Founded in 1948 and known for many years as the Florida West Coast Symphony, the Sarasota Orchestra offers a plethora of programming options including a “behind the music” look at iconic works in Journeys to Genius, the light classical selections in Great Escapes, and even chamber music concerts. Holley Hall is also home to the Harmony Gallery, which presents solo exhibitions of local artists during the concert season. Twenty-five percent of the artwork sales go to support the Sarasota Orchestra; the exhibitions are free and open to all.
The organization is also committed to developing young musicians, with its Youth Orchestra programs, Summer Music Camp, and Young Artist Competition
Sarasota Orchestra Information
- Other Venues: Sarasota Opera House (61 North Pineapple Avenue, Sarasota); Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall (777 North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota); Neel Performing Arts Center, State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (5840 26 Street West, Bradenton); North Port Performing Arts Center (6400 West Price Blvd., North Port)
- Public Transportation: Good for each location. Holley Hall (a 3-minute walk from SCAT bus 99 at 6th Street/Highway 41; and a 7-minute walk from bus 2 at Cocoanut Avenue/5th Street); Sarasota Opera House (a 3-minute walk from SCAT buses 1, 1A, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 11, 12, 17, 18, 40, and 99 at 1st Street/Lemon Avenue); Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall (a 4-minute walk from SCAT bus 99 at 6th Street/Highway 41; and an 8-minute walk from bus 2 at Cocoanut Avenue/5th Street); Neel Performing Arts Center (a short walk from SCAT bus 99 at the State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota stop); North Port Performing Arts Center (a short walk from SCAT bus 29 at West Price Boulevard/Spring Haven Drive)
- Handicapped Accessibility: Good for all locations
- Performances/Programs: Masterworks—23 performances, seven programs; Pops—3 performances; Journeys to Genius—3 performances, two programs; Great Escapes—24 performances, six programs; Chamber Soirees—7 performances. Additionally, there are the Family Concerts, Young Person’s Concert, and the Side-By-Side Concert
- Ticket Prices: Ticket prices vary widely by program and seat selection. Family Concerts and Side-By-Side Concert are $10
- Subscriptions: Masterworks–Discovery series (5 performances) $123–$319; Neel Fanfare series (5 performances) $158–$243; Saturday Signature series (6 performances) $148–$425; Sunday Matinee series (7 performances) $173–$387. Pops–all 3 concerts $70–$147. Journeys to Genius–(2 performances) Evenings $46–$80; Matinees $39–$72. Great Escapes–(6 performances) Wednesday Twilites $140–$199; Thursday Casual Classics $198–$246; Friday Concert Lites $174–$210; Saturday Enchanted Evenings $198–$396. Chamber Soirees–(3 Concert Pack) $60–$79; (7 Concerts) $120–$170. Prices vary by seat selection. Benefits include ticket savings, ticket exchange privileges, and preferred seating
- Membership: Associates/Donors/Patrons ($50–$499); Sponsors ($500–$999); Conductor’s Circle ($1,000–$1,499); Conductor’s Circle–Maestro Society ($1,500–$2,499); President’s Circle ($2,500–$4,999); Co-Producers ($5,000–$9,999); Impresarios ($10,000–$14,999); Superstars ($15,000–$24,999); Virtuosi ($25,000–$49,999); and Gold Baton Circle ($50,000+). Benefits are tiered with every member receiving the Orchestra’s official newsletter Score by mail; a listing in the Masterworks Program Book, and free ticket exchange.
