Sarasota Orchestra March Concerts

February 16, 2024 – Sarasota

This March, Sarasota Orchestra takes the stage with a variety of programs that will thrill music lovers across genres. Audiences will enjoy a celebration of the 100^th anniversary of the premiere of George Gershwin’s jazz-infused Rhapsody in Blue, timeless classics from the American rock ’n’ roll songbook and a musical adventure in honor of Saint Patrick’s Day. To close the month, families are invited to join Sarasota Orchestra for Peter and the Wolf, Prokofiev’s “symphonic fairy tale for children,” presented in English and in Spanish.

Pops:  The Music of Paul Simon, James Taylor, and Neil Diamond

Michael Cavanaugh returns to Sarasota to perform some of the best-known tunes by the greatest singer-songwriters of our time. Led by conductor Christopher Confessore, the program features American rock ’n’ roll classics, including Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline,” James Taylor’s “Your Smiling Face” and Paul Simon’s “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” as well as over a dozen more unforgettable hits.

A charismatic performer, musician and actor, Michael Cavanaugh received acclaim for his piano/lead vocals in the Broadway musical Movin’ Out. Christopher Confessore currently serves as Principal POPS Conductor of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra. 

When:

Friday, March 1, 7:30pm

Saturday, March 2, 2:30pm 

Saturday, March 2, 7:30pm

Where: Van Wezel

How:  Visit SarasotaOrchestra.org or call the Box Office at (941) 953-3434.

Great Escapes: Luck of The Irish

Conductor Steven Jarvi leads Sarasota Orchestra through a shamrock-filled tour to pay homage to the music of the Emerald Isle. This up-tempo program includes songs from Leroy Anderson’s Irish Suite, such as “The Wearing of the Green” and “The Girl I Left Behind Me,” Percy Grainger’s “Shepherd’s Hey” and “Irish Tune from County Derry” (better known as “Danny Boy”), Benjamin Britten’s folk song medley Irish Reel, and many more.

Described as an “decisive and eloquent” conductor by The Wall Street Journal, Steven Jarvi most recently served as the Resident Conductor of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra.

When:

Wednesday, March 6, 5:30pm

Thursday, March 7, 7:30pm

Friday, March 8, 5:30pm

Saturday, March 9, 7:30pm

Sunday, March 10, 4:00pm 

Where: Holley Hall

How:  Visit SarasotaOrchestra.org or call the Box Office at (941) 953-3434.

Masterworks: Rhapsody in Blue @ 100

Under the direction of Creative Partner Peter Oundjian, Sarasota Orchestra celebrates the 100^th anniversary of the premiere of George Gershwin’s jazz-infused Rhapsody in Blue. American pianist Michelle Cann joins as the soloist for the iconic piece, as well as Florence Price’s Piano Concerto. The concert opens with the wit of Rossini’s Overture to The Thieving Magpie and closes with Tchaikovsky’s emotionally packed Fifth Symphony. 

Regarded as “a pianist of sterling artistry” (Gramophone), pianist Michelle Cann made her orchestral debut at age fourteen. Conductor Peter Oundjian is Conductor Emeritus of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra.

When/Where:

Thursday, March 14, 7:30pm | Neel Performing Arts Center

Friday, March 15, 7:30pm | Van Wezel

Saturday, March 16, 7:30pm | Van Wezel

Sunday, March 17, 2:30pm | Van Wezel

How:  Visit SarasotaOrchestra.org or call the Box Office at (941) 953-3434.

Chamber Soirée: Classics for Wind and Brass

Sarasota Orchestra’s wind and brass quintets take center stage in a program of masterpieces. Danish composer Carl Nielsen’s Wind Quintet demonstrates the sounds and personalities of each individual instrument, while Victor Ewald’s Quintet No. 3 showcases the performers’ prowess as it gifts the audience with a Romantic-era gem.

When: Thursday, March 21, 5:30pm

Where: Holley Hall

How:  Visit SarasotaOrchestra.org or call the Box Office at (941) 953-3434.

Family Concert: Peter and the Wolf

Sarasota Orchestra presents an afternoon of symphonic fun for the whole family. Led by Alexander Jiménez, the Orchestra will entertain audience members of all ages in this 60-minute concert featuring Peter and the Wolf, Prokofiev’s “symphonic fairy tale for children” narrated by Victor Fernandez, and other familiar favorites. Tickets start at just $5, with an English version of the performance at 1:00pm and a Spanish version at 4:00pm. Families are invited to come early or stay after the concert for educational activities.

When:

Sunday, March 24, 1:00pm (English)

Sunday, March 24, 4:00pm (Spanish)

Where: Holley Hall

How:  Visit SarasotaOrchestra.org or call the Box Office at (941) 953-3434.