Ticket Sales Start September 1
The ensemble’s 45th season features six concerts, including the Florida premiere of “Abraham Lincoln Walks at Midnight” by Florence Price and Craig Hella Johnson’s “Considering Matthew Shepard.” The group will also participate in the 80th D-Day anniversary commemorations in France in June.
(August 10, 2023) Choral Artists of Sarasota’s 45th season features six concerts in November, December, February, March, April and May. A season highlight includes the Florida premiere of “Abraham Lincoln Walks at Midnight” by Florence Price, an African-American composer whose works were lost during the middle of the 20th century and later discovered in an attic trunk in 2009. Another season highlight is a performance of Craig Hella Johnson’s “Considering Matthew Shepard,” a modern-day “Passion” (modeled after the great “Passions” of J.S. Bach) that tells the story of Matthew Shepard, a gay American student at the University of Wyoming who was beaten, tortured, and left to die near Laramie on the night of October 6, 1998. This season also marks the launch of the group’s United We Stand Memorial Day concert, a moving tribute to those in the armed forces who have made the ultimate sacrifice. This concert serves as the kick-off for the Choral Artists’ tour to France to participate in the 80th anniversary of D-Day in Normandy.
Artistic Director Joseph Holt says, “In the kaleidoscope of choral performances offered this season, each concert features a unique tribute, commemoration, celebration, or recognition of people and events that have made a difference in our lives. From the movies to the military to Matthew Shepard, we have all been touched and inspired by their impact, each telling a story resonating deep within us. The medium of choral music, a magical marriage of words and music, takes us on this musical journey like no other. Our season concludes with a musical salute to the brave men and women who fought in World War II, and we are honored to be representing the people of Florida and the United States by participating in the 80th anniversary of D-Day in Normandy, France, in 2024.”
Holt will also illuminate the creative process, presenting “Meet the Music” prior to each concert throughout the season. Each will focus on the upcoming concert with a special guest joining the conversation and performance. “Meet the Music” programs are held at Art to Walk On at 16 South Palm Avenue in downtown Sarasota, 5:30-7 p.m., with a wine and hors d’oeuvre reception. Planned dates are November 2, November 30, February 1, February 29, April 4 and May 16.
This year’s season is sponsored in part by: the State of Florida through the Division of Arts and Culture and the National Endowment for the Arts; Sarasota County Tourist Development Tax revenues; and The Exchange.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.ChoralArtistsSarasota.org or call 941-387-4900. Single tickets and flexible season packages available September 1.
The Choral Artists of Sarasota’s 2023-2024 season schedule:
- Veteran’s Day in Song: Presenting the songs that brought hope and inspiration during military conflicts, from the Revolutionary War through Desert Storm. The featured guest artist is baritone Bob McDonald, a retired Sergeant Major from The US Army Chorus. Saturday, November 11, 1 p.m., at Church of the Redeemer, 222 S. Palm Avenue, Sarasota. Tickets: Tickets: $40; Veterans $25, students $5.
- Christmas Celebration: Celebrate the spirit of Christmas through the power of song. Featuring an evening of holiday harmonies and festive favorites, including African-American spirituals. Sunday, December 10, 7 p.m., at Church of the Redeemer, 222 S. Palm Avenue, Sarasota. Tickets: $40; students $5.
- Choral Cinemagic: Featuring popular movie music, including from the James Bond films, “Momma Mia!,” “Sister Act,” and a medley of all-time favorites. Sunday, February 4, 7 p.m., at First Presbyterian Church, 2050 Oak Street, Sarasota. Tickets: Tickets: $40; students $5.
- Abraham Lincoln Walks at Midnight: Featuring the Florida premiere of “Abraham Lincoln Walks at Midnight” by Florence Price, a moving depiction of the man burdened by the tragedies of the modern world, based on the poem by Vachel Lindsay. Price is an African-American composer whose works were lost during the middle of the 20th century and later discovered in an attic trunk in 2009. Also performed will be Joseph Haydn’s “Lord Nelson Mass,” also known as “Mass in a Time of Anxiety,” recognized as one of his greatest compositions.Sunday, March 10, 7 p.m., at Church of the Palms, 3224 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota. Tickets: Tickets: $40; students $5.
- Considering Matthew Shepard: Featuring Craig Hella Johnson’s “Considering Matthew Shepard,” a modern-day “Passion” (modeled after the great “Passions” of J.S. Bach) that tells the story of Matthew Shepard, a gay American student at the University of Wyoming who was beaten, tortured, and left to die near Laramie on the night of October 6, 1998. In partnership with Embracing Our Differences, Project Pride, ALSO Youth, and the First Congregational Church UCC, this beautiful musical story transcends tragedy. Sunday, April 14, 7 p.m., at Church of the Palms, 3224 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota. Tickets: Tickets: $40; students $5.
- Memorial Day Concert: United We Stand: The Choral Artists teams with the Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble to perform a moving tribute to those in the armed forces who have made the ultimate sacrifice. This concert is also the kick-off for the group’s tour to France to participate in the 80th anniversary of D-Day in Normandy. Sunday, May 26, 4 p.m., at Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Avenue, Sarasota. Tickets: $30-60; students $5.
- D-Day Commemoration Journey: June 3-11. Choral Artists of Sarasota has been invited by Historic Programs, which partners with the Department of Defense, Office of Commemorations, to be the principal choral ensemble for the 80th D-Day anniversary commemorations in France in June. In addition to participating in commemoration ceremonies at the cemeteries in Normandy and Brittany, the group will perform a concert in the town square at Sainte-Mère-Église in Normandy and also at L’église de la Madeleine in Paris. Choral Artists is inviting the public to join them on this journey. For more information, contact info@ChoralArtististsSarasota.org.
The Choral Artists of Sarasota comprises 32 of the region’s most notable professional singers. Eight young singers, ages 16 to 22, are also invited to join the group each year, as part of the organization’s educational outreach. One of these gifted singers will be awarded the Ann Stephenson Moe Apprentice Scholarship, a funding program to support private lessons, vocal training at an institution of higher learning, or other expenses related to advancing their musical education. “Ensuring the future of choral music means investing in the next generation of musicians,” says Susan Burke, executive director of Choral Artists of Sarasota. “That means engaging young people on their own terms.”
About the Choral Artists of Sarasota
The Choral Artists of Sarasota, entering its 45th season, features 32 of the region’s most notable professional singers and eight apprentice singers. The group celebrates the rich, artistic expressiveness of choral music through innovative repertoire, inspired performances and stimulating educational outreach. Under the artistic direction of Dr. Joseph Holt, Choral Artists of Sarasota performs a repertoire spanning four centuries, and includes symphonic choral works, intimate madrigals, folk songs, close-harmony jazz, and Broadway show music. The ensemble also specializes in premiere performances of lesser-known choral works—particularly music by living American composers. Choral Artists of Sarasota has performed premieres by René Clausen, Dick Hyman, Robert Levin, Gwyneth Walker and James Grant. As part of the organization’s educational outreach, eight young singers from area schools, colleges and universities, ages 16 to 22, are invited to join the group each year. For more information, visit www.ChoralArtistsSarasota.org.