Summon the Heroes Concert To Be Held At The Van Wezel

Sarasota Orchestra and Van Wezel Pay Tribute to 10th Anniversary of 9/11 Concert Proceeds to Benefit Local Charities

Who: Produced by the Sarasota Orchestra in partnership with the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. Concert program created and conducted by Sarasota Orchestra Pops Conductor Andrew Lane.

Collaborating arts organizations include:
· Chorus with participants from throughout the Sarasota and Manatee area including members from Gloria Musicae, Key Chorale, Belle Canto, Diversity, Exsultate, Suncoast Chorale and area churches. The Combined chorus will be directed by choirmaster Joseph Holt, Artistic Director of Gloria Musicae.

· Sarasota Young Voices under conductor Genevieve Beauchamp
· Master Sergeant Bob McDonald, baritone with The US Army Chorus
· The Jacobites bagpipes.

What: Summon the Heroes: A 9/11 Remembrance

The concert features touching and uplifting orchestra and vocal music, dramatic video footage and inspirational narration. Some of the music for the stirring concert includes John William's heart-thumping Summon the Heroes, Barber's poignant Adagio for Strings, Mozart's Requiem (a choral masterwork), and the narrated, uplifting Liberty for All. The children of the Sarasota Young Voices will perform Stand Together. Baritone MSG Bob McDonald from The US Army Chorus will present moving renditions of Simple Gifts and America, the Dream Goes On. The Jacobites bagpipers will perform Amazing Grace.

Ticket proceeds will benefit local charities including: area first responder charities, the Southwest Florida Chapter of the American Red Cross (for assistance to active duty military, veterans and their families who served in Iraq and Afghanistan), and the Season of Sharing.
The Community Foundation of Sarasota County and the Gulf Coast Community Foundation are underwriting sponsors for the event.
Comments:

"We're pleased that the City of Sarasota will be donating the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall for this memorial concert. As we recognize the 10th Anniversary of 9/11, it is important that the community come together to both remember that tragic day and look forward as we support the heroes we count upon for our safety and freedom," said Van Wezel executive director Mary Bensel.

"Part of what makes Sarasota such a special community is the spirit behind the collaboration of our performing arts organizations and our city's presenting hall. Sarasota had a unique role in the 9/11 story as President Bush read to a local kindergarten class when he was notified of the tragedy. So, it is only natural that we would produce an exceptional concert experience for local residents to remember and honor the heroes of 9/11," said Sarasota Orchestra president and CEO Joseph McKenna.

"Proceeds from this inspirational concert will benefit organizations that serve our heroes every day," said Teri A Hansen, President and CEO of Gulf Coast Community Foundation. "The reality of 9/11 is a daily experience for nonprofits that serve our military and law enforcement, and they deserve our support and encouragement."

"What a marvelous example of our community coming together to honor the 10th anniversary of 9/11, exemplifying caring at its best as we help our fellow citizens in need through Season of Sharing, our local military and first responders with the proceeds of the concerts," said Roxie Jerde, President and CEO of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County.

When/Where:

Two performances at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall in Sarasota:

• Saturday, September 10 at 7:30 p.m. and

• Sunday September 11 at 2:30 p.m.

Ticket prices are $10, $20 and $35.

How: Tickets may be purchased online at www.VanWezel.org or through the Van Wezel box office at (941) 953-3368.

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