Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota Announces April Concerts

March 5, 2025 | Sarasota

Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota presents classical violinist/fiddler Tessa Lark on April 8 at First Congregational United Church of Christ. This Ernie Kretzmer Memorial Concert is preceded by a special reception with Lark at Michael’s Wine Cellar. French Connection – rescheduled from October – is April 15 at First Congregational United Church of Christ. The final soirée concerts of the season, Power Couple, take place April 20 and 21 at the Fischer/Weisenborne residence. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit ArtistSeriesConcerts.org or call (941) 306-1202.

Violinist Tessa Lark is one of the most unique and captivating artistic voices of our time. Nominated in 2020 for a Grammy in the best classical instrumental solo category, she is also a highly acclaimed fiddler in the tradition of her native Kentucky. This program is comprised of original works inspired by her combination of classical training and Appalachian upbringing – a style she lovingly calls “Stradgrass” – and works by Telemann, Bach, Ysaÿe, and more. Tickets are $43 (general seating) and $63 (VIP seating) for this concert on April 8, 7:30 p.m. at First Congregational United Church of Christ.

Prior to the Lark concert, Artist Series Concerts pays tribute to Ernie Kretzmer, whose unwavering support played a crucial role in the success of the organization. The pre-concert reception is April 8, 5:00 p.m. at Michael’s Wine Cellar and features a special appearance by Lark, and wine, beer, and hors d’oeuvres. A separate ticket ($100, limited availability) is required for the reception.

French Connection features French-born violinist Arnaud Sussmann and pianist Michael Stephen Brown. These two international superstars have been heard in recitals and with major orchestras across Europe, Israel, and the United States, and have been featured on PBS Live broadcasts as Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center artists. Rescheduled from October due to a hurricane, their concert of French music, including sonatas by Debussy and Saint-Saëns, takes place on April 15, 7:30 p.m. at First Congregational United Church of Christ. Tickets are $43 for general seating and $63 for VIP seating.

Power Couple Diana Cohen and Roman Rabinovich have forged extraordinary careers as soloists, chamber musicians, and orchestral leaders. Cohen serves as concertmaster of the Calgary Philharmonic, founder and co-artistic director of the acclaimed ChamberFest Cleveland, and has appeared at esteemed festivals worldwide. Rabinovich made his Israel Philharmonic debut under Zubin Mehta at the age of 10.

He regularly appears as soloist with many of the world’s great orchestras and in recitals in prestigious concert halls around the globe. These Soirée series concerts – April 20 and 21, 4:00 p.m. in the music room of the Fischer/Weisenborne residence – include music by Clara Schumann, Schubert, Strauss, and Lutoslawski. Limited tickets ($65) remain for these final soirée concerts of the season.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit ArtistSeriesConcerts.org or call (941) 306-1202.

Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota, Inc.’s 2024-2025 season is supported in part by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County; The Exchange; Gulf Coast Community Foundation; National Endowment for the Arts; and Sarasota County Tourist Development Tax Revenues.