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 February 1 through April 4.

Highlighted by a dazzling lineup of acclaimed classical artists and ensembles, the Great Performers Series features Grammy Award–winning pianist Emanuel Ax, virtuosic violinist Benjamin Beilman, the internationally renowned Takács Quartet with superstar pianist Joyce Yang, and the Warsaw Philharmonic featuring the winner of this year’s International Chopin Piano Competition.

The 2022 Great Performers Series Season

 
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. Ax frequently collaborates on recordings and in performances with renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma, and the two performed 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 Center

Grammy-nominated pianist Joyce Yang joins the internationally renowned Takács Quartet 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.

Warsaw Philharmonic with pianist Bruce Liu

Monday, April 4, 7:30 p.m., Van Wezel Performing Arts Center

The Grammy Award–winning Warsaw Philharmonic, led by Music Director Andrey Boreyko, will perform Beethoven’s beloved Symphony No. 7. The concert also features pianist Bruce Xiaoyu Liu. Having won the International Chopin Piano Competition just this year, the 24-year-old Canadian pianist dazzled the audiences and judges through multiple rounds of the competition to emerge as the first-prize winner.

This will be a season to remember as the Sarasota Concert Association brings its Great Performers Series back to the stage with an exciting 2022. 

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