About the Festival
June 1 - 23, 2024
Why choose SMF?
On any given day during the festival, a fellow may rehearse in a faculty-coached ensemble, play in masterclasses and perform on stage. Interspersed, are coveted opportunities for the public to hear some of classical music's greatest talent and aspiring young stars showcased together. Selected fellows also receive the opportunity to perform in public concerts and play at churches and service organizations throughout the community.
A Dream Come True
It is a chamber musician's dream come true to have access to the genius of so many world-class artists in one place, at one time. Many of our faculty artists were launching their own careers when they participated in our festival as fellows. Now they, and other acclaimed musicians, return to their roots to share their gifts and expertise with today's up-and-coming talent.
What are people saying?
“Passionate fellows, best faculty, special summer memories in beautiful Sarasota. There’s no reason not to choose SMF!”
Who should apply?
Musicians from top music programs at colleges and conservatories are invited to audition and participate in the Sarasota Music Festival. This is an opportunity to work side-by-side with a group of 40 music masters, which comprise the Festival's guest faculty. The Festival receives hundreds of applications each year for the 60 available slots.
When is the Festival?
The Sarasota Music Festival is an intense three-week event of chamber music June 1 - June 23, 2024. A more detailed look at the fellow and faculty concert schedules is coming soon.
Applications to the 2024 Sarasota Music Festival are open until February 15!
Final deadline for all instruments is 11:59 PM EST on February 15, 2024.
Final deadline for librarians is 11:59 PM EST on February 29, 2024.
Where is the Festival?
The Sarasota Music Festival is located in Sarasota, FL, on the west coast of the state about 60 miles south of Tampa and on the opposite side from Miami. We advise participants to fly into the Sarasota/Bradenton airport (SRQ). Fellows arriving in Sarasota will be greeted at the airport by a festival staff member and volunteer who will take them to festival headquarters, at the Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center in Sarasota.
What are people saying?
“I first came to SMF in 2019, and it was a memorable time working with the faculty, and meeting my future teacher Jon Kimura Parker, with whom I now study! Hearing Robert Levin and Jeffrey Kahane play the Mozart concerto was a delight, and although this year […] we were so fortunate to experience Levin’s magic at the piano, stepping in for the Beethoven concerto."
Cost of Attendance
Tuition: $0
Thanks to the generous support of our sponsors, your SMF Fellowship provides an approximately $5,000 scholarship ensuring no tuition expense for participation.
Registration: $200
Each Fellow must pay a non-refundable registration fee due upon acceptance to the Festival.
Housing: $650
You'll stay at the Hyatt Regency Sarasota, a luxurious four-star hotel just a block from the Festival HQ. The SMF Fellowship offsets most of the room cost, with a $175 housing deposit due upon acceptance.
Meals: $250
SMF provides more than 21 meals during the Festival. Breakfast and lunch are provided from Monday through Saturday. Dinner is on your own with a few parties and meals provided by the volunteers of SMF. There are grocery stores and restaurants nearby. All Fellows must pay this fee by May 28.
Recording Fee: $20
Each Fellow will receive a digital recording of their performances during SMF.
