Choral Artists of Sarasota Announces 2022-2023 Season

August 31 – Sarasota

Choral Artists of Sarasota’s 44^th season, entitled “United in Song,” features five concerts in October, December, March, April, and July. A season highlight includes the Florida premiere of “The Children’s March,” a moving oratorio by composer Andrew Bleckner that takes audiences on a journey to an historical event during the Civil Rights Era of the 1960s, with Charlayne Hunter-Gault as narrator. Other performances include “Say a Little Prayer,” featuring spiritual songs from different cultures and faiths; “Peace on Earth,” a holiday concert with traditional holiday carols that are interspersed with “In Terra Pax,” a work of childlike serenity by British composer Gerald Finzi; and an April concert featuring Bach’s pastoral setting of the Twenty-third Psalm paired with Mozart’s Requiem, a poignant contemplation of eternity. The group’s popular July 4^th concert, “American Fanfare,” will be performed at the Sarasota Opera House with the Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble.

Artistic Director Joseph Holt says, “These performances speak to our common humanity as people of faith, people yearning for peace in a discordant world, people seeking justice, people finding consolation in music, and people enjoying the freedoms afforded us by our American principles. Five performances that bring us together through song, a symphony of vocal sound that expresses our inner thoughts and emotions. ‘United in Song’ takes us on a journey of renewal, with hope for a brighter future for all.”

Holt will also illuminate the creative process, presenting “Meet the Music” prior to each concert throughout the season.  Each will focus on the upcoming concert with a special guest joining the conversation and performance. “Meet the Music” programs are held at Art to Walk On at 16 South Palm Avenue in downtown Sarasota, 5:30-7 p.m., with a wine and hors d’oeuvre reception. Planned dates are October 20, December 1, February 23, April 13 and June 22.  Guest artists for the performance season include sopranos Adelaide Boedecker and Danielle Talamantes; Laurel Semerdjian, alto; tenors John Kaneklides and J. Warren Mitchell; and baritones Kerry Wilkerson and William Socolof.  Ticket holders can also attend the final piano rehearsal as a bonus; see the website for details.

This year’s season is sponsored, in part, by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture, the Florida Council on Arts and Culture, and the National Endowment for the Arts.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.ChoralArtistsSarasota.org or call 941-387-4900.