of musical influences but developed a deep love for classical compositions. This lifelong passion sought out a cultural venue: Sarasota. Upon her arrival, she attended a Sarasota Orchestra concert at Holley Hall conducted by Leif Bjaland, and instantly knew she made the right decision—moving to the city she has called home for the past 35 years.

At 60, she embarked on a new musical journey—learning to play piano and to read music. Together, with her esteemed piano teacher, she attended many concerts at the Van Wezel. “We always sat where we could see the pianist’s hands,” she recalls. “To this day, I attend most of Sarasota Orchestra’s wonderful concerts and programs.”

After all these years, her dedication to Sarasota Orchestra has only deepened. As a passionate patron and advocate, she has become a vital force in supporting and championing all that Sarasota Orchestra has to offer.

The Power of Music

Beyond her personal love for music, Lydia recognizes the profound role that the arts play in enriching the community. “It is so important for our youth. It is important for anybody, really, whether you are young or old,” she emphasizes. 

She believes music’s influence begins even before birth. “We know that babies love music even in the womb, right? So, music is incredibly, incredibly important for everybody.”  Lydia also acknowledges the challenges arts organizations face, particularly when funding is at risk. “If funds are taken away, Sarasota Orchestra would have a much more difficult time,” she warns.

Having evolved significantly over the years with talented leadership and musicians propelling it forward, Sarasota Orchestra is touching more people with music than ever before, and Lydia is committed to ensuring its continued success. 

She serves on the advisory board as the membership chair of the Sarasota Orchestra Friends, a group that fosters advocacy for Sarasota Orchestra’s concert and education programs and hosts several social events throughout the Orchestra’s season. “Most recently, we had tea for 130 people at The Ritz Carlton with a wonderful performance by the Orchestra’s resident wind quintet. Our soloists are very inspiring.”

Investing in the Next Generation

Lydia’s contributions go beyond fundraising and social events. She is deeply committed to Sarasota Orchestra’s educational outreach and youth programs. Supporting young musicians is a major focus of her philanthropy, as she believes in nurturing future talent by providing meaningful opportunities for growth.

One initiative especially dear to her heart is the Side-by-Side Concert, in which young musicians perform alongside seasoned professionals. “The faces of these young people just beam when they sit next to the professionals,” she shares.

Sarasota Orchestra is also preparing for an exciting milestone—the development of its new Music Center, which is expected to open in the 2029-2030 season. Recently, Sarasota Orchestra announced a $60 million investment by an anonymous donor for the new Music Center, saying in its press release that “this extraordinary contribution is one of the largest gifts to any orchestra nationwide and a record-setting philanthropic investment for performing arts organizations in Florida.”

The new Music Center will elevate the region’s reputation among world-class arts destinations. In addition to an acoustically pristine concert hall, plans for the project include a flexible-use performance space, native landscaping to ensure a resilient and park-like community destination, and multiple rehearsal and practice rooms. The Music Center will also scale Sarasota Orchestra’s impact on education, providing expanded space and opportunities for the growth of youth orchestra programs that are operating at capacity with eight student ensembles engaging students from 100 schools in the Sarasota and Manatee area.

Beyond the Stage

Lydia also highlights Sarasota Orchestra’s broader impact, particularly its outreach efforts. Many musicians participate in community programs, bringing music to prisons, women’s shelters, and schools, among others. “Not only do they play repertoire, but they teach and do outreach,” she says. “It’s very impressive and impactful for the community.”

Despite challenges that arts organizations often face, particularly with funding, Lydia remains optimistic about the future. She acknowledges the importance of philanthropic support in sustaining and expanding artistic initiatives, ensuring that music remains accessible to all. “Sarasota Orchestra depends on its wonderful sponsors and donors,” she notes. “And they truly make a difference.”

At 80 years old, Landa continues to embrace each week as an opportunity to learn something new. Whether it is attending an exhilarating concert featuring a Mexican composer or bringing new friends to experience Sarasota Orchestra for the first time, she remains as engaged and passionate as ever. 

Her lifelong love for music and the arts has not only enhanced her own life but has also played a pivotal role in shaping Sarasota’s vibrant cultural landscape.

“I don’t need people to know about me,” she says humbly. “I need them to know about Sarasota Orchestra—how talented the musicians are and how much they contribute to the community.”

Dedicated and generous philanthropic partners like Lydia Landa help ensure Sarasota Orchestra will continue to inspire, uplift, and transform lives for generations to come. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION or to get involved, visit sarasotaorchesta.org.