Joseph McKenna News

Sarasota Orchestra is one of 30 orchestras taking part in the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program, an initiative of the League of American Orchestras.

Sarasota Orchestra and the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall announce a special concert with proceeds to benefit Hurricane Ian recovery efforts. The performance will be held this Friday, October 7, 2022, at 7:00 p.m. at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.

Sarasota Orchestra has announced the passing of Music Director Bramwell Tovey, following declining health in recent days.

Sarasota Orchestra has been awarded a $25,000 grant from The Exchange. Grant funds will support the 2022-2023 Young Person's Concerts.

Sarasota Orchestra has been approved for a $15,000 Grants for Arts Projects award to support the 2022 Sarasota Music Festival. Grant funds will support the 2022 Sarasota Music Festival taking place from June 6-25.

Sarasota Orchestra has entered into a purchase agreement for the land where it plans to build its new home, reaching a milestone in an eight-year process to meet a significant need for expansion.

The Samuel Slater Experience, a historic museum featuring state-of-the-art 4-D digital technology to tell the story of Samuel Slater, the beginnings of the American Industrial Revolution, and the founding of Webster, Massachusetts in the early 19th century, will open its doors to the public this Friday, March 4, 2022 with a special ribbon cutting ceremony at 11:00 AM.

Sarasota Orchestra has received a $20,000 grant from The Exchange for the Sarasota Youth Orchestra program.

Sarasota Orchestra was awarded a ­­­­­$50,000 Arts Appreciation grant from Gulf Coast Community Foundation.

Sarasota Orchestra was awarded a ­­­­­$120,000 grant from Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation.

Today, Sarasota Orchestra announced the concert schedule for the second season of its On the Road with SO: Parks and Partners series of free outdoor concerts for the community.

President and CEO Joseph McKenna has a released an update regarding plans for a new Sarasota Orchestra Music Center.

Sarasota Orchestra has announced the appointment of internationally-renowned conductor Bramwell Tovey as Music Director. Tovey will begin his role as Music Director Designate on September 1, 2021, prior to taking the reins as Music Director in the fall of 2022 for the following four seasons.

Sarasota Orchestra violist Michael McClelland passed unexpectedly at his home on Saturday, July 17, at the age of 62.

Sarasota Orchestra's project is among the more than 1,100 projects across America totaling nearly $27 million that were selected during this second round of Grants for Arts Projects fiscal year 2021 funding.

Sarasota Orchestra has announced the 2021 – 2022 season, featuring a return to full orchestra performances. With the safety of concert attendees a top priority, Sarasota Orchestra is looking forward to returning to the concert hall this fall.

Mayor Hagen Brody previously had shot down the idea for the Sarasota Orchestra to build a concert hall in Payne Park, but is now asking that the matter be reconsidered by the City Commission.

Sarasota Orchestra announced On the Road with SO: Parks & Partners, performing outdoor concerts for the community. The 11 upcoming concerts of chamber music showcases musicians of the Orchestra in public park and partner venues across Sarasota and Manatee counties.

Today Sarasota Orchestra launched sales for its very first season of streamed concerts. All 13 programs planned for a reimagined 2020-2021 concert season will be available to watch online for $10 per concert. A discounted subscription package for all 13 programs is available for $100.

Sarasota Orchestra announced today a reimagined season that brings the joy and inspiration of classical and pops music to the community while maintaining health and safety for its patrons, musicians, staff and volunteers.