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A cornerstone of Sarasota\u2019s classical music scene is celebrating a major milestone. Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n 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\u2019s lineup reflects that mission\u2014pairing chamber music brilliance with a celebratory evening that honors the organization\u2019s roots and future.<\/p>\n February 1 & 2 | 4 p.m.<\/strong> Part of the Soir\u00e9e Concert Series, Follow the Lieder<\/em> explores the deep connection between art song and instrumental music. The program features internationally recognized violinist Blake Pouliot<\/strong> and pianist Henry Kramer<\/strong>, longtime collaborators known for their expressive and refined performances.<\/p>\n Pouliot, Grand Prize winner of the 2016 Orchestre Symphonique de Montr\u00e9al Manulife Competition, and Kramer\u2014recipient of an Avery Fisher Career Grant\u2014will perform works by Schumann and Chausson, alongside Pouliot\u2019s own arrangement of Dvo\u0159\u00e1k\u2019s Zigeunerlieder<\/em> and selections inspired by Bizet\u2019s Carmen<\/em>. The intimate setting offers audiences a rare, up-close listening experience.<\/p>\n February 10 | 7:30 p.m.<\/strong> The Top Shelf Tuesdays series continues with one of classical music\u2019s most celebrated violinists, James Ehnes<\/strong>. Joined by pianist Andrew Armstrong, Ehnes opens the evening with Elgar\u2019s Violin Sonata and a selection of virtuosic showpieces.<\/p>\n After intermission, the concert expands into a chamber music showcase as Ehnes is joined by eight fellow musicians for Mendelssohn\u2019s exhilarating Octet<\/em>\u2014a work often described as one of the most joyous achievements in chamber music.<\/p>\n February 24 | 5 p.m.<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n 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\u2014making it both a festive celebration and a meaningful fundraiser for the future of classical music in Sarasota.<\/p>\n \ud83c\udf9f\ufe0f Tickets & Information<\/strong><\/p>\n Tickets for all events are available at www.ArtistSeriesConcerts.org<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0or by calling (941) 306-1202<\/strong>.<\/p>\n AI Graphic<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\nFollow the Lieder<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Fischer\/Weisenborne Residence<\/em>
Tickets: $70<\/strong><\/p>\nJames Ehnes and Friends<\/strong><\/h3>\n
First Congregational United Church of Christ<\/strong>
Tickets: $50<\/strong><\/p>\n30th Anniversary Gala: The Golden Age of Broadway and Operetta<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens<\/strong>
Tickets: $225<\/strong><\/p>\n