November 12, 2014
Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota Receives $50,000 Gift From Edith Winston
Edith Winston’s commitment to supporting live musical performance is recognized at a recent event.
The Herb and Edith Winston Endowment Fund is named in honor of her late husband.
(Sarasota, Florida) John Fischer, executive director of the Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota, announced at a season opening event that Edith (also known as “Edie”) Winston, a longtime Artist Series supporter, recently donated $50,000 to the organization. He said that income from the gift, designated The Herb and Edith Winston Endowment Fund, will be directed to operating expenses and educational programs.
“Edie is an amazing woman,” says Fischer. “She is, at the same time, both a gentle lover of the arts as well as a savvy business woman. When it comes to the topic of marketing, she can finish my sentences.”
What inspired Winston’s gift?
The soft-spoken former occupational therapist and entrepreneur who holds 44 patents says that she’s been involved with Artist Series Concerts since she came to Sarasota.
“This organization is run by two very special people,” says Winston. “Lee Dougherty Ross, the artistic director, and John Fischer not only have hearts of gold and the talent to inspire leading artists to come to our area, they’re also a joy to know.”
Winston grew up in a family of musicians and played piano from a very young age. “We went to opera and classical concerts regularly,” she says. “I’m passionate about music–and I also understand the dedication and devotion that goes into making it happen. The people who empower Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota show that same commitment and passion.”
Winston is also drawn to the organization’s education and scholarship programs. “The Artist Series Concerts’ scholarship program is one of the most prestigious competitions in Florida,” she says, explaining that the competition rotates each year between voice, piano, or string instruments and is open to talented young musicians who are residents of Florida. “In the past decade we’ve raised more than $180,000 for 60 gifted young musicians,” she says. “Our focus is the future. Winners often go on to major music schools and pursue successful music career. The Artist Series is taking an active role in inspiring the next generation of professional musicians and that’s something I am proud to support.”
Winston also cites the organization’s outreach program in area schools. “Each year, several Artist Series’ artists take programs into our schools to interact with music students and their teachers. This is another important way that Artist Series Concerts is nurturing future musicians and audiences.”
Winston named the fund in loving memory of Herb Winston, her husband of nearly 50 years who died a few years ago. “He’s what promotes me to give,” she says. “Music fills my heart with joy. It’s made my life bearable since losing my sweetheart.”
Since 1996, Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota has presented an ever-expanding annual season of concerts by globally renowned and celebrated emerging artists. The 2014-2015 season runs through May 2015 and includes six concerts in its “Classical Recital Series,” four concerts in its “Pop Series,” and three special concerts. Three “Lunch, Look and Listen” events are 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
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.
