Sarasota Orchestra Friends
After 61 years, the Sarasota Orchestra Friends continues to be dedicated advocates and Ambassadors of our brilliant Sarasota Orchestra, Youth Orchestra and Music Festival. We’re a volunteer organization of like-minded people who have come together to share our collective talent and passion in support of great music.
Friends' Events
A fresh and intriguing concept, these programs will feature Orchestra musicians talking about their on-stage Masterworks experience. You’ll hear a stimulating discussion about the previous weekend’s concert from the musicians’ perspective. Something never-before offered. And there will be plenty of time to ask questions, too!
All events are presented in David Cohen Hall and begin at 10:00 a.m. Coffee and light bites are provided through the courtesy of Hotel Indigo.
Come join us for a cup of coffee and say “hi” to other lovers of classical music. Concert Perspectives is a benefit of Friends membership and is open to all members and guests at no charge.
December 3, 2018
Monday | 10:00 am | David Cohen Hall
February 4, 2019
Monday | 10:00 am | David Cohen Hall
April 8, 2019
Monday | 10:00 am | David Cohen Hall
An “Ambassador” is an ardent representative of an organization, someone with a passion and enthusiasm for what that organization epitomizes. Membership in the Friends signifies a love and enthusiasm for great music and youth music education. Therefore, our members can all be classified as Ambassadors for our brilliant Sarasota Orchestra.
The Sarasota Orchestra Friends continue to reimagine the future and reshape our organization to meet the ever-changing world around us. Members’ Meetings for the coming season will reflect our mission, while offering an entertaining, informational and socially engaging atmosphere.
Members’ Meetings take place in David Cohen Hall at the Orchestra Center, 709 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota FL 34236 and are without cost to members and their guests.
October 31, 2018
Wednesday | 9:30 am | David Cohen Hall
A special member benefit - Masterworks Orchestra rehearsal with Music Director, Anu Tali. And Orchestra President & CEO, Joe McKenna, will share insights to the season ahead and provide an update on the conductor search and new concert hall.
January 21, 2019
Monday | 10:00 am | David Cohen Hall
Guest speaker, Alyson Rozier, Director of Education, will fill us in on what's happening in the Education Department and Youth Orchestra programs and the status of Arts Education in our community.
February 15, 2019
Friday | 10:00 am | David Cohen Hall
A grand celebration! We'll celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Sarasota Orchestra and the 6th and final season Music Director and Conductor Anu Tali. Join us for an exclusive opportunity to thank and extend our best wishes to the Maestra.
March 20, 2019
Wednesday | 9:30 am | David Cohen Hall
A fascinating opportunity to observe a Great Escapes rehearsal entitled "Sounds of the Stage" with Andrew Lane, conducting. Following the rehearsal, we'll welcome Ryun Schienbein, Sarasota Orchestra VP of Artistic Planning, who'll present an entertaining history of the musical stage – including some extraordinary videos and sound clips.
April 9, 2019
Location TBA
A dazzling fun-filled luncheon party to close out the season. You'll enjoy superbly delicious food and libation, all wrapped together with the camaraderie of wonderful friends and great music!
Further details will be posted later this fall.
Classical Conversations
Classical Conversations
Enjoy one hour concert previews prior to each Sarasota Orchestra Masterworks concert. These are an informative and enjoyable opportunity for any classical music lover to learn more about music and to heighten appreciation of the works featured in that week's concert.
Youth Orchestra Concerts
Youth Orchestra Concerts
Seven different orchestras rehearse weekly from September through April. Students progress through the program from string ensembles up to full orchestras.
Join Us Today!
Be Inspired! If you have a passion for music, enjoy meeting new friends who share the love of great music, and would like to attend fun-filled social gatherings featuring exclusive live musical performances... then the Sarasota Orchestra Friends is for you.
The Sarasota Orchestra Friends is a volunteer organization that, for 61 years, has furthered the mission of the Sarasota Orchestra by promoting musical knowledge and championing the Youth Orchestra Program in a welcoming, social environment.
Membership Benefits:
- Meet Orchestra musicians – up close and personal
- Experience special Orchestra open rehearsals
- Member newsletters and monthly email updates
- Attend fun-filled social gatherings
- Special discount ticket pricing for select Friends events and Classical Conversations subscription
Come join us today! Inspired volunteers supporting great music.
