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Summary of Venues
Sep. 13, 2009 11:35 PM
Summary of Venues
The
people who run this organization have guests from Broadway to Van
Cliburn winners... The directors of this organization have the best
contacts from around the world to bring extreme talent to the Historic
Asolo.
The
goal of the hall is to bring something to everyone. And I can say, they
accomplished their goal. I have not been disappointed in any of the
shows I have seen. From big names to hidden gems, Van Wezel truly does
have something for everyone
Sarasota Orchestra http://www.sarasotaorchestra.org/
They are the jewel of this coast. Since they changed their name from Florida West Coast Symphony to Sarasota Orchestra, they had a change in production programming. You can experience the classics, Baroque, chamber music, and pieces that were forgotten. Sarasota Orchestra can play as powerfully as the New York Philharmonic, as precise as Kirov Orchestra (now the Mariinsky Theatre Orchestra) and as playfully as the Boston Symphony Orchestra (Boston Pops). Along with the new name, in 2008, also saw the introduction of the Pixel Pops series, which combines big screen projection in synchronization with the Orchestra and the new Journeys to Genius, a 3-concert series which tells the stories, passions and experiences that influenced musical geniuses past and present. Sarasota Orchestra's programming goal is to provide something for everyone. The best part of the beginning of the summer, starting in June, is the Sarasota Music Festival. Competition is intense to get into this 3 week program. As a result, the best pieces are played by the most talented young people in the country.
They are the jewel of this coast. Since they changed their name from Florida West Coast Symphony to Sarasota Orchestra, they had a change in production programming. You can experience the classics, Baroque, chamber music, and pieces that were forgotten. Sarasota Orchestra can play as powerfully as the New York Philharmonic, as precise as Kirov Orchestra (now the Mariinsky Theatre Orchestra) and as playfully as the Boston Symphony Orchestra (Boston Pops). Along with the new name, in 2008, also saw the introduction of the Pixel Pops series, which combines big screen projection in synchronization with the Orchestra and the new Journeys to Genius, a 3-concert series which tells the stories, passions and experiences that influenced musical geniuses past and present. Sarasota Orchestra's programming goal is to provide something for everyone. The best part of the beginning of the summer, starting in June, is the Sarasota Music Festival. Competition is intense to get into this 3 week program. As a result, the best pieces are played by the most talented young people in the country.
Asolo Repertory Theatre http://asolo.org/
They are not your community theatre participants, these actors in training are ready for broadway and dramatic films. Thousands apply, but only 12 are accepted per year. It is a very intense training ground, and it is fantastic to see some of the productions they perform. This series has a new director too, and he has taken the Theatre to never before seen heights. Last year, they had “Tale of Two Cities, the Musical” that made it all the way to Broadway this year. Their productions of "Barnum" were just awesome.
They are not your community theatre participants, these actors in training are ready for broadway and dramatic films. Thousands apply, but only 12 are accepted per year. It is a very intense training ground, and it is fantastic to see some of the productions they perform. This series has a new director too, and he has taken the Theatre to never before seen heights. Last year, they had “Tale of Two Cities, the Musical” that made it all the way to Broadway this year. Their productions of "Barnum" were just awesome.
There
is
a new director, who is retired from the Royal Ballet. He does not
do 100% traditional ballet, he mixes it up with classic, tradition and
modern dance moves. If the performance hall is large enough, the
scenery for the productions rival any Hollywood screen props. And when
performances are made in the smaller hall of the Mertz Theatre,
choreography is very condensed, yet very accurate. The
dancers work exceptionally hard to make the show just right. All of his
productions are almost always sold out.
They
recently
had a restoration that closed the theatre for 1 year. It is
the best it ever has been, and no matter where you sit, the acoustics
are just right. I have my favorites that I have seen this year,
“Barber
of Seville” and “Elixir of Love”. The new season
planned is exceptional.
Personally, I like to watch the acting,
listen to the voice and hear the orchestra perform the pieces. I don't
really read the English titles. I really appreciate good opera singers,
and they are here! The staff and volunteers are exceptionally friendly.
This is a great place to take a date, and go to dinner afterward with
restaurants
close to the opera house.
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