Celebrate the Holidays with World-Class Performances at Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota

This December, Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota invites music lovers to two unforgettable performances, featuring celebrated artists from the worlds of opera, classical, and chamber music. Baritone Joseph Parrish and pianist Jesse Martins will present Raise Your Voice on December 12, while violin virtuoso James Ehnes and friends will perform an extraordinary chamber music program on December 17. These concerts promise to offer both stunning musicality and memorable experiences for all who attend.

Raise Your Voice with Joseph Parrish and Jesse Martins – December 12, 11:00 a.m.

Join acclaimed baritone Joseph Parrish for an intimate recital at the Sarasota Yacht Club. Parrish, a rising star in the classical world and winner of the 2022 Young Concert Artists’ Susan Wadsworth International Auditions, is known for his versatile voice, which spans operatic and popular repertoire alike. This year, Parrish made his debut at the prestigious Salzburg Festival and has performed at major venues like Carnegie Hall and The Kennedy Center. His commitment to diversity and outreach in the classical music community makes him a champion for both the art form and the communities he serves.

For Raise Your Voice, Parrish will be joined by Sarasota Opera’s Jesse Martins at the piano for a program that includes opera arias and art songs by composers such as William Grant Still, Gaetano Donizetti, and Sergei Rachmaninoff. The concert is part of the Lunch and Listen series, where guests will enjoy a light lunch while experiencing this remarkable performance. Tickets are $70, which includes lunch, and the event begins at 11:00 a.m. at the Sarasota Yacht Club.

James Ehnes and Friends – December 17, 7:30 p.m.

On December 17, don’t miss the chance to hear one of the most celebrated violinists of our time, James Ehnes, in an intimate chamber music performance at First Congregational United Church of Christ. Ehnes, known for his breathtaking virtuosity, has earned multiple Grammy Awards, JUNO Awards, and a reputation as a go-to soloist with top orchestras worldwide.

In this special concert, Ehnes will perform Beethoven’s intense and dramatic Kreutzer Sonata, accompanied by pianist Orion Weiss, whom The New York Times called “a brilliant pianist.” After the intermission, the program will continue with Tchaikovsky’s exquisite Souvenir de Florence, a string sextet that showcases some of the most lyrical and lush writing in the violin repertoire. Joining Ehnes on stage for this monumental work will be violinist Daniel Jordan, violists Stephanie Block and Nathan Frantz, and cellists Natalie Helm and Bjorn Ranheim.

Tickets for James Ehnes and Friends are $43 for general seating and $63 for VIP seating. The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m.

For More Information and Tickets

To purchase tickets or for additional details on these performances, please visit Artist Series Concerts or call (941) 306-1202. These two performances are sure to offer a festive and world-class start to your holiday season.

Photos from Artist Series Concerts