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Ticket Deals, Passes & Group Rates
Become a Friend of the Festival
Performance Venues

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 the 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 lectures by Robert Levin. In addition, there are several student concerts.

We hope you'll join us this June for our 48th showcase of world-class music.  

 

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Friends of the Festival

Make World-Class Music Accessible

As a volunteer at the Sarasota Music Festival you have the opportunity to participate in a more than 45-year-old tradition that has become a staple in our region. The Festival showcases the talents of internationally renowned faculty artist and the best music students from around the world right in our backyard. Together, they present the finest in chamber music through performances, lectures, master classes and rehearsals.

To execute the event each year, the Sarasota Orchestra relies heavily on a group of dedicated volunteers, the Friends of the Festival. This is a great way to support both musicians and the community.

Job requirements: A commitment of youthful energy for a short, but intense time. A small membership fee to become a Friend of the Festival.

Job benefits: A three-week journey through seasoned artistry and a behind-the-scenes vantage of the making of the music at this classic event. Not to mention, the satisfaction of making a BIG difference at little cost. The proceeds of your Friends of the Festival membership go to scholarships for students participating in the event. Your small donation enables students to attend the festival each year tuition-free and receive a partial subsidy to assist with housing.

Don’t miss this opportunity to become a partner in a musical event of national and international significance. To volunteer as a Friend of the Festival click here. To download a membership form and obtain more information (including this year’s schedule) fill out our contact form.

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Ticketing Information

Individual Sarasota Music Festival tickets may be bought online, 24 hours a day, through the Events Calendar (to the right). Tickets may also be obtained by calling the Box Office at (941) 953-3434 or toll-free at (866) 508-0611,  Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays (during the Festival only) from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Box Office opens one hour prior to concerts at each specific venue for walk-up service.

Don't know what you're most interested in? Would you like the flexibility of not having to decide in advance? By ordering a Festival Pass, you get all-access to the complete program of: events, classes, orchestra and artist rehearsals, and ensemble coaching at a discounted, flat rate. Take a look at the added features included by buying a pass.

Discounted group rates are available for parties of 20 or more, per event in one transaction. Group sales are handled directly through our box office.

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Performance Venues

Holley Hall at the Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center

709 North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34236

The Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center is located on Van Wezel Way, a short street that runs between Boulevard of the Arts and 10th Street, one block west of U.S. Highway 41/Tamiami Trail.

Parking is free and adjacent to the Symphony Center.

Directions:  From U.S. Highway 41/Tamiami Trail, turn west on 10th Street and south on Van Wezel Way. 


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Sarasota Opera House

61 N. Pineapple Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34236

There are two parking garages available within walking distance of the Opera House at the Plaza at Five Points and 100 Central.

Directions: The Sarasota Opera House is just across the street from the Main Library in the heart of Sarasota's Downtown Theatre District.

Directions: From I-75, take exit 210 then travel west on Fruitville Road (toward the beaches). Take Fruitville all the way across town, past Highway 301, Orange Avenue and Lemon Avenue to Cocoanut. Turn left onto Cocoanut. Make a second (almost immediate) left onto Pineapple, which angles into Cocoanut. Pineapple will take you to the front of the Opera House. 


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calendar

 
         



festival passes

Don't know what you're
most interested in?

Would you like the flexibility of not having to decide in advance? By ordering a Festival Pass, you get all-access to the complete program of: events, classes, orchestra and artist rehearsals, and ensemble coaching at a discounted, flat rate. Take a look at the added features included by buying a pass.

Schedule will be posted in May 2012

  • Full passes (covering all three weeks) cost $75
  • One-week passes cost $30.
  • A day pass costs $10.
  • A visitor pass (for the last-minute guest you want to invite) costs $5 per event.
*Note: Passes do not include admission to dress rehearsals or concerts.

Master Classes

All 3 weeks $75 or One class $5

Contact the Box Office at 941.953.3434 for more information.