Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota opens 28th season on October 1
Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota opens its 28th season, Stars Ascending, on October 1, 4:00 p.m. with a concert in the new Sunday Best series presented at First Presbyterian Church. Chicago-based collective NEXUS Chamber Music creates unique and engaging classical music experiences. Since its inaugural season in 2018, NEXUS has grown into a classical chamber music tour de force. Co-founder Alexander Hersh said, “What if the boundaries surrounding the experience of classical music ceased to exist? For us, NEXUS Chamber Music is a programming playground, where no stone is left unturned in the quest to expand upon the stories that great chamber music can offer.” Their program features Haydn’s Trio No. 39 in G major, Hob. XV/25 “Gypsy Trio”; Ravel’s Trio in a minor; and Brahms’ Trio in B major, Op. 8. Tickets are $40.
The new Piano Forte series kicks off October 10, 7:30 p.m. at the Historic Asolo Theater with Russian pianist Ilya Yakushev. Winner of the 2005 World Piano Competition, Yakushev has performed at Carnegie Hall, Davies Symphony Hall in San Francisco, and as soloist with major orchestras across three continents. He will be joined by a string quartet, including Daniel Jordan, concertmaster of the Sarasota Orchestra, in a performance of the Shostakovich Piano Quintet. Mussorgsky’s “Pictures at an Exhibition,” accompanied by images, concludes the concert. Tickets are $30-$50.
Bass-baritone Joseph Parrish, accompanied by pianist Joseph Holt, opens the Lighter Fare series on October 18. Winner of the 2022 Young Concert Artists Susan Wadsworth International Auditions, 24-year-old Parrish is a versatile artist who will sing traditional spirituals, opera arias, and music from the Broadway stage. The 5:30 p.m. performance is followed by dinner at Plantation Golf & Country Club in Venice. Tickets cost $78 (includes dinner).
The first concert in the Soirée series, held in the one-of-a-kind music room of the Fischer/Weisenborne residence, features Amit Peled, cello, and Solomon Eichner, piano. Peled is acclaimed as one of the most exciting and virtuosic instrumentalists on the concert stage today. He has performed in prestigious venues across the U.S. and Europe, released 12 recordings, and was named one of the top 30 influencers of 2015 by Musical America. Eichner’s performances across the U.S. and Europe have earned wide acclaim. Their program, which features a variety of music by American composers, is offered on October 29 and October 30 at 4:00 p.m. Tickets are $60 (includes refreshments following each performance).
For tickets and more information, visit Artist Series Concerts or call (941) 306-1202.
Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota, Inc.’s 2023-2024 season is supported in part by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County; Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Council of Arts and Culture and the State of Florida (Section 286.25 Florida Statutes); The Exchange; Gulf Coast Community Foundation; National Endowment for the Arts; Sarasota County Tourist Development Tax Revenues; and the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
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Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota was formed in 1996 as Artist Series of Sarasota. The non-profit organization promotes excellence in live musical performances by presenting acknowledged stars of the next generation to audiences of Florida’s Gulf Coast. The organization also seeks to spark a lifelong love of the musical arts by providing young people with interactive music experiences via performance-based outreach programs in area schools, thereby creating unique learning opportunities for hundreds of students and educators each year. In addition, Artist Series Concerts has awarded over $375,000 to 141 gifted young musicians from Sarasota and Manatee counties and around the country. Past winners have gone on to study at leading music conservatories and pursue successful music careers. For more information, visit Artist Series Concerts.
Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota
2023-2024 Season at a Glance
Sunday Best
NEXUS Chamber Music
Stephanie Zyzak, violin; Alexander Hersh, cello; Evren Ozel, piano
Featured Emerging Artists
Sunday, October 1, 2023, 4:00 pm
First Presbyterian Church, 2050 Oak Street, Sarasota, FL 34237
Following their enormously successful Artist Series Concerts debut in 2022, NEXUS Chamber Music returns to open our 28th season. This Chicago-based chamber music collective’s mission is to create unique and engaging classical music experiences for an ever-broadening audience. NEXUS co-founder Alexander Hersh is joined by Marlboro Music Festival alums Stephanie Zyzak and Evren Ozel in a program of piano trios by Haydn, Brahms, and Ravel. Single ticket: $40. Artists sponsored by Bruce Ensinger and Clark Denham.
Piano Forte
Ilya Yakushev
Tuesday, October 10, 2023, 7:30 pm
Historic Asolo Theater, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota, FL 34243
Winner of the 2005 World Piano Competition, Russian pianist Ilya Yakushev has astounded audiences with performances at Carnegie Hall, Davies Symphony Hall in San Francisco, and as soloist with major orchestras across three continents. He will be joined by a string quartet, including Daniel Jordan, concertmaster of the Sarasota Orchestra, in a performance of the Shostakovich Piano Quintet. Mussorgsky’s “Pictures at an Exhibition,” accompanied by images, concludes this extraordinary concert. Single ticket: $30-$50. Concert sponsored by J. Russell and Margarete Wiltshire.
Lighter Fare
Joseph Parrish, bass-baritone
Featured Emerging Artist
with Joseph Holt, piano
Wednesday, October 18, 2023, 5:30 pm performance followed by dinner
Plantation Golf and Country Club, 500 Rockley Boulevard, Venice, FL 34239
Joseph Parrish’s rich bass-baritone voice has been heard in major opera houses, concert halls and cathedrals across the country. Winner of the 2022 Young Concert Artists Susan Wadsworth International Auditions, 24-year-old Parrish is a versatile artist who will sing traditional spirituals, opera arias, and music from the Broadway stage. Single ticket: $78. Series sponsored by Don and JoAnn Burhart and Kandy Kaak. Artists sponsored by FRIENDS of Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota.
Soirée
Amit Peled, cello and Solomon Eichner, piano
Sunday, October 29, 2023, 4:00 pm
Monday, October 30, 2023, 4:00 pm
Fischer/Weisenborne Residence, 7459 Cabbage Palm Court, Sarasota, FL 34241
Praised by The Strad and The New York Times, internationally renowned cellist Amit Peled is acclaimed as one of the most exciting and virtuosic instrumentalists on the concert stage today. He has performed in prestigious venues across the U.S. and Europe, released 12 recordings, and was named one of the top 30 influencers of 2015 by Musical America. Peled will be joined by Polish American pianist Solomon Eichner, whose performances across the U.S. and Europe have earned wide acclaim. Their program features a variety of music by American composers. Single ticket: $60. Series sponsored by Sora Yelin in loving memory of Cary Yelin.
Lunch and Listen
The Chopin Project® featuring Matthew Graybil, piano
Featured Emerging Artist
Thursday, November 2, 2023, 11:00 am performance followed by luncheon
Sarasota Yacht Club, 1100 John Ringling Boulevard, Sarasota, FL 34236
A prize winner in multiple national and international competitions, Matthew Graybil has been heard in recital at venues across the U.S., Europe, and Mexico. He began his association with the Chopin Project® in 2016, releasing a widely acclaimed recording of Chopin études. This concert features music by Chopin and other romantic era composers. Single ticket: $68.
Lighter Fare
Sunset Serenade
Justice Miguel Yates, bass-baritone; Kaylan Hernandez, soprano; Grace Lauther, soprano
Featured Emerging Artists
with Joseph Holt, piano
Thursday, November 16, 2023, 5:30 pm
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 1534 Mound Street, Sarasota, FL 34236
The three winners of the Artist Series Concerts 2023 Statewide Vocal Competition are Florida natives pursuing advanced degrees at Yale, the Cincinnati Conservatory, and the Eastman School of Music. Bringing their talents back to Florida for this special performance, this program features art songs, arias and duos from Mozart’s “Marriage of Figaro,” and African American spirituals. Single ticket: $40. Series sponsored by Don and JoAnn Burhart and Kandy Kaak.
Special Event
“Caesar!” and the Markov Family
Alexander Markov, violin and electric violin; Marina Markov, violin; Albert Markov, violin
with Key Chorale and the Booker High School VPA Choir
Saturday, November 18, 2023, 4:00 pm
Church of the Palms, 3224 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota, FL 34239
A true special event, internationally celebrated violinist Alexander Markov combines a marvelous program of beloved violin classics with his own extraordinary rock and roll oratorio, “Caesar!” The son of acclaimed violinists Marina and Albert Markov, Alexander features their artistry alongside his own in a selection of masterpieces for violin duo and trio. After intermission, Alexander takes the stage with his gold electric violin and brings the tale of Caesar to life. Key Chorale and the Booker High School VPA Choir will share the stage with Alexander, a rhythm section, organ, and orchestral musicians in this unique and unforgettable performance. Single ticket: $40 and $60. Concert sponsored by J. Russell and Margarete Wiltshire, Charlotte and Charles Perret, Toni Alperin Goldberg, and The Exchange. Artists sponsored by Peter Kretzmer and Melody Genson.
Lunch and Listen
Sang Yoon Kim, clarinet and Christine Kim, oboe
with Joseph Holt, piano
Thursday, November 30, 2023, 11:00 am performance followed by luncheon
Sarasota Yacht Club, 1100 John Ringling Boulevard, Sarasota, FL 34236
Sang Yoon Kim is the principal clarinet of the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra and has been heard as soloist with orchestras worldwide. Christine Kim is the principal oboe of the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra and performed as guest principal oboe of the Sarasota Orchestra for two seasons. This woodwind power couple’s program includes trios as well as sonatas. Single ticket: $68. Artists sponsored by James H Johnson Jr MD PA.
Sunday Best
The Queen’s Six
Elisabeth Paul, Tom Lilburn, alto; Nicholas Madden, Dominic Bland, tenor; Andrew Thompson, Simon Whiteley, baritone/bass
Sunday, December 17, 2023, 2:00 pm
First Presbyterian Church, 2050 Oak Street, Sarasota, FL 34237
Direct from Windsor Castle where they work and live, The Queen’s Six is an extraordinary vocal sextet drawn from the lay clerks of St. George’s Chapel. In addition to their royal duties, members of the Queen’s Six perform in concert, bringing their glorious voices to centuries of music. Recently featured on “CBS Sunday Morning,” their programs include austere early chant, florid Renaissance polyphony, bawdy madrigals, haunting folk songs, and upbeat jazz and pop arrangements. This program will also include seasonal favorites in the incomparable British tradition. Single ticket: $40. Concert sponsored by David Chivas and Ron Rice.
Piano Forte
Jonathan Mamora
Featured Emerging Artist
Tuesday, January 9, 2024, 7:30 pm
Historic Asolo Theater, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota, FL 34243
Indonesian American pianist Jonathan Mamora has taken the piano world by storm after winning first prize in the Olga Kern International Piano Competition, AntwerPiano International Competition, Dallas International Piano Competition, American Virtuoso International Music Competition, and “Sviatoslav Richter” International Piano Competition. This program includes Schubert’s iconic “Trout” Quintet. Single ticket: $30-$50. Concert sponsored by J. Russell and Margarete Wiltshire.
Lighter Fare
Cavatina Duo
Eugenia Moliner, flute and Denis Azabagic, guitar
Wednesday, January 17, 2024, 5:30 pm performance followed by dinner
Plantation Golf and Country Club, 500 Rockley Boulevard, Venice, FL 34239
The Cavatina Duo’s extravagant program features flamenco, tango, and opera fantasies. Spanish flutist Eugenia Moliner and her husband, Bosnian guitarist Denis Azabagic, have created a fiery duo that has wowed audiences worldwide. Gifted soloists, together they join their talents in an innovative program guaranteed to ignite your imagination! Single ticket: $78. Series sponsored by Don and JoAnn Burhart and Kandy Kaak. Concert sponsored by Peter Kretzmer and Melody Genson.
Lunch and Listen
Chelsea Guo, piano and soprano
Featured Emerging Artist
with Joseph Holt, piano
Thursday, February 1, 2024, 11:00 am performance followed by luncheon
Sarasota Yacht Club, 1100 John Ringling Boulevard, Sarasota, FL 34236
Chelsea Guo is a rare musical double feature. Winner of the 2022 Young Concert Artists Susan Wadsworth International Auditions, she was included in Classic FM’s “Rising Stars: 30 Brilliant Musicians We’re Celebrating in 2022.” Her 2021 debut album, “Chelsea Guo: Chopin in My Voice,” reached #7 on the Billboard classical chart. This program features both vocal and keyboard works. Single ticket: $68. Concert sponsored by Jerold and Lee Dougherty Ross.
Lighter Fare
Empire Wild
Ken Kubota, Mitch Lyon, cello; Ji Kim, piano and vocals
Featured Emerging Artists
Wednesday, February 21, 2024, 5:30 pm
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 1534 Mound Street, Sarasota, FL 34236
Winner of the 2020 Concert Artists Guild Ambassador Prize, Empire Wild is a genre-hopping trio whose performances have been dazzling audiences across the country. The musicians channel their love for musical exploration into their trio by fusing the sounds of pop, folk, jazz and classical into their songwriting and composition. Single ticket: $40. Series sponsored by Don and JoAnn Burhart and Kandy Kaak.
Piano Forte
Lin Ye
Featured Emerging Artist
Saturday, February 24, 2024, 4:00 pm
Church of the Palms, 3224 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota, FL 34239
In 2019, Lin Ye wowed Sarasota audiences in two sold out all-Beethoven programs. Having subsequently performed in prestigious venues worldwide, the former Artist Series Concerts prizewinner returns with a program of works by Rachmaninoff and the chamber version of Chopin’s beloved Piano Concerto #1. Ye will be joined by principal musicians of the Sarasota Orchestra in this not-to-be-missed concert. Single ticket: $40 and $60. Concert sponsored by Renee Hamad.
Sunday Best
Hannah Cope, harp and Marcelina Suchocka, percussion
Featured Emerging Artists
Sunday, March 3, 2024, 4:00 pm
First Presbyterian Church, 2050 Oak Street, Sarasota, FL 34237
Former and current Sarasota Orchestra principal musicians join forces for an innovative program. Hannah Cope made her mark on the harp world as the 2020 winner of the American Harp Society Foundation Grandjany Memorial Competition and is now the principal harpist of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra. When Marcelina Suchocka isn’t in Sarasota, she performs as principal percussion of the Britt Festival Orchestra and as an extra with many major American orchestras. This program features solos from the standard repertoire of each instrument and beloved classics reimagined for marimba and harp duet. Single ticket: $40. Artists sponsored by Miles and Barbara Capron.
Lunch and Listen
Duo Chinoiserie
Jing Xia, Chinese guzheng and Bin Hu, classical guitar
Featured Emerging Artists
Thursday, March 7, 2024, 11:00 am performance followed by luncheon
Sarasota Yacht Club, 1100 John Ringling Boulevard, Sarasota, FL 34236
Surround yourself with the entrancing sounds of this unique project initiated by Chinese guzheng performer Jing Xia and classical guitarist Bin Hu. Their blending of ancient Chinese zither and classical guitar has been described as “sonic alchemy” and is simply unforgettable. Single ticket: $68. Concert sponsored by Mary Elizabeth Carey.
Next Generation
Curtis on Tour 2023-24 String Sextet
Benjamin Beilman, violin; Milena Pajaro-van de Stadt, viola; Oliver Herbert, cello; Curtis Institute of Music students
Featured Emerging Artists
Tuesday, March 12, 2024, 7:30 pm
SCF Neel Performing Arts Center, 5840 26th Street W., Bradenton, FL 34207
The Curtis Institute of Music has long been the most exclusive conservatory in the U.S. and the gold standard for classical music education. Curtis alumni can be found on the rosters of the most elite musical organizations in the world, from orchestras to chamber groups and as coveted soloists. Curtis on Tour brings together three Curtis alumni with three current Curtis students in a powerful program of string sextets by Strauss, Berg, and Brahms. Hear the next generation of gifted musical artists performing side by side with their accomplished mentors. 2023-24 String Sextet appears by special arrangement with Curtis on Tour, the Nina von Maltzahn global touring initiative of the Curtis Institute of Music. Single ticket: $40. Concert sponsored by Cyndi and Howard Mumm.
Soirée
Hina Khuong-Huu, violin
Featured Emerging Artist
with Rohan De Silva, piano
Sunday, March 31, 2024, 4:00 pm
Monday, April 1, 2024, 4:00 pm
Fischer/Weisenborne Residence, 7459 Cabbage Palm Court, Sarasota, FL 34241
Violin Channel “Rising Star” and first prize winner of the 2023 Elmar Oliveira International Violin Competition, Hina Khuong-Huu performs around the globe as soloist and collaborator with many of today’s leading ensembles and musicians. Steinway Artist Rohan De Silva’s collaborations with Itzhak Perlman, Pinchas Zukerman, Midori, Joshua Bell and others have been acclaimed worldwide. Single ticket: $60. Series sponsored by Sora Yelin in loving memory of Cary Yelin. Artists sponsored by Peter and Tova Phillipes.
Lunch and Listen
Boyd Meets Girl
Rupert Boyd, classical guitar and Laura Metcalf, cello
Thursday, April 4, 2024, 11:00 am performance followed by luncheon
Sarasota Yacht Club, 1100 John Ringling Boulevard, Sarasota, FL 34236
Australian classical guitarist Rupert Boyd and his wife, American cellist Laura Metcalf, have toured the world sharing their eclectic mix of music from Debussy and Bach to Radiohead and Beyoncé. Their studio albums have been streamed over three million times. The duo arranges much of their repertoire themselves, drawing inspiration from artists across all genres, and they speak from the stage to create an engaging, conversational concert experience. Single ticket: $68. Artists sponsored by Earl and Charmian Noel.
Piano Forte
Duo Beaux Arts
Catherine Lan, piano and Tao Lin, piano
Tuesday, April 16, 2024, 7:30 pm
Studio for the Performing Arts Recital Hall at State College of Florida, 5840 26th Street W., Bradenton, FL 34207
Founded in 2008 by a husband-and-wife team of internationally renowned pianists, Duo Beaux Arts takes the power of the piano and doubles it. Known for their adrenalized performances, this dynamic duo has performed to critical acclaim across the U.S., Europe, and China. This recital features works for piano “four hands,” and two pianos. Single ticket: $40. Artists sponsored by Robin Radin.
Soirée
Shannon Lee, violin and Ying Li, piano
Featured Emerging Artists
Sunday, April 28, 2024, 4:00 pm
Monday, April 29, 2024, 4:00 pm
Fischer/Weisenborne Residence, 7459 Cabbage Palm Court, Sarasota, FL 34241
First place winners of Artist Series Concerts’ 2017 and 2018 international violin and piano competitions join forces for this spectacular program. Shannon Lee made her solo debut with the Dallas Symphony at age 12. Since then, she has been a prize winner in the Sendai Competition in Japan, the Queen Elisabeth Competition in Belgium, and the Shanghai Isaac Stern Competition. Ying Li won first place of Young Concert Artists 2021 Susan Wadsworth International Auditions, and recently made her Carnegie Hall and Kennedy Center recital debuts. Single ticket: $60. Series sponsored by Sora Yelin in loving memory of Cary Yelin.
Sunday Best
Miró Quartet
Daniel Ching, William Fedkenheuer, violin; John Largess, viola; Joshua Gindele, cello
Sunday, May 5, 2024, 4:00 pm
First Presbyterian Church, 2050 Oak Street, Sarasota, FL 34237
One of America’s most celebrated and dedicated string quartets, Miró Quartet has been performing to sold out houses in the world’s most prestigious concert halls since 1995. First prize winner in the Banff International String Quartet Competition and the Naumberg Chamber Music Competition, they have released nine recordings and an Emmy Award-winning multimedia project titled “Transcendence.” This program includes Beethoven’s String Quartet No. 14, Op. 131, the piece around which the 2012 film “A Late Quartet” was based. Single ticket: $40. Concert sponsored by Tim and Caroline Ryan.
Next Generation
Trio Gaia
Grant Houston, violin; Yi-Mei Templeman, cello; Andrew Barnwell, piano
Featured Emerging Artists
Tuesday, May 14, 2024, 7:30 pm
Studio for the Performing Arts Recital Hall at State College of Florida, 5840 26th Street W., Bradenton, FL 34207
New England Conservatory’s graduate piano trio in residence, Trio Gaia has quickly gained recognition as one of the most compelling chamber groups performing today. Dedicated to offering audiences dynamic, personally relevant experiences, the trio won first prize at the 2022 WDAV Young Chamber Musicians Competition. This program includes music inspired by folk tunes, including the daring trio by Charles Ives, and Antonín Dvořák’s iconic “Dumky” Trio. Single ticket: $40. Concert sponsored by Katherine Lauder.
Photos from Artist Series Concerts