Celebrating its 80th season, the Sarasota Concert Association is thrilled to present the 2025 Great Performers Series, featuring an exceptional lineup of world-renowned artists. This season’s highlights include performances by acclaimed pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet, the esteemed Cleveland Orchestra, and the distinguished Czech National Symphony Orchestra.

Opening the series on January 15, French pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet, celebrated for his profound artistry and versatility, performs at the Riverview Performing Arts Center. With a career spanning over three decades, Thibaudet has performed worldwide and recorded over 50 albums, earning a reputation as one of today’s finest pianists. His repertoire extends beyond the standard classical works, embracing jazz and opera transcriptions, reflecting his eclectic musical interests. Thibaudet’s collaborations span various art forms, including film, fashion, and visual art, showcasing his innovative spirit. In recognition of his contributions to the arts, he was appointed the first-ever Artist-in-Residence at the Colburn School in Los Angeles, where he mentors young musicians. His upcoming recital will feature Claude Debussy’s complete Préludes, Books I and II, masterpieces of impressionistic piano literature demonstrating his technical brilliance and emotional depth. 

Returning to Sarasota on January 26, The Cleveland Orchestra, hailed as one of the world’s premier orchestras, renowned for its artistic excellence and rich musical legacy, performs at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. Founded in 1918, the orchestra has a storied history of innovation and community engagement, inspiring audiences through extraordinary musical experiences.

Under the baton of conductor Kahchun Wong, a rising star in the classical music scene, the program will feature Beethoven’s Violin Concerto, performed by the dazzling violinist Sayaka Shoji and showcasing the orchestra’s commitment to presenting timeless masterpieces. The evening concludes with Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition, a vibrant suite highlighting the orchestra’s dynamic range and interpretative prowess. 

On February 13, the Czech National Symphony Orchestra will grace the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall stage. Established in 1993, the orchestra has swiftly risen to prominence as one of Europe’s leading ensembles, known for its versatility and commitment to Czech musical traditions. Their recordings have garnered international acclaim, including several Gold CDs for exceptional sales, and they have been honored with the Gustav Mahler Prize for their interpretations of Mahler’s works. Under the direction of conductor Jan Chalupecky, the orchestra will present an all-Dvořák program, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Czech music. The performance will feature the Serenade for Strings, the Czech Suite, and Dvořák’s Piano Concerto, with 21-year-old award-winning pianist Maxim Lando exemplifying the orchestra’s dedication to showcasing emerging talent. 

Tickets and Subscriptions

Join the Sarasota Concert Association for these remarkable performances and celebrate 80 years of musical excellence. Five-concert Great Performers Series subscriptions are available at savings of up to 20%. Choose any three concerts and save 10%. Single tickets are also on sale now. Visit www.SCAsarasota.org or call 941-966-6161 for tickets and more information.