Arts + Entertainment 2.23.23

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT

THE MASTERS TOUR

2022, when he died before he could lead the orchestra through the season.

IF YOU GO

Throughout time immemorial, both music and language have been used to tell stories.

When combined, as in Sarasota Orchestra’s Guided Tours — the second and final of which is 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 24 at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall — it’s possible that something altogether new may emerge. That may be some of what Bramwell Tovey was aiming for, in addition to providing a forum to help make classical music more accessible to newcomers, when he initiated the hybrid lecture/concerts as part of Sarasota Orchestra’s 2022-23 season. Tovey was music director from September 2021 to July

For “A Guided Tour: Copland and Stravinsky,” Maestro Kensho Watanabe will be conducting the full orchestra and hosting the evening along with participation from contemporary classical composer Jessica Hunt and guest soloist Stefan Jackiw.

Watanabe muses that guided tours could become part of Tovey’s Sarasota legacy. The two maestros were close, and the program was developed collaboratively.

“He and I would get together maybe once a year to talk about the repertoire I might want to do,” Watanabe says. Turns out they were thinking about the exact same thing — Aaron Copland’s Symphony No. 3.

He explains that because Copland is considered the “Dean of American composers,” his work provides a platform to springboard into the larger story of American classical music.

“We were late to the classical music world, and it’s exciting to realize that what an Amer-

‘GUIDED TOUR: COPLAND AND STRAVINSKY’

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 24

Where: Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall

Cost: $26-$69

Info: SarasotaOrchestra.org.

ican composer is, or what American music should sound like, is still being defined,” says Watanabe. All composers are influenced by those who came before and, in that light, Watanabe told Tovey he thought contemporary American composer Jessica Hunt’s “Climb” would be a great opener. The two also agreed that, because the music of Igor Stravinsky had a huge impact on Copland, that his violin con-

SEE MASTERS TOUR, PAGE 2

Guided tours bring a contemporary context to a timeless art form.

Masters tour

FROM PAGE 1

certo would round out the repertoire.

“Stravinsky was creating chaos in France with ‘The Rite of Spring,’ and other incredible works,” Watanabe says. “Copland moved to Paris because he wanted to check out what that scene was like, and he ended up really discovering the classical music that was being created at the time. He brought that home and infused it with the tradition of American folk music, things he heard while he was growing up. In his third symphony, Copland fused all the influences that he had into this mammoth work.”

All that history is part of the story, or tour, of the music, Watanabe explains. “It’s my responsibility to weave a story or narrative so that both the musicians on the stage and the people in the audience can all go on the same journey.”

He takes that responsibility seri-

ously — particularly when it comes to exposing new audiences to classical music.

“I have encountered too many people who are either intimidated or perhaps feel inadequately prepared to come and listen to a piece of classical music,” says Watanabe. “One of my missions in my artistic life is to convince them that this is not the case, and that there is something very special about encountering (the music) for the first time.”

However, the evening is not just for the uninitiated. Already-dedicated concertgoers will enjoy what can be looked at as a live, supersized version of the kind of context and perspective usually gleaned from program notes, or when notes are presented from the podium.

“People read the program or do a Wikipedia search before a concert to get a sense of what they will experience,” says Watanabe.

But guided tours are a novel setup, even for the conductor.

“I haven’t done anything like this exactly,” he says.

GUIDE TO THE GUIDED TOUR

To help concertgoers know what to expect, Sarasota Orchestra Chief Marketing and Communications Officer Gordon Greenfield answers a few frequently asked questions.

What are Sarasota Orchestra’s guided tours?

A guided tour was a pilot project that was initiated by our late music director, Bramwell Tovey, inspired by his desire to introduce people new to classical music and to some of the great works of art. By structuring the concert in a shorter format, with narration including insights and context, the goal is to make the concerts very accessible to everyone.

Are the concerts only meant to welcome newcomers to classical music?

The intent of the format is primarily to welcome new audiences to explore classical music, but (it) is also informative for those with more exposure to the genre.

By new to classical music, do you mean younger?

We most certainly are hopeful a younger audience will be attracted to the format. The shorter length than traditional concert and the variety of musical segments mixed with narration for context is ideal for those experiencing classical concerts for the first time.

What else do you hope guided tours will accomplish?

Performing arts organizations, by our very nature, are always looking to pilot new ways to connect with audiences and bring a contemporary context to timeless, great art. This format very much is designed to meet that goal of offering innovative approaches to enjoy the arts.

That doesn’t mean Watanabe isn’t ready, willing and able. As assistant conductor with the Philadelphia Orchestra from 2016 to 2019, one of his favorite jobs was giving preconcert talks.

“When I gave these lectures, most of the time I provided audio samples

from the concert program to illustrate the narrative that I was trying to lay out for the audience,” he says.

The same strategy applies to the guided tour, along with “the incredible added luxury of having live music performed by the orchestra, right there for the audience, to guide people through.”

Concertgoers will also hear from the guest artists.

“Jessica (Hunt) will talk about her piece, and Stefan and I will discuss the Stravinsky,” he says. “As a former violinist myself, I know how difficult it is to play, and bits are harder than others.”

Asked how the evening would be prepared, Watanabe says he will primarily rehearse the music for the longer form concerts on the 25th and 26th.

“(The music) is part of the larger program and that will be rehearsed without the narrative,” he says. Prep for the guided tour will center on transitions.

“I want (the musicians) to be familiar and comfortable with how to move from narrative to music.”

Come walk with us!

THIS WEEK

THURSDAY

AILEY II

7 p.m. at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail

$22-$62

Visit VanWezel.org.

Founded by Alvin Ailey, this dance company pairs the country’s finest young dance talent with the most visionary emerging choreographers for a program that is fresh, modern and designed to delight.

ROBERT KELLY

7 p.m. at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre, 1923 Ringling Blvd.

$25 Visit McCurdysComedy.com.

You’ve seen him on the TV shows “Louie,” “Nurse Jackie,” “Inside Amy Schumer” and more, you’ve heard his podcast “You Know What Dude?” and you’ve seen his one-hour special on Netflix. Now see him perform in person. Runs through Saturday, Feb. 25.

IN-STUDIO PERFORMANCE

FEATURING CHARLOTTE JOHNSON

7 p.m. at SCD Studio, 1400 Boulevard of the Arts, Suite 300

$10-$20 Visit SarasotaContemporaryDance. org.

Charlotte Johnson, a native of St. Pete, graduated from Juilliard before

working as a freelance dancer for Ballet Noir and Trainor Dance in New York City. Since returning to Florida in 2011 to teach at the John Hopkins Middle School Center for the Arts, she has been performing, including with Sarasota Contemporary Dance. In 2020, she formed her own nonprofit arts organization to use art and dance as a healing force in people’s lives.

FRIDAY

THE MOVIE MAESTRO: A TRIBUTE TO JOHN WILLIAMS

3:30 p.m. at Venice Performing Arts Center, 1 Indian Ave., Venice

$33-$61

Visit VenicePerformingArtsCenter. com.

“E.T.: The Extra Terrestrial.” “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.” “Star Wars.” Yep, John Williams composed memorable music for all these films and more. Join the Venice Symphony as it plays his most beloved work, as well as some world premieres in this concert that tributes his talent. Runs through Saturday, Feb. 25

PROGRAM 5 — DANCE THEATRE OF HARLEM 7:30 p.m. at FSU Center for Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail Tickets start at $35 Visit SarasotaBallet.org.

The Sarasota Ballet hosts the world-renowned Dance Theatre of Harlem, in what will no doubt be a special treat. Founded in 1969, the multiethnic company performs a forward-thinking repertoire of both traditional classics and new works. Runs through Monday, Feb. 27.

SATURDAY

SARASOTA FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at J.D. Hamel Park, 199 Bayfront Drive Free Visit ParagonFestivals.com.

Peruse work from more than 70 artisans and crafters from throughout Florida and the United States. Take in everything from original paintings and woodworking to wearable art and jewelry, and engage with the artists themselves about their work or even commission your own custom piece.

Runs through Sunday, Feb. 26.

CURATOR TOUR: ‘A BEAUTIFUL

MESS’

11 a.m. and 1 p.m. at Sarasota Art Museum, 1001 S. Tamiami Trail $20 Visit SarasotaArtMuseum.org.

Join Emilee Enders, curator of exhibitions and programs for the Bedford Gallery at the Lesher Center for the Arts, for a guided tour of “A Beautiful Mess,” an exhibit that features the work of 11 female artists. Enders will bring the display of fiber art to life with the stories of the artists and the traditions and norms that influence them.

SARASOTA CHORUS OF THE KEYS

ANNUAL SHOW

2:30 p.m. at Riverview Performing Arts Center, 1 Ram Way $30-$40 Visit ChorusOfTheKeys.org.

The Sarasota Chorus of the Keys performs its 73rd annual show, “Just Singin’ A Song” with special guests, international quartet champions Nightlife. This show is packed with favorites featuring everything from four-part a cappella harmony in barbershop style to the full chorus.

JOY OF JAZZ

2 p.m. at Centennial Park Gazebo, 200 W. Venice Ave., Venice Free Visit JazzClubSarasota.org.

Vocalist Janet Planet and Friends with John Harmon will bring an afternoon of music to attendees at the Centennial Park Gazebo. A fun event for the whole family, be sure to bring chairs or blankets to relax and enjoy the sounds. The event benefits the Jazz Club of Sarasota’s scholarship fund.

MASTERWORKS: COPLAND AND STRAVINSKY

7:30 p.m. at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail $37-$99 Visit SarasotaOrchestra.org.

Rising conductor Kensho Watanabe will lead the Sarasota Orchestra in a program that pairs two 20th century masterpieces: Stravinsky’s 1931 Violin Concerto and Copland’s Symphony No. 3, which includes “Fanfare to the Common Man.” Runs through Sunday, Feb. 26.

‘DON GIOVANNI’

7:30 p.m. at Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave. Tickets start at $23 Visit SarasotaOpera.org.

Travel to Spain with the Sarasota Opera to dive into Mozart’s opera, “Don Giovanni.” Follow the tragic tale of the infamous womanizer Don Juan, who, in his final saga, does not get a happy ending. Runs through March 25.

SUNDAY

GARDEN MUSIC SERIES: RAE

RADICK

1 p.m. at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

Free with general admission Visit Selby.org.

What better way to enjoy Selby Gardens than with a relaxing afternoon of music? Rae Radick, who describes herself as the “love child of Shania Twain, Miranda Lambert and a dash of New York City,” will perform in the gardens’ outdoor venue.

CIRCUS SARASOTA

1 p.m. and 5 p.m. at the Ulla Searing

Big Top on Nathan Benderson Park’s Regatta Island, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle $20-$75 Visit CircusArts.org.

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, don’t miss your chance to take part in an area tradition celebrating its 25th season: Enjoying an afternoon of entertainment under the big top at Circus Sarasota. Be dazzled by a variety of performers all in the best venue for circus around.

MONDAY

STEFAN JACKIW, VIOLINIST

10:30 a.m. at Church of the Palms, 3224 Bee Ridge Road

$10

Visit SillSarasota.org.

As part of the Sarasota Institute of Lifetime Learning’s Music Mondays series, violinist Stefan Jackiw will perform and discuss his career and craft.

TUESDAY

‘QUARTET FOR THE END OF TIME’

7:30 p.m. at Historic Asolo Theater, 5401 Bay Shore Road

$30-$50

Visit ArtistSeriesConcerts.org.

The Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota welcome the Lincoln Trio: violinist Desiree Ruhstrat, cellist

DON’T MISS CHICAGO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

In his final season as music director, Riccardo Muti leads the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in this visit to Sarasota. Hailed as one of the best in the world, the orchestra will perform Beethoven’s “Symphony No. 8” and “Coriolan Overture,” as well as Liadov’s “The Enchanted Lake” and Mussorgsky’s “Pictures from an Exhibition.”

IF YOU GO

When: 7:30 p.m. March 1

Where: at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail

Tickets: $65-$155 Info: Visit SCASarasota.org.

OUR PICK:

SEVENTH ANNUAL OSFEST REGGAE

BLOCK PARTY

Join Sarasota band Jah Movement for its seventh annual Reggae Music Block Party, which celebrates the late great musician Oswald Caines of the Democracy Reggae Band. Enjoy food, drinks, live music, kids activities and more at this festival outside

of the Gator Club at Lemon Avenue and Main Street.

IF YOU GO

When: 4 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 25

Where: The Gator Club, 1490 Main St.

Tickets: $40, kids 12 and under free Info: Visit JahMovement.com.

Theatre’s rendition of this classic musical that helped launch Stephen Sondheim’s career. Runs through March 19.

WEDNESDAY

‘GYPSY:

One

“Gypsy” delves into one woman’s efforts to get her daughters into show business. Enjoy the Venice

‘THE LAST MATCH’ 7:30 p.m. at Florida Studio Theatre’s Bowne’s Lab, 1241 N. Palm Ave. $25-$39 Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

This regional premiere by Florida Studio Theatre focuses on the U.S. Open semifinals match between Sergei Sergeyev, a rising Russian phenom, and Tim Porter, a celebrated American player reaching the end of his career. Explore the thoughts and feelings behind the match and the sacrifices they’ve made along the way. Runs through March 17.

BLACK TIE

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2023

Unconventional Evening 2023

Wednesday, Feb. 15, at Sarasota Art Museum | Benefiting Sarasota Art Museum

Oddities and peculiarities were aplenty at the Sarasota Art Museum’s returning Unconventional Evening fundraiser on Feb. 15.

The second annual event — which highlights interactive art of all types — had guests assembling at the art museum for a social hour that included mingling with models dressed as ’20s figures and having their likenesses drawn. Members of Sarasota Contemporary Dance moved and grooved across the space as well.

Later, it was time for dinner to be served. Guests sat and enjoyed their meals while watching a fashion show featuring Ringling College students modeling clothing they created.

— HARRY SAYER

Embracing Our Differences Luncheon

Friday,

Our Differences

Embracing Our Differences welcomed hundreds of supporters to its annual luncheon at Michael’s On East on Feb. 17. Supporters gathered in celebration of the nonprofit’s work promoting diversity and inclusion through various arts and education programs. The crowd mingled outside the Michael’s event space before it was time for the program to start.

Guests heard from Judge Charles Williams at the start of the

program before lunch was served.

Learning and Engagement Director Ben Jewell-Plocher then spoke about EOD’s education programs before it was time for three student speakers from the Sarasota area talk about the impact the organization has had on them.

Executive Director Sarah Wertheimer later addressed the crowd before it was time for a paddle raise led by Michael Klauber.

to Veterans Ladies for Liberty Ladies for Liberty featuring featuring

Monday, March 6, 2023 Monday, March 6,

American-born tenor, J. Warren Mitchell, hailed as the “new young Pavarotti,” joins Choral Artists of Sarasota in this work that incorporates traditional African-American

Born To Be Wild Kickoff Party

Friday, Feb. 17, at Sarasota Fairgrounds | Benefiting Suncoast Charities for Children

The “Born To Be Wild” kickoff party marked the start of the latest Thunder By The Bay music and motorcycle at the Sarasota Fairgrounds on Feb. 17. VIP members met at their own special tent for a relaxing night

picking up drinks and food while relaxing to music. Guests also looked through silent auction items that benefited Suncoast Charities for Children before heading to the concert area to rock out.

Cause 4 Hope Dinner

Friday, Feb. 17, at Michael’s On East | Benefiting Neuro Challenge Foundation

The Neuro Challenge Foundation for Parkinson’s brought hope and cheer to its supporters with its annual dinner at Michael’s On East on Feb. 17.

The Cause 4 Hope dinner gathered hundreds of the nonprofit’s closest figures and advocates for an evening of fundraising for programs helping people with Parkinson’s.

Guests mingled before filling the Michael’s event space and enjoying dinner.

Board Chairman Brad Bryan welcomed the audience before Bill Menish led the night’s live auction.

CEO Sara Grivetti then welcomed the night’s speaker John Cullen. The night finished with a paddle raise followed by music and dancing.

Clive Daniel Home invites you to an evening of style and sophistication featuring the photography of Slim Aarons. Enjoy hors d’oeuvres and cocktails while browsing the collection, available for purchase.

Alex Marin of Soicher Marin will discuss the images, capturing, as Slim famously stated: “Attractive People, doing Attractive Things, in Attractive Places”