Choral Artists of Sarasota Announces 2018-19 Season

SARASOTA, FL -- Choral Artists of Sarasota launches its 40th season with more of the innovative programming that has become the organization's hallmark under the artistic direction of Dr. Joseph Holt.

“Celebration” features a series of six concerts that will take place in October, December, February, April, May and July. Season packages and individual tickets, ranging from $20 to $75, are available online now.

Holt says that the 2018-19 season celebrates the 40th anniversary of the Choral Artists of Sarasota with “programs highlighting the dynamic and vibrant excellence of this exceptional ensemble. Each concert represents a unique theme, designed to underscore the breadth of the ensemble’s strengths.”

The organization is also celebrating the 10th anniversary of Holt as artistic director. Holt is especially excited to join forces with Key Chorale in April for three performances of Beethoven’s “Ninth Symphony” with the Sarasota Orchestra and Anu Tali, conducting. These performances celebrate Tali’s final appearance as music director of Sarasota Orchestra.

The Choral Artists of Sarasota’s 2018-19 season features:

• Then Sings My Soul, Sunday, Oct. 14, 4 p.m., at Church of the Redeemer in Sarasota: In this concert, favorite Christian hymns, performed in concert arrangements, are interspersed with Jewish and Islamic music, celebrating the three major religions that share the same origin. “Nearer My God, To Thee,” alongside two prayers—one Jewish and the other Islamic—highlight the unique spiritual quality inherent in these faiths. Featuring Ann-Stephenson Moe at the organ and an ensemble of brass instrumentalists, the performance features other well-known hymns such as “Simple Gifts,” “A Mighty Fortress is Our God,” and “How Great Thou Art.”
• Rejoice!!, Sunday, Dec. 9, 4 p.m., at First Church in Sarasota: Joseph Holt celebrates his 10th anniversary as artistic director in a this holiday performance featuring “The King Shall Rejoice,” one of the Handel “Coronation Anthems,” a choral version of the “Nutcracker,” and favorite carols including a new setting of “Silent Night.”
• From the Heart, Saturday, Feb. 16, 4 p.m., at First Church in Sarasota: “A German Requiem” by Johannes Brahms is one of the most inspirational and moving works of the 19th century, celebrating and soothing the living, not the deceased. Paired with William Averitt’s “Over Jordan,” a setting of four gospel and spiritual pieces that contemplate the ecstatic journey into eternity, the concert features soloists Jenny Kim-Godfrey, soprano, and Marcus DeLoach, baritone. Choral Artists will observe its 40th anniversary with this performance.
• An Afternoon of Operetta, Sunday, May 12, 4 p.m., at Sarasota Opera House: Celebrate Mother’s Day with lilting melodies from favorite operettas by Jacques Offenbach and Franz von Suppé and a condensed version of “The Pirates of Penzance” by Gilbert & Sullivan. Presented by Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota.
• Sounds of Independence, Thursday, July 4, 4 p.m., at Sarasota Opera House: It's Independence Day with choral fireworks, featuring the Sarasota premiere of Jerry Bilik’s “Independence,” favorite patriotic selections and a setting of “The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere” by René Clausen with the Sarasota Concert Band.
• Peace and Joy, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, April 5, 6, 7 at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall in Sarasota: Choral Artists of Sarasota joins forces with Key Chorale for three performances of Beethoven’s “Ninth Symphony” with the Sarasota Orchestra and Anu Tali, conductor. These performances celebrate Tali’s final appearance as music director. Choral Artists will perform Schönberg’s “Friede auf Erden.” For tickets, visit www.sarasotaorchestra.org.

The Choral Artists of Sarasota comprises 32 of the region’s most notable professional singers. A new initiative this year, “Concert Preview Coffees,” will feature the artistic director’s insights into the theme of the program, background on the specific music, and a chance to meet singers and soloists. Each event will be held before each concert, with the date and location to be announced on the website.

For more information about the Choral Artists of Sarasota or to purchase tickets, visit www.ChoralArtistsSarasota.org or call 941-387-4900.

Choral Artists of Sarasota, photographer Barbara Banks