Festival Applications
Thank you to all who applied for the 2023 Festival! While applications for this year's festival are now closed, keep an eye on this page in the fall for updates and information on how to apply for future festivals. In the meantime, feel free to browse the information provided here to get a better understanding of what to expect when applying for SMF. We can't wait to hear from you next year!
Email osteinman@sarasotaorchestra.org for more information.
Why Choose the Sarasota Music Festival
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.
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 guest faculty actually 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.
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.
Applicants must turn 18 by May 31, 2023. There is no upper age limit at SMF. The average age is 22.
The Sarasota Music Festival is an intense three-week event of chamber music June 4 - June 25, 2023. A more detailed look at the fellow and faculty concert schedules is coming soon.
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.
Fellows arriving in Tampa will need to arrange their own transportation to Sarasota. There is a shuttle service, with limited hours, please check the schedule carefully particularly on departing flights.
The Hyatt Regency Sarasota (one block from festival headquarters) provides housing for the full three-week period. The Hyatt is a four-star hotel on the marina with a lagoon-style pool. Cost for the 21 nights is $650 per person, double occupancy. (Each accepted fellow receives a scholarship that covers more than 60 percent of the actual hotel costs. Additional nights before or after the festival will be charged at the actual rate.) It is not mandatory that you stay at the Hyatt, although it is recommended for your personal comfort and convenience. The festival housing subsidy is available only for those who use the officially designated housing at the Hyatt Regency Sarasota.
2023 SMF Fees
$0 Tuition
Your SMF Fellowship provides an approximately $5,000 scholarship ensuring no tuition expense for participation.
$200 for Registration
Each Fellow must pay a non-refundable registration fee due upon acceptance to the Festival.
$650 for Housing
Housing is provided by the Hyatt Regency Sarasota, a four star luxury hotel just a block from the Festival headquarters. Actual cost of room is significantly more per student. The SMF Fellowship covers the majority of that expense. Housing deposit of $175 is due upon acceptance.
$250 for Meals
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.
$20 Recording Fee
Each Fellow will receive a digital recording of their performances during SMF.
2023 AUDITION REQUIREMENTS
2023 audition requirements by instrument:
- If not indicated, accompaniment is optional.
- Each requirement can be a separate VIDEO upload
- Audio recordings are accepted, but video is strongly recommended
- Submissions must be unedited and unenhanced
- One movement from a Bach Sonata or Partita (no repeats)
- Exposition from the first movement of a Mozart Violin Concerti (no cadenza)
- Exposition from any violin concerto written between 1850 and 1950 (Note: If choosing Sibelius Concerto, play beginning through the Cadenza [5 bars after rehearsal Number 7])
- Orchestral Excerpts:
- Mozart: Symphony No. 41 “Jupiter” mvt. 4 (beginning to mm. 157) 2nd Violin
- Beethoven: Symphony No. 6, mvt. 4 (mm. 1-19) 2nd Violin
- Mendelssohn: Overture from A Midsummer Night’s Dream (mm. 6-81) 1st Violin
- Mendelssohn: Scherzo from A Midsummer Night’s Dream (beginning to 16 bars before letter E) 1st Violin
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