Celebrating its 77th season of presenting world-renowned orchestras, chamber musicians, and solo recitalists, the Sarasota Concert Association looks forward to presenting its 2022 Great Performers Series, which runs January 20 through March 15, 2022.

Highlighted by a dazzling lineup of acclaimed classical artists and ensembles, the Great Performers Series opens with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and also features Grammy Award–winning pianist Emanuel Ax, virtuosic violinist Benjamin Beilman, 19-year-old piano sensation Alexander Malofeev and the internationally renowned Takács Quartet with superstar pianist Joyce Yang.

The 2022 Great Performers Series Season

The Detroit Symphony Orchestra with cellist Joshua Roman

Thursday, January 20, 7:30 p.m., Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall

Music Director Jader Bignamini leads the Detroit Symphony in a program highlighted by Dvořák’s beloved Cello Concerto and Mussorgsky/Ravel’s rousing Pictures at an Exhibition. Italian-born Bignamini is in his first season as the Detroit Symphony’s new music director, and this concert marks their only tour performance on Florida’s west coast. Described as a musician of imagination and expressive breadth, cellist Joshua Roman has earned an international reputation for his wide-ranging repertoire, embracing musical styles from Bach to Radiohead.

Pianist Emanuel Ax performs Chopin

Tuesday, February 1, 7:30 p.m., Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall

A favorite of Sarasota audiences, legendary pianist Emanuel Ax performs an all-Chopin program of the composer’s late works, including Sonata No. 3, Scherzo No. 4, a selection of nocturnes and mazurkas, and the Polonaise-fantaisie, Op. 61. This Grammy Award–winning pianist continues to be in high demand in concert halls throughout the world, and Ax’s performances of Chopin’s later works are not to be missed. A frequent collaborator on recordings and in performances with renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma, Ax performed with Ma in a series of surprise pop-up concerts for essential workers in multiple venues throughout the Berkshires community last fall.

Violinist Benjamin Beilman with pianist Alessio Bax

Friday, February 25, 7:30 p.m., Riverview Performing Arts Center

Benjamin Beilman displays his astonishing virtuosity along with international competition-winning pianist Alessio Bax in Busoni’s Sonata No. 2 and Franck’s Violin Sonata. Winning international acclaim for his passionate performances and rich tone, Beilman performs regularly throughout the world, from Carnegie Hall to Paris, Berlin, and Tokyo. Internationally celebrated on five continents, Italian pianist Bax, who has won some of the most prestigious piano competitions in the world, brings his artistry to Sarasota in this violin and piano recital.

Takács Quartet with pianist Joyce Yang

Tuesday, March 15, 7:30 p.m., Riverview Performing Arts Canter

Grammy-nominated pianist Joyce Yang joins the internationally renowned Takács Quartet in their celebrated return to Sarasota, performing Ravel’s String Quartet and Schumann’s Piano Quintet. Dazzling audiences from coast to coast, as well as overseas, the Grammy Award–winning Takács Quartet is a favorite among Sarasota audiences. Korean-born Yang first came to international attention when she won the silver medal at the 12th Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. The youngest contestant at 19 years old, she took home two additional awards including Best Performance of Chamber Music (with the Takács Quartet). Since then, she has appeared with orchestras and chamber ensembles around the world.

This will be a season to remember as we return to the stage with an exciting 2022 Great Performers Series!

 Single tickets start at $25. Visit SCAsarasota.org, or call the box office at 941-966-6161. Sarasota Concert Association is participating in SafeArts Sarasota in a responsible return to the concert hall.