Featured Artist:
Belle Canto

Sarasota’s newest musical chorale, Belle Canto, will debut at the Glenridge Performing Arts Center (7333 Scotland Way, Sarasota) at 8 p.m. on Sat., Feb. 5 with a celebration of women’s voices. 

Conductor and artistic director Elizabeth Goldstein founded Belle Canto (which means “beautiful singing”) in September 2009. From its inception, the all-female chorus’ goal has been to share the unique beauty and quality of sound that comes from the blending of women's voices and to leave audiences feeling joyful and uplifted. 

Goldstein graduated from Indiana University with a bachelor of music degree in vocal performance and has been the Director of Music and organist for the First United Methodist Church in Sarasota for more than seventeen years.

Goldstein also co-founded the West Coast Children's Chorus, which ran for almost eight years, and completed post-graduate choral and organ studies at the University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music, North Carolina School of the Arts and Southern Methodist University. 

She puts these years of experience to great use with her new chorus, Belle Canto. The group’s vocal works are soaring and resonant with a special beauty and softness that comes only from the blending of so many women’s voices. Belle Canto's varied repertoire includes classical and traditional as well as secular and sacred choral works, plus some lighthearted popular selections. 

June LeBell, a noted Sarasota music critic and former Executive Director of Gloria Musicae, wrote of Belle Canto that “their blend, ability to get words across and purity of sound makes them one of the finest choral groups I've heard in years. They're only just formed, but if they continue to go in this direction, you might hear them being spoken of in the same breath as Chanticleer. And there is no higher compliment."

Tickets for Belle Canto’s debut performance at GPAC are available now for just $15 by visiting www.gpactix.com or by calling the box office at 552-5325. The performance, at 8 p.m. on Sat., Feb. 5 is “A Gift in Song,” celebrating life, laughter and love, a great kick-off for Valentine’s Day next week. The uplifting celebration of women’s voices will delight all who attend. Learn more about the chorus and hear a sampling of their sounds at www.bellecanto.org

WOW NOW
[ good deals ]

Not only does the Asolo Rep Theatre have a great season of plays going on, but they also offer some really good deals! For example, students, 24 and under, can buy a pass for the entire season, every play, for just $35 - total. That’s a great way for students to experience theatre, spread the word. Also, the Asolo offers free behind the scenes tours of the theatre; backstage, scene shop, wardrobe, etc. Groups get reduced ticket prices, too. Call the Asolo for details at 941-351-8000.

Through February 13
[ at the apple ]

Marriage is at the center of the Tony Award-winning “I DO, I DO” the intimate and nostalgic work by Harvey Schmidt and Tom Jones (Fantasticks). Watch Michael and Agnes as they journey from being newlyweds to parents to retirement. Starring Craig Weiskerger and Heather Kopp, who became engaged on the Golden Apple's stage. Box office 941-366-5454.

Through February 21
[ circus sarasota ]

Circus Sarasota is back and tickets are on sale now. In fact, all tickets to the first 5 shows are half price, and there are no fees if you buy at the box office. Either way, you win. Call 941-355-9805.

February 4
[ first friday sarasota ]

The First Friday of every month, Palm Avenue and most of downtown Sarasota have a gallery/art walk. Galleries and shops are open later, there's music on the streets and everyone is having a grand old time strolling around with a glass of wine. Don't miss it.

February 6
[ german music at vw ]

The German State Philharmonic, based in Mannheim and Ludwigshafen, Germany, has toured throughout South America, China and numerous European countries, and is currently on its first U.S. tour. At this Sarasota Concert Association presentation, the Philharmonic, accompanied by conductor/pianist Philippe Entremont and pianist Sebastian Knauer, will perform a program of works by Brahms, Mozart and Strauss, Sunday, February 6, at 5 p.m., at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall in Sarasota. Individual tickets are $60, $55, $50, $40. Subscriptions, tickets and information for the evening series are available by calling 941-955-0040.

February 8, 22 and March 1
[ lotsa opera ]

For the first time ever, Sarasota Opera has moved its highly popular Meet the Artists Previews from the lobby into the theater. This means that tickets to the event, usually sold out well in advance, will now be available to a larger number of opera patrons. During these previews Sarasota Opera’s Artistic Director Victor Derenzi interviews the principal singers, director, and various designers who are involved with each of the four operas being performed during the season. These “backstage” goodies give opera goers a special look into the professional lives of the artists.

All Meet the Artists Previews take place in the William E. Schmidt Theater of the Sarasota Opera House at 5 p.m. on the following dates: February 8 – Don Giovanni;   February 22 – I Lombardi; March 1 – The Crucible. Tickets are $15 per person and are available at the Box Office, 61 N Pineapple Avenue, Sarasota; by phone at 941- 328-1300.

February 9 & 16
[ masterpieces of music ]

John Goodman, professor emeritus, Boston University, leads a musical lectures series at Selby Library (downtown Sarasota) called “Masters & Masterpieces of Music: Close – up on Opera” from 10:30 – 11:45 a.m. On the 9th, Goodman will give an overview of American opera. On the 16th, he’ll present Wagner’s “Die Walkure.” Call 941-561-1110.

February 11
[ cabaret jazz ]

The Lake Osprey Cabaret (6239 Lake Osprey Dr., Lakewood Ranch) presents, “Prelude to a Lover’s Valentine Weekend; Cabaret Style Jazz. Performers include Katt Hefner, Stan “The Ma,, Butch Thomas, Vincent Sims and Ron Gregg. Doors open at 7:30 p.m.. Call 941-306-8574.

February 7
[ auditions ]

Theatre Odyssey is holding auditions for its upcoming 10-minute play festival. Auditions are on February 7 from 7-10:00 p.m. at the WBTT stage (1012 N. Orange Avenue, Sarasota. Seven plays will be part of this year’s festival, in April. Call Melissa for details on auditions at 941-351-6319.

February 19
[ ballet auditions ]

The Sarasota Ballet announces auditions for their Summer Intensive Program. Auditions take place at the Sarasota Ballet School in the FSU Performing Arts Center (5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota), February 19 from 2 pm to 4:30 pm for students ages 9 and up.

Auditions for students ages 9-11 will be held from 2:00-3:00 pm. Those 12 and up will audition from 3:00-4:30 pm. All are asked to arrive 30 minutes ahead of the start of this audition period to register/sign in.

There is a $25 audition fee to be paid at the door. The Summer Intensive Programs run in two consecutive sessions. Summer Session I is for ages 9 through pre-professional and will run July 5th through July 23rd, with a final performance on July 23rd.

Summer Session II is for ages 13 through pre-professional and will run July 26th through August 13th, with a final performance on August 13th. For more information on class levels or schedules, call 941-359-0099 ext 120.

Be sure to check the audition pages of local theaters to make sure you don't miss anything (click the theater name): Florida Studio Theatre • The Players Theatre of Sarasota • Manatee Players • The Golden Apple • Island Players • Asolo Repertory Theatre • Venice Theatre • Lemon Bay Playhouse