Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota presents
“My Favorite Things: The Music of Rogers & Hammerstein”
With Qol Quartet and Gloria Musicae Singers
March 6 3 p.m. North Port Performing Arts Center
Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota’s 2016 North Port Series concludes with this rousing tribute to the legendary writing team credited with ushering in the golden age of American musical theater.
(Sarasota, Florida) Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota’s 2016 North Port concert series concludes with “My Favorite Things: The Music of Rogers & Hammerstein,” Sunday, March 6, 3 p.m., at the North Port Performing Arts Center, 6400 West Price Boulevard, North Port. The Gloria Musicae Singers and the Qol Quartet celebrate Richard Rogers and Oscar Hammerstein II, the musical theater writing partnership considered to be the greatest of the 20th century. Reserved seat tickets are $30; students with ID, $10. Tickets can be purchased online at www.artistseriesconcerts.org; by calling the North Port Performing Arts Center’s box office at 941-426-8479; or by visiting the box office in person at 6400 West Price Boulevard, North Port.
“Oklahoma!,” “Carousel,” “South Pacific,” “The King and I,” and “The Sound of Music.” These are just a few of the many timeless musicals penned by the iconic team of Rogers and Hammerstein. After long and highly distinguished careers with other collaborators, composer Richard Rodgers and librettist/lyricist Oscar Hammerstein II joined forces in 1943 to form the most consistently fruitful and successful partnership in American musical theater history. Collectively, the team garnered 34 Tony Awards, 16 Academy Awards, the Pulitzer Prize, and two Grammy Awards, with countless productions of Rogers and Hammerstein musicals still being performed in theaters around the world today. Under the direction of Dr. Joseph Holt, the Gloria Musicae Singers and the Qol Quartet celebrate the musical legacy of this renowned partnership.
“Rodgers and Hammerstein’s songwriting remains the epitome of a great American art form. I can’t think of a better way to conclude our North Port season than with a tribute to these two musical legends,” says Holt.
The Gloria Musicae Singers, Sarasota’s professional vocal ensemble, celebrates the excellence of choral music through innovative, stimulating performances and educational outreach. The group is comprised of 24 classically trained, auditioned singers performing music from a broad spectrum of the choral literature. Complementing the ensemble are eight apprentice singers—younger student singers ranging in age from 18 to 22. With repertoire spanning four centuries and including major works with orchestra, intimate madrigals, church motets, folk songs, close-harmony jazz, and Broadway show music, this highly versatile ensemble is a cultural jewel of southwest Florida. The ensemble also specializes in premiere performances of lesser-known choral works, particularly those works by living American composers. Gloria Musicae has performed premieres by René Clausen, Dick Hyman, Robert Levin, Gwyneth Walker, Sheridan Seyfried, and James Grant.
Johanna Fincher (soprano), Robyn Rocklein (mezzo-soprano), Adam Bielamowicz (tenor), and Christopher Holloway (baritone) of the Qol Quartet perform a diverse range of music. From classical to contemporary, oratorio and opera to musical theater, these four Sarasota-based artists breathe freshness into some of the most beloved vocal repertoire.
Since 1996, Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota has presented an ever-expanding annual season of concerts by globally renowned and celebrated emerging artists. The 2015-2016 20th anniversary season runs through May 2016 and includes six concerts in its “Classical Recital Series,” four concerts in its “Pop Series,” three special concerts and the inaugural North Port concert series. Three “Lunch, Look and Listen” events were also scheduled. For more information about the Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota’s 2014-2015 season, visit www.artistseriesconcerts.org or call 941-306-1202.
Artist Series Concerts Of Sarasota’s
Remaining 2015-2016 Season At A Glance
Classical Recital Series
Saturday and Sunday evenings at 7:30 p.m. at the Historic Asolo Theater; 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Tickets at 941-360-7399 or www.artistseriesconcerts.org.
- Akropolis Reed Quintet: Described by Fanfare Magazine as playing with “imagination, infallible musicality, and huge vitality,” the Akropolis Reed Quintet, (oboe, clarinet, saxophone, bassoon and bass clarinet), is a cutting-edge ensemble that performs an innovative, living repertoire with acclaimed precision. February 20, 7:30 p.m., and February 21, 7:30 p.m.
- Trio Celeste: Violinist Iryna Krechkovsky, cellist Ross Gasworth, and pianist Kevin Kwan Loucks combine to form an exciting, dynamic and intelligent ensemble. They are each strong instrumentalists in their own right and have what only the best groups have; an understanding of each other’s emotions, the ability to play with both power and subtlety, and what can best be described as a spark. March 5, 7:30 p.m., and March 6, 7:30 p.m.
- Amit Peled is an Israeli-American cellist and virtuoso called a “larger than life presence on stage” (The Washington Post). Peled, a musician of profound artistry and charismatic stage presence, is known as one of the most exciting instrumentalists on the concert stage today. At 6’5″ tall (he was once a basketball player), Peled often surprises audiences with the ways he breaks down barriers between performers and the public, making classical music more accessible to wider audiences. April 9, 7:30 p.m., and April 10, 7:30 p.m.
- 20th Year Retrospective Celebration: As a close to the 20th anniversary season, Artist Series Concerts is bringing back favorites from past years. The performers that Sarasota audiences have loved before will be here again to entertain, celebrate and inspire. May 28 and 29, 7:30 p.m.
Pop Series
At the Historic Asolo Theater; 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Tickets at 941-360-7399 or www.artistseriesconcerts.org.
- QuinTango, a touring quintet of two violins, cello, bass and piano, brings a century’s worth of tango repertoire to the concert stage with sizzling musicality and captivating narrative style. Winner of two consecutive WAMMIES, QuinTango is the only tango music group to have given a command performance at The White House. QuinTango has been heard on NPR’s “Morning Edition,” CNN, and network television in both the United States and Costa Rica. When QuinTango made its debut at Charleston’s Piccolo Festival, critic Robert Jones wrote exuberantly that “their concerts packed the place and sent the customers home tango crazy.” April 30, 7:30 p.m., and May 1, 2:00 and 7:30 p.m.
- “My Favorite Things,” Music of Rodgers & Hammerstein, featuring acclaimed soloists Mara Bonde, soprano, Katherine Pracht, mezzo soprano, Aaron Blake, tenor, Marcus DeLoach, baritone, and the Gloria Musicae Singers: May 7:30 p.m., and May 8, 2:00 and 7:30 p.m.
Lunch, Look and Listen
One-hour concerts at 11 a.m. followed by lunch at 12:15 p.m. At Michael’s On East Ballroom, 1212 East Avenue South, Sarasota. Tickets at 941-306-1202.
- Miami Guitar Trio: February 18.
- Gulfshore Trio: Reiko Niiya, violin; Susannah Kelly, cello; William Dawson, piano: March 17.
Soiree Series
Sunday afternoons at 2:00 p.m. and Monday evenings at 7:30 p.m. At the Weisenborne/Fischer residence. Call for address. Tickets at 941-306-1202.
- Bob McDonald singing songs made famous by Broadway leading man John Raitt: March 27 & 28.
North Port Performing Arts Center Series
Sunday afternoons at 3:00 p.m. At the North Port Performing Arts Center, 6400 W. Price Blvd., North Port. Tickets at 941-306-1202.
- Dick Hyman in Concert. A solo performance by the legendary Emmy Award-winning pianist and composer, renowned for his 50-year career as one of America’s most prolific and versatile jazz musicians: February 21.
- “My Favorite Things: The Music of Rogers and Hammerstein.” Featuring the Qol Quartet, (Johanna Fincher, Robyn Rocklein, Adam Bielamowicz, and Christopher Holloway), and the Gloria Musicae Singers, directed by Joseph Holt: March 6.
About Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota
Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota was formed in 1996 as the Artist Series of Sarasota. The group is a non-profit corporation based in Sarasota, FL, that prides itself on presenting several major national and international varieties of concert, opera, orchestral, Broadway and film performances throughout their season. The majority of the performances are staged at the restored Historic Asolo Theater at The Ringling.
