Editor’s note: In-person events are subject to change. Please check before venturing out.

Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota: Piano Grand V

Oct. 9

The fifth edition of this concert featuring four Steinway concert grand pianos, played by four pianists (Joseph Holt, Don Bryn, Thomas Purviance and Susan Woodruff Versage) makes its bow at 4 p.m. at the Sarasota Opera House. The keyboardists will tackle music by Mozart, Tchaikovsky, Harold Arlen, Wagner, Dave Brubeck and more; get your ears ready. For tickets, call (941) 306-1202 or visit artistseriesconcerts.org.

Selby Gardens’ Orchid Show

Oct. 9-Nov. 28

The annual orchid show brings together two Sarasota traditions: orchids and the circus. Presented in collaboration with the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, The Orchid Show 2021: Aerialists from the Tree Top to the Big Top!, celebrates the breathtaking beauty of flowers in canopies high above the forest floor, along with the circus aerialists who likewise perform high above us. See a preview here; for full information about the show and related programs, visit selby.org.

Sarasota Art Museum: David Budd: Motion Within Stillness

Oct. 9-March 20

Painter David Budd, who lived and worked for a time in Sarasota, as well as in the New York Abstract Expressionist scene of the 1950s, gets his due in this exhibit filling the third-floor galleries of the museum. His most significant works are often large-scale canvases painted not with a brush but a palette knife, a signature of his unique approach. Learn more at sarasotaartmuseum.org.

People of the Book Author Lecture Series

Oct. 12

Magician and author Joshua Jay opens this series presented by the Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee, at 7 p.m. at Temple Beth Israel; he’ll reveal much that lies behind the closed door world of the professional illusionist/deceiver. Check it out at jfedsrq.org/events.

Sarasota Orchestra

Oct. 10; Oct. 13-16

Not one but two orchestra events coming up. The first, a Chamber Soiree at 4 p.m. Sunday at Holley Hall, presents works by Marquez and Piazzolla, among others, as it focuses on Elizabeth Hobbs’ poem Slow Dancing on the Highway: The Trip North. The second, the first of the season’s Great Escapes offerings, brings the Roaring 20s to life with performances Oct. 13-16 at Holley Hall under the baton of Steven Jarvi. Learn more at sarasotaorchestra.org.

Make Thee An Ark

Oct. 8-10; 15-17

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens’ Historic Spanish Point campus hosts the world premiere of this play, directed and conceived by New College alumna Raychel Ceciro and written in collaboration with Logan Gabrielle Schulman and Sam Sanford. Set 300 years in the future, in a New Ark floating above an undersea Florida, the production takes place in Mary’s Chapel at HSP, and tickets are available at tinyurl.com/maketheeanark. There will also be an Ark Dialogues panel on Oct. 17.

EnsembleNewSrq: Don’t Look Down

Oct. 11

There’s more music to hear, most of it new to its listeners, as this chamber music ensemble opens its sixth season at 8 p.m. at the First Congregational Church. On the bill: the world premiere of Max Grafe’s Shadow Theatre, the Florida premiere of Chris Cerrone’s Don’t Look Down, and Yaz Lancaster’s reflective Sequoia. For ticket info, go to ensrq.org.

Shakespeare in Nature: Much Ado About Nothing

Oct. 10

The Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast teams with Asolo Rep and the FSU/Asolo Conservatory to present this adaptation of the romantic Shakespeare comedy, at Bay Preserve in Osprey. Gates open at 3 p.m., and the performance begins at 3:30 p.m. Space is limited, and registration is required for this free event. Check it out here.

Sarasolo FallFest

Oct. 12-17

SaraSolo Productions, spotlighting works of solo theater, returns to live performance at the Tree Fort Productions space in The Crossings at Siesta Key mall. Four artists—Clara Francesca, Sylvia Day, Dennis McSorley and Paula Broadwater—will showcase their works in progress. For tickets, go to sarasolo.org/tickets.

The Hermitage Artist Retreat: Finding Resonance

Oct. 8

This new beach program, subtitled The Vibrations of Art, Poetry and Theater, welcomes poet Lynnell Edwards, visual artist Nathaniel Donnett and theater creator Shayok Misha Chowdhury to discuss their latest works in progress. Live outdoors at 6 p.m. at the Hermitage Beach on Manasota Key Road, and free with a $5 per person registration fee. Capacity will be limited; head to hermitageartistretreat.org.