'Opus' - FST & Sarasota Orchestra Join Forces

(Photo By Amy Steinmetz--L to R Jeffrey Plunkett, Steve Giguere, Ron Siebert, Susan Hyon)

Behind the Scenes of Opus

Florida Studio Theatre and Sarasota Orchestra

Florida Studio Theatre has enlisted the expertise of the Sarasota Orchestra for its upcoming production of Opus opening December 3, 2008 at the Keating Mainstage. 

The collaboration began as Sarasota Orchestra Concertmaster, Dan Jordan, joined the cast of Opus in rehearsal on Friday, November 14, 2008. Jordan was available to answer any questions the actors had regarding the script. He also demonstrated proper technique in quartet performance and bowing their string instruments. During a run through rehearsal performance, Mr. Jordan gave final notes to their performance Friday, November 28^th.

"Opus offered the perfect opportunity for our two organizations to work together," said FST Managing Director, Rebecca Langford." The Orchestra was able to offer FST insights into the real inner workings of a string quartet insuring an authenticity in our telling of the story." She continues, "Sarasota is truly unique in its vast array of professional arts organizations. We are very lucky in our ability to call on one another as a resource. It is especially rewarding when we are producing a show such as Opus to be able to connect our audiences to both organizations."

The Orchestra's Sarasota String Quartet, featuring Dan Jordan, will perform a chamber concert of music by Beethoven in May.

"The Sarasota Orchestra is pleased to be able to help Florida Studio Theatre on an exciting project such as Opus," said Gordon Greenfield, Chief Marketing Office for the Orchestra. "We believe that collaborations among Sarasota and Manatee counties' exceptional performing arts organizations strengthen the local arts community and cultural offerings."

When their mentally-imbalanced violist disappears, a world-class string quartet takes a chance on a gifted but relatively inexperienced young woman. With only a few days to rehearse a grueling Beethoven masterpiece, the four struggle to prepare their highest-profile performance ever - a televised ceremony at the White House. Their rehearsal room becomes a pressure cooker as passions rise, personalities clash, and the players are forced to confront the fleeting nature of their life's work. 

 Opus

 $19-$34

December 3 - January 30, 2009

For a detailed performance schedule and further information, please visit www.floridastudiotheatre.org.  

Sarasota Orchestra

Chamber Music Concerts Holley Hall at 5:30 p.m.

$24 - $30

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Tickets and more information on Sarasota Orchestra concerts are available at www.SarasotaOrchestra.org.

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