A cornerstone of Sarasota’s classical music scene is celebrating a major milestone. Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota commemorates its 30th anniversary this February with two acclaimed concert presentations and a lavish anniversary gala that pays tribute to the Golden Age of Broadway and operetta.
Founded in 1996, Artist Series Concerts has spent three decades bringing world-class musicians into intimate and inspiring Sarasota venues, building a devoted audience and a legacy of artistic excellence. February’s lineup reflects that mission—pairing chamber music brilliance with a celebratory evening that honors the organization’s roots and future.
Follow the Lieder
February 1 & 2 | 4 p.m.
Fischer/Weisenborne Residence
Tickets: $70
Part of the Soirée Concert Series, Follow the Lieder explores the deep connection between art song and instrumental music. The program features internationally recognized violinist Blake Pouliot and pianist Henry Kramer, longtime collaborators known for their expressive and refined performances.
Pouliot, Grand Prize winner of the 2016 Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal Manulife Competition, and Kramer—recipient of an Avery Fisher Career Grant—will perform works by Schumann and Chausson, alongside Pouliot’s own arrangement of Dvořák’s Zigeunerlieder and selections inspired by Bizet’s Carmen. The intimate setting offers audiences a rare, up-close listening experience.
James Ehnes and Friends
February 10 | 7:30 p.m.
First Congregational United Church of Christ
Tickets: $50
The Top Shelf Tuesdays series continues with one of classical music’s most celebrated violinists, James Ehnes. Joined by pianist Andrew Armstrong, Ehnes opens the evening with Elgar’s Violin Sonata and a selection of virtuosic showpieces.
After intermission, the concert expands into a chamber music showcase as Ehnes is joined by eight fellow musicians for Mendelssohn’s exhilarating Octet—a work often described as one of the most joyous achievements in chamber music.
30th Anniversary Gala: The Golden Age of Broadway and Operetta
February 24 | 5 p.m.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
Tickets: $225
The anniversary celebration culminates with an elegant gala evening set amid the lush beauty of Selby Gardens. Co-founders Jerry and Lee Dougherty Ross serve as honorary chairs, honoring the journey that began with a single concert in 1996 and evolved into a respected nonprofit arts organization in 2002.
Guests will enjoy a garden concert of beloved operetta selections performed by acclaimed vocalists, cocktails, a seated dinner, live auction, wall of wine, and additional performances by Suncoast Music Scholarship competition winners—making it both a festive celebration and a meaningful fundraiser for the future of classical music in Sarasota.
🎟️ Tickets & Information
Tickets for all events are available at www.ArtistSeriesConcerts.org or by calling (941) 306-1202.
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