Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota’s 29th season, “Talent Unveiled,” includes a diverse array of musical experiences, including Grammy Award winners and emerging artists in classical, jazz, pop, and chamber music.

2024 Grammy Award winner in the classical compendium category, Imani Winds has led both a revolution and evolution of the wind quintet through their dynamic playing, adventurous programming, and imaginative collaborations, inspiring audiences of all ages and backgrounds. Twenty-six seasons of full-time touring have taken Imani Winds to every major chamber music series, performing arts center, and summer festival in the United States. Their Legacy Commissioning Project has contributed more than 45 new works by composers of color to the wind quintet repertoire. Imani Winds – Brandon Patrick George, flute; Toyin Spellman-Diaz, oboe; Mark Dover, clarinet; Kevin Newton, French horn; and Monica Ellis, bassoon – perform on Tuesday, February 11, 7:30 pm at First Congregational United Church of Christ, 1031 S. Euclid Avenue in Sarasota. Tickets are $43 and $63 (VIP seating).

In the rarified world of orchestral harp playing, there are gifted players and then there are “rock stars.” Harp Royalty – Sunday, March 2 at 4:00 pm – brings together four of the country’s most celebrated harpists, each of whom has Sarasota roots: Hannah Cope Johnson, Eleanor Kirk, Phoebe Powell, and Katherine Siochi. From the Metropolitan Opera to the San Francisco Symphony, and everywhere in between, these powerhouse players are true “harp royalty.” Their diverse program includes original works for harp ensemble by living harpist-composer Caroline Lizotte, innovative arrangements from the classical canon, and beloved hits from the Great American Songbook. Do not miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to hear them all together in one glorious performance at First Presbyterian Church, 2050 Oak Street in Sarasota. Tickets are $43 and $63 (VIP seating).

The season also includes:

Grammy Award-winning Catalyst Quartet, founded by the internationally acclaimed Sphinx Organization, on Sunday, March 30, 4:00 pm at First Presbyterian Church. The ensemble of violinists Abi Fayette and Karla Donehew Perez, violist Paul Laraia, and cellist Karlos Rodriguez believes in the unity that can be achieved through music and seeks to redefine and reimagine the classical music experience. Their program includes music by Gershwin, Piazzolla, and Ravel. Tickets are $43 and $63 (VIP seating).  

Violinist Tessa Lark, one of the most unique and captivating artistic voices of our time, was nominated in 2020 for a Grammy Award in the best classical instrumental solo category. She is also a highly acclaimed fiddler in the tradition of her native Kentucky. This program is comprised of original works inspired by her combination of classical training and Appalachian upbringing – a style she lovingly calls “Stradgrass.” Lark performs on Tuesday, April 8, 7:30 pm at First Congregational United Church of Christ. Tickets are $43 and $63 (VIP seating).

Scintillating Saxophones features the Sinta Quartet: Dan Graser, soprano saxophone; Zach Stern, alto saxophone; Joe Girard, tenor saxophone; and Danny Hawthorne-Foss, baritone saxophone. The quartet is on a mission to bring the versatility, homogeneity, and excitement of the saxophone to audiences everywhere. Performing entirely from memory, the quartet provides a fresh take on chamber music that is beautiful, virtuosic, and a completely interactive experience. Their programming mixes classics from the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries with commissions by today’s composers and rollicking in-house arrangements from various folk traditions. Their concert is on Sunday, May 4, 4:00 pm at First Presbyterian Church. Tickets are $43 and $63 (VIP seating).

To view the full concert schedule or to purchase tickets, visit ArtistSeriesConcerts.org or call (941) 306-1202.

This project is supported in part by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County; The Exchange; Gulf Coast Community Foundation; National Endowment for the Arts; the Sarasota County Tourist Development Tax Revenues; and the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.