April marks the 33rd season of the La Musica International Chamber Music Festival, known for bringing the finest musicians from around the world to the stage of the Sarasota Opera to perform both familiar and seldom-heard chamber music. This season, which runs from April 8 to 17, holds the works of Martinů, Beethoven, Mozart, Benedict, Brahms, Beach, Kapustin, Schumann, Schoenberg and others. But the festival is much more than concerts. 

Rehearsals are open to the public
It is rare for an arts organization to open rehearsals to the public, but La Musica wants people to witness the collaborative process of musicians bringing music to life as they start, stop, discuss and start again. Rehearsals at the Mildred Sainer Pavilion provide a casual setting, and it isn’t uncommon for people to bring the newspaper crossword puzzle, or even their latest knitting project, as they spend the day watching a concert come together. Daytime rehearsals are perfect for those who want to enjoy the performances of La Musica’s internationally recognized musicians, but who might not be able to make it to evening concerts.

Musical Chefs Interactive Dinner
At one of the liveliest events of the season, guests roll up their sleeves and do some cooking. Michael’s Wine Cellar is the scene for a whole lot of laughter, perhaps a dropped pan (yes, it happens) and a delicious dinner cooked tableside. Hosts Phil Mancini and executive chef Jamil Pineda lead the cooking demonstrations as everyone dons an apron and takes their turn stepping up to the burner to prepare the evening's meal. La Musica’s “musical chefs” this year are cellist Dmitri Atapine and violinist Federico Agostini – they can play, but can they cook?

Meet the Musicians – a fun, informal gathering
For the past two years, the Dolphin Aviation hangar has been a popular place for music lovers and musicians to mingle with each other on a spring day’s late afternoon. Guests can wander around the planes parked in one end of the hangar while enjoying wine, non-alcoholic beverages, and a spread of light bites. The evening concludes with a mini concert. The sounds of a departing plane or two might become an impromptu part of the music.

For more information or to purchase tickets to any of La Musica’s 33rd season events, visit lamusicafestival.org or call (941) 366-8450, option 7.