Sarasota Orchestra showcases “Discoveries”

Sarasota Orchestra introduces a new series, Discoveries, for the upcoming 2017 – 2018 season. The series consists of three 75-minute programs of shorter works, accessible and intriguing to newcomers to classical music. Each concert will include an optional ‘talk back’ session with the conductor and the soloist after the performance. 

“Our goal with the Discoveries series is to welcome audiences who may not have experienced classical music before or long-time classical music fans who are looking for something different from our Masterworks series … we were hearing from audience members that they wanted to sample a larger number of shorter works, ideally in a format that doesn’t include an intermission. There is great music that is really accessible, by living composers, and we wanted to ensure that offering as well. Those criteria, as well as featuring orchestra members as soloists, were given to each of the three conductors. From there they built three interesting programs,” says Joseph McKenna, President and CEO of the Sarasota Orchestra.

“This is all about creating a different quality experience that is rooted in the same Sarasota Orchestra quality. Even performing it in a different venue from our Masterworks concerts and the chamber soirees was a series goal. Everything we have done has been in line with the goal of a fresh experience for classical music, including selecting three rising conductors in order to add variety.”

The Discoveries concert series will be at the historic Sarasota Opera House on September 23, January 6 and May 5.   

DISCOVERIES 1: RENAISSANCE

Saturday, September 23, 2017, 7:30pm, Sarasota Opera House

Steven Jarvi, conductor

Betsy Traba, flute

RESPIGHI  |  Ancient Airs and Dances, Suite 1

FOSS | Renaissance Concerto
 - Betsy Traba, flute

WALKER | Lyric for Strings

MOZART | Symphony No. 25

DISCOVERIES 2: MUSICAL LANDSCAPES

Saturday, January 6, 2018, 7:30pm, Sarasota Opera House

Stefan Sanders, conductor

Natalie Helm, cello

SMETANA | The Moldau

WHITACRE | The River Cam

Natalie Helm, cello

COPLAND | Suite from The Tender Land

BARBER | Souvenirs

MAXWELL DAVIES | An Orkney Wedding, With Sunrise

    Gary Reinstrom, bagpipes

DISCOVERIES 3: CITY SOUNDS

Saturday, May 5, 2018, 7:30pm, Sarasota Opera House

Aram Demirjian, conductor

Jonathan Spivey, piano

Michael Austin, English horn

BEETHOVEN | Overture to The Ruins of Athens

BOCCHERIN | Quintet No. 2 (Night Music of the Streets of Madrid)

ADDINSELL | Warsaw Concerto

   Jonathan Spivey , piano

BERNSTEIN | Three Dances from Fancy Free

COPLAND | Quiet City

   Michael Austin, English horn         

GRUBER | Manhattan Broadcasts

Flex pass packages, including the Discoveries Series go on sale on August 20^th.  Single concert ticket sales begin September 5.  For more information visit www.SarasotaOrchestra.org or call the Box Office at (941) 953-3434.