Sarasota Orchestra

Since 1949, Sarasota Orchestra has inspired and entertained music-lovers across the region and visitors from around the world. As the oldest continuously operating orchestra in the state of Florida, the 76-member Orchestra performs more than 100 classical, pops, chamber music, and community outreach concerts each year. Sarasota Orchestra is also the parent program of the world-renowned Sarasota Music Festival, founded in 1965.

With the schematic design phase now complete and design development nearing its conclusion, the Music Center is positioned to enter the final phase of construction planning as it advances the project. The Music Center will elevate the Sarasota area to new artistic heights with something brand new to Florida's Cultural Coast: a concert hall purpose-built for acoustic music, becoming an international arts destination and expanding the region’s cultural capacity for many generations.

In the 2026-2027 concert season, It’s Better Live, Sarasota Orchestra will continue the excellence established in the highly anticipated first full season under the artistic leadership of six-time GRAMMY® Award winning Music Director Giancarlo Guerrero. 

With the promise It’s Better Live, this season explores music in its most vital state, irreplaceable as it unfolds in real time. Each moment in the concert hall never happened before, and it will never be repeated in exactly the same way, showcasing the wonder of a live music experience with Sarasota Orchestra.

For more information, visit SarasotaOrchestra.org or call the box office at: 941-953-3434.

Masterworks Series 

The Masterworks series brings symphonic blockbusters to life alongside vibrant works by contemporary composers. Guest appearances by acclaimed conductors and soloists on the Orchestra's current and recent seasons include violinists Gil Shaham and Stella Chen, pianist Emanuel Ax, and the Grant Park chorus. Performances take place at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall and Neel Performing Arts Center.

Pops Series

The Pops series delivers popular favorites and everlasting classics from crowd-pleasing genres in the 2026-2027 season, including iconic Hollywood movie music, British pop favorites, and Rock Legends of the '60s & '70s. Sarasota Orchestra musicians will be joined by dynamic vocalists to perform these hits. Pops performances take place at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.

Great Escapes Series

The Great Escapes series is one of Sarasota Orchestra’s most popular, offering a mix of light classics and popular favorites in themed programs. Conductors share stories and commentary throughout each performance. Great Escapes performances take place at Holley Hall.

Chamber Soirées Series

Chamber music lovers enjoy this concert series, featuring performances by resident ensembles of Orchestra musicians. Chamber Soirées take place at Holley Hall.

Discoveries Series

The Discoveries series features 75-minute programs designed to be accessible and intriguing to both newcomers and those experienced with classical music. Performances take place at the Sarasota Opera House.

Sarasota Music Festival

Held for two weeks each June, the Sarasota Music Festival (SMF) is a magical combination of youthful promise and acclaimed talent. Since its inception in 1965, SMF has gained renown as one of the world's most innovative and inspiring summer festivals. More than 400 young artists apply for coveted fellowships, with approximately 40 being accepted into the program each year. An esteemed roster of faculty artists joins them in intensive study and performance of chamber music. As the fellows and faculty artists gain invaluable experiences in musical collaboration, local music-lovers get to witness the magic in Festival concerts, masterclasses, and scholar talks that serve to shape the next generation of musical giants. Learn more about the Festival at SarasotaMusicFestival.org.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit SarasotaOrchestra.org or call the box office at (941) 953-3434. 

The box office is located at 709 N. Tamiami Trail, in the Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center.