Choral Artists of Sarasota presents “Choral Cinemagic!”

January 12, 2024 – Sarasota

Choral Artists of Sarasota’s 45^th season continues with “Choral Cinemagic!” featuring an evening of award-winning songs of the cinema, Sunday, February 4, 7 p.m., at First Presbyterian Church, 2050 Oak Street, Sarasota. Joining the Choral Artists chorus and soloists are professional area-based musicians. Tickets are $40, general admission; and $5 for students. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.ChoralArtistsSarasota.org or call 941-387-4900.

“Music for the movies is an integral part of the cinematic experience, underscoring dramatic intent and creating moods for a character or scene,” says Joseph Holt, artistic director and conductor. “The emotional impact of the movies would not be the same without a complementary musical score. This program highlights the hits from the movies in creative medleys featuring music from all genres of the movies plus a special look at movies that were inspired by music.”

Holt adds that the program includes a medley of award-winning James Bond movie songs arranged by Ned Ginsburg, including “Goldfinger,” “Live and Let Die,” and “Diamonds Are Forever.” Other selections are arranged by Mac Huff and include popular music from “Sister Act,” and “Momma Mia!” Featuring soloists from Choral Artists and the entire chorus, the performance concludes with an extended medley featuring Oscar-winning songs from the past century plus hits from favorite movies throughout the 20^th century.

The Choral Artists of Sarasota’s 2023-2024 season schedule:

• Choral Cinemagic: Featuring popular movie music, including from the James Bond films, “Momma Mia!,” “Sister Act,” and a medley of all-time favorites. Sunday, February 4, 7 p.m., at First Presbyterian Church, 2050 Oak Street, Sarasota. Tickets: Tickets: $40; students $5.

• Abraham Lincoln Walks at Midnight: Featuring the Florida premiere of “Abraham Lincoln Walks at Midnight” by Florence Price, a moving depiction of the man burdened by the tragedies of the modern world, based on the poem by Vachel Lindsay. Price is an African American composer whose works were lost during the middle of the 20th century and later discovered in an attic trunk in 2009. Also performed will be Joseph Haydn’s “Lord Nelson Mass,” also known as “Mass in a Time of Anxiety,” recognized as one of his greatest compositions.Sunday, March 10, 7 p.m., at Church of the Palms, 3224 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota. Tickets: Tickets: $40; students $5.

• Considering Matthew Shepard: Featuring Craig Hella Johnson’s “Considering Matthew Shepard,” a modern-day “Passion” (modeled after the great “Passions” of J.S. Bach) that tells the story of Matthew Shepard, a gay American student at the University of Wyoming who was beaten, tortured, and left to die near Laramie on the night of October 6, 1998. In partnership with Embracing Our Differences, Project Pride, ALSO Youth, and the First Congregational Church UCC, this beautiful musical story transcends tragedy. Sunday, April 14, 7 p.m., at Church of the Palms, 3224 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota. Tickets: Tickets: $40; students $5.

• Memorial Day Concert: United We Stand: The Choral Artists teams with the Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble to perform a moving tribute to those in the armed forces who have made the ultimate sacrifice. This concert is also the kick-off for the group’s tour to France to participate in the 80th anniversary of D-Day in Normandy. Sunday, May 26, 4 p.m., at Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Avenue, Sarasota. Tickets: $30-60; students $5.

• D-Day Commemoration Journey: June 3-11. Choral Artists of Sarasota has been invited by Historic Programs, which partners with the Department of Defense, Office of Commemorations, to be the principal choral ensemble for the 80th D-Day anniversary commemorations in France in June. In addition to participating in commemoration ceremonies at the cemeteries in Normandy and Brittany, the group will perform a concert in the town square at Sainte-Mère-Église in Normandy and also at L’église de la Madeleine in Paris. Choral Artists is inviting the public to join them on this journey. For more information, contact info@ChoralArtististsSarasota.org.

The Choral Artists of Sarasota comprises 32 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 Ann Stephenson Moe Apprentice Scholarship, a funding program to support private lessons, vocal training at an institution of higher learning, or other expenses related to advancing their musical education. “Ensuring the future of choral music means investing in the next generation of musicians,” says Susan Burke, executive director of Choral Artists of Sarasota. “That means engaging young people on their own terms.”