Sarasota Orchestra

For three weeks each June, internationally recognized guest artists and student musicians come together in Florida to study and perform chamber music. The Sarasota Music Festival is a magical combination of youthful promise and acclaimed talent that carries a reputation as one of the finest classical-music events in th...e nation. Nearly 500 students from top music programs at colleges and conservatories worldwide audition to participate in the Festival each year, but only 58 are accepted. These exceptional students work side-by-side with a group of 40 music masters, which comprise the guest faculty. In any given day during the Festival, a student may rehearse in a faculty-coached ensemble, play in master classes and perform on stage. Interspersed, are rare opportunities for the public to hear these visiting artists rehearse or perform together. Co-founded by Paul Wolfe, the Sarasota Music Festival began in 1965 as a one-week event with seven guest mentors. In just two years, the festival grew to three weeks and was drawing students from across the United States. Over the years, the festival continued to expand and receive national and international attention. In 1984 it was designated by the Florida State Legislature as the "Official Teaching and Performing Festival of the State of Florida." Today, led by Artistic Director Robert Levin, there are more than 40 guest artists, including many of the festival's own alumni. These masters represent nearly all major American orchestras and a cross-section of renowned music schools, conservatories and institutes of music. The students range from professional-level musicians to superior students in music schools and conservatories. Several travel from other countries to participate. Festival audiences are entertained by a wide variety of symphonic artistry including: Thursday afternoon Artist Showcase Concerts, Friday and Saturday evening Chamber Concerts, and Festival Orchestra Concerts. Many patrons enjoy the option of purchasing Festival Passes, which allows them access to the artists' master classes and rehearsals. And don't miss the popular pre-concert lectures by Robert Levin. In addition, there are eight student concerts open free to the public. We hope you'll join us this June for our 45th showcase of world-class music.

The Sarasota Music Festival is back on for 2010, saved from a one-year hiatus by a $250,000 grant received Friday from the Jay and Becky Kaiserman Foundation.Founded in 1964, the three-week festival of classes and

Cellist Zuill (pronounced Zool) Bailey has a keen sense of connection between three great musicians: Sir Edward Elgar, Pablo Cassals and another great cellist, Jacqueline duPre.Baileys cello was made by the influential

Theres no doubt that music and art inspire. But what happens when the two are combined?

Two of the greatest works by two of the greatest composers in the German romantic tradition will be presented this week by Sarasota Orchestras chamber music ensembles.The Sarasota String Quartet will perform Mozarts