Sarasota Orchestra

About

Since 1949, Sarasota Orchestra has inspired and entertained music-lovers across the region and visitors from around the world. As the oldest continuously operating orchestra in the state of Florida, the 76-member Orchestra performs more than 100 classical, pops, chamber music, and community outreach concerts each year. Sarasota Orchestra is also the parent program of the world-renowned Sarasota Music Festival, founded in 1965. The Orchestra announced GRAMMY®-winning conductor Giancarlo Guerrero as its seventh music director in 2024.

Sarasota Orchestra is now in the design phase of building a Music Center that will become an international arts destination and expand the region’s cultural capacity for many generations. With plans to open in the 2029-2030 concert season, the Music Center will elevate the Sarasota area to new artistic heights with something brand new to Florida's Cultural Coast: a concert hall purpose-built for acoustic music.

Sarasota Orchestra programs five flagship concert series each season, while special concerts such as Outdoor Pops at Ed Smith Stadium and live-to-film movie concerts bring the magic of live orchestra to new audiences.

Masterworks Series 
The Masterworks series brings symphonic blockbusters to life alongside vibrant works by contemporary composers. Orchestral masterpieces, dynamic guest conductors, and world-class soloists are all showcased in a rich, symphonic experience. Performances take place at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall and Neel Performing Arts Center.

Pops Series
The Pops series delivers popular favorites and everlasting classics from crowd-pleasing genres from Broadway to movie music, soul, and rock ‘n’ roll. Sarasota Orchestra musicians are joined by dynamic vocalists to perform the hits. Pops performances take place at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.

Great Escapes Series

The Great Escapes series is one of Sarasota Orchestra’s most popular, offering a mix of light classics and popular favorites in themed programs. Conductors share stories and commentary throughout each performance. Great Escapes performances take place at Holley Hall.

Chamber Soirées Series

Chamber music lovers enjoy this concert series, featuring performances by resident ensembles of Orchestra musicians. Chamber Soirées take place at Holley Hall.

Discoveries Series

The Discoveries series features 75-minute programs designed to be accessible and intriguing to both newcomers and those experienced with classical music. Performances take place at the Sarasota Opera House.

Sarasota Music Festival

Held for three weeks each June, the Sarasota Music Festival (SMF) is a magical combination of youthful promise and acclaimed talent. Since its inception in 1965, SMF has gained renown as one of the world's most innovative and inspiring summer festivals. More than 400 young artists apply for coveted fellowships, with approximately 60 being accepted into the program each year. An esteemed roster of faculty artists joins them in intensive study and performance of chamber music. As the fellows and faculty artists gain invaluable experiences in musical collaboration, local music-lovers get a Festival immersion in concerts, masterclasses, and scholar talks that serve to shape the next generation of musical giants. Learn more about the Festival at SarasotaMusicFestival.org.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit SarasotaOrchestra.org or call the box office at (941) 953-3434. 

The box office is located at 709 N. Tamiami Trail, in the Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center.