The Magic of the Festival

The Sarasota Music Festival brings the best up-and-coming young musicians from around the world to Sarasota for three weeks each June. This, coupled with the world-renowned faculty artists who travel here to mentor and perform, makes the Sarasota Music Festival a magical experience of exceptional concerts. From the timeless masters such as Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Haydn and more, to new and innovative works not widely performed, the Festival provides something for every palate of the classical repertoire. 

View the schedule for our Student Concerts and Master Classes.

Artist Showcases
Thursdays, 5:30 p.m.


Acclaimed faculty artists perform intriguing and dazzling pieces in the intimacy of Holley Hall.

June 4 

SAINT-SAËNS Oboe Sonata in D Major, Op. 166
ALBÉNIZ Triana from Iberia Suite, Book 2
MENDELSSOHN Songs Without Words
MOZART Violin Sonata in A Major, K. 526

June 11 

J.C.F. BACH Sonata for Cello and continuo
VILLA-LOBOS Duo for Oboe and Bassoon
BEETHOVEN Piano Sonata in D major, Op. 10, No. 3
GERSHWIN 3 Preludes

June 18 

GALLIARD Sonata No. 5 for Bassoon
CRUMB Vox Balaenae (Voice of the Whale)
MOZART Piano Sonata in C Major, K. 330
WYNER Cabaret Songs

Take advantage of a special offer from the Sarasota University Club on Main Street: After the concert enjoy two entrees for the price of one, just by showing your ticket stub. (Dinner reservations required 941-366-5400, selection of six special entrées included in offer.)

Festival Concerts
Fridays, 7:30 p.m.


Friday evenings at the Sarasota Opera House are where you’ll get the true Festival experience, beginning with a thought-provoking lecture by Artistic Director Robert Levin. Student ensembles will perform at the beginning of the concert and again after intermission. This, along with our inspirational faculty artist performances, makes Friday nights a Festival highlight.

June 5 

BEETHOVEN Clarinet Trio in B-flat Major, Op.11
MENDELSSOHN Piano Trio No. 2 in C Minor, Op. 66
DVORÁK String Quintet in G Major, Op. 77 

June 12 

SPOHR Nonet in F Major, Op. 31
RANDS Scherzi
SCHUBERT String Quintet in C Major, D 956, Op. 163 

June 19 

PURCELL Three Fantasias
MARTINU Nonet, H. 274
HAYDN Piano Trio in E-flat Major, Hob. XV: 29
MENDELSSOHN String Quintet in B-flat, Op. 87

Saturday Symphonies
Saturdays, 8:00 p.m.


Saturday Symphony concerts feature chamber orchestra performances at the beautiful Sarasota Opera House and showcase the talents of our faculty and student musicians performing together.

June 6 

Conducted by Joseph Silverstein
HANDEL Concerto Grosso in G Minor, Op. 6, No. 6
MOZART Symphonie Concertante in E-flat Major
VAUGHAN WILLIAMS The Lark Ascending
HAYDN Symphony No. 91 in E-flat Major

June 13 

STRAVINSKY Concerto in E-flat (Dumbarton Oaks)
BLOCH Concerto Grosso No. 1
BRAHMS Piano Quartet No. 2 in A, Op. 26

June 20 

Conducted by Dante Anzolini
BOCCHERINI Cello Concerto No. 9 in B-flat, (Grützmacher)
WYNER Piano Concerto (Chiavi in mano)
MOZART Clarinet Concerto in A Major, K. 622
PROKOFIEV Symphony No. 1 in D Major, Op. 25 (Classical)