Sarasota Florida Culture
Sarasota County is called Florida’s "Cultural
Coast" for good reason. Cultural offerings include
an opera company, two symphonies, a ballet, a performing
arts hall to rival Broadway, professional theaters for
every taste, and innovative architecture, and architectural
seminars and programs. Visual arts lovers can roam through
our sophisticated galleries, antique shops, artists’ studios
and fine crafts boutiques. Our acclaimed natural wonders
include award-winning botanical gardens, natural parks
and a world-class marine biology research center. And don’t
worry that this all disappears in the summer. Our cultural
arts season is 365 days long, filled with festivals,
performance events, and visual art exhibitions.
Here is an overview of Sarasota
County's leading arts and cultural organizations.
ASOLO /FSU CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING
ARTS
5555 N. Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, FL 34243
941-351-8000 or 800-361-8388
http://www.asolo.org
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The Asolo Theatre Company is a professional company that performs primarily
in the Harold E. and Esther M. Mertz Theatre at the Florida State University
Center for the Performing Arts. The Mertz Theatre is an elegant 500-seat facility
originally built as an opera house in 1903 in Dunfermline, Scotland. From November
through June, the members of the acclaimed Asolo acting company gather to present
a unique repertory from classics to new works. The Asolo Theatre Festival is
the only winter destination theatre festival in this country. Theatregoers
can choose as many as four different plays in a single weekend. Each season
Asolo Theatre Festival productions entertain more than 100,000 people. For
a complete listing of this season's productions, calendar with performance
dates and times, educational opportunities and to order tickets, go to www.asolo.org.
Or, to order tickets, call 800-361-8388 or 941-351-8000.
CIRCUS
SARASOTA
P. O. Box 18636
Sarasota, FL 34276
941-355-9335
http://www.circussarasota.org
Sarasota, known as the "circus
capitol of the world," now has its own one-ring,
five star international circus. Circus Sarasota, founded
in 1997 by Pedro Reis and Dolly Jacobs as a 501(c)(3)
performing arts educational organization, enhances,
produces and propels the circus arts with innovative
programs
of the highest level. Circus Sarasota is committed
to continuing the legacy and broadening the artistic
contribution
of the circus while raising the level and perception
of the American circus to that of other fine arts institutes.
Our focus in four areas: education, special education,
community service and performance. All these activities
merit the highest artistic level of quality. The presence
of the circus as an institution in Sarasota, and its
performing artists as individual citizens has contributed
mightily to the cultural richness and diversity, which
is now synonymous with our area. 
FLORIDA STUDIO THEATRE
1241 N. Palm Ave.
Sarasota, FL 34236
941-366-9000
http://www.fst2000.org
Florida Studio Theatre is Sarasota's
contemporary theater, located in the heart of the theater
and arts district in downtown Sarasota, and offers
two different theater experiences. Now in its 29th season,
the Mainstage is located in an historic building and
presents the finest in contemporary theater. The Cabaret
offers fine dining and excellent entertainment in a
one-of-a-kind
theater experience. Set in a turn-of-the-century Parisian
café, FST's Cabaret is an intimate setting in
which to enjoy dinner and a show. In addition to its
two theaters, Florida Studio Theatre also hosts the
Sarasota Festival of New Plays. Held each May, the
festival puts
the spotlight on the best new work in American theater.
FLORIDA WEST COAST SYMPHONY
709 N. Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, FL 34236
941-953-4252
Box Office 941-953-3434
http://www.fwcs.org
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The Florida West Coast Symphony
delights audiences on the cultural coast of Florida with
over 100 concerts every season. Over the last six years,
Artistic Director, Leif Bjaland, has led the orchestra
in an unprecedented period of growth and artistic achievement.
There is something for everyone at the Symphony, from
the great masterworks to light classics and entertaining
popular music. For classical music lovers, the orchestra
presents seven Masterworks programs, a Composer's Series,
and Salon Concerts of chamber music. Others will prefer
the casual, high energy of the themed Great Escapes series
or a pure pops concert with the full orchestra. In June,
the annual Sarasota Music Festival presents faculty and
students of the highest caliber. Programs are presented
in Sarasota, Bradenton and the Englewood/North Port area.
Group and student discounts available. Free student concerts
throughout the year.
GOLDEN APPLE DINNER THEATRE
25 N. Pineapple Ave.
Sarasota, FL 34236
941-366-5454 or 800-652-0920
http://www.thegoldenapple.com
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A Sarasota landmark, the award-winning
Golden Apple Dinner Theatre has, since 1971, transported
audiences with electrifying performances and delicious
cuisine. The Suncoast classic showcase for Broadway musicals
and theatrical productions, The Golden Apple offers an
unbeatable combination of professional theater and exceptional
dining. The unique, tiered horseshoe seating arrangement,
along with comfortable swiveling chairs, offers the ultimate
in relaxed dining and viewing. Enjoy the candlelight
Prime Rib Buffet (all you can eat) for which the Golden
Apple chef prepares a sumptuous spread of mouthwatering
delights. Cocktails, wine, fine coffee and luscious desserts
ensure a delightfully satisfying dining experience. And
then, from the comfort of this intimate setting, sit
back as the lights dim, and the magic begins. With award-winning
sets and costumes, outstanding choreography and direction,
the performances are sure to move you to laughter, to
tears, to captivate your heart and leave you breathless.
On our stage you will see the stars of tomorrow, the
very best talent from New York, California and places
in-between and exceptional regional talent. Stars of
stage and TV, luminaries like Betty Buckley and Morgan
Fairchild, have enthralled audiences past at the Golden
Apple Dinner Theatre. The Golden Apple brings to Florida's
Suncoast the drama and excitement, the energy and passion
of Broadway.
HISTORIC SPANISH
POINT
337 N. Tamiami Trail
Osprey, FL 34229
941-966-5214
http://www.historicspanishpoint.org
Explore 5,000
years of history through prehistoric shell mounds, pioneer
era buildings and the colorful gardens of Mrs. Potter
Palmer. Take tours of a 30-acre
archaeological, historical and environmental museum located on Little Sarasota
Bay. A large Butterfly Garden, picnic facilities, nature trails through a
unique environment and one-of-a-kind exhibits are just
some of the interesting features
included in your experience. For 25 years this accredited museum has connected
you to Florida’s past.
JOHN & MABLE
RINGLING MUSEUM OF ART
5401 Bayshore Road
Sarasota, Florida 34243
941-351-1660
http://www.ringling.org
The John and Mable Ringling Museum of
Art is home to three spectacular attractions. Internationally
recognized, the Museum of Art features significant holdings
in European, American, and non-Western art, with masterpieces
from the 17th-century Baroque period. Cà d'Zan
is the Ringlings' magnificent, 32-room Venetian-Gothic
mansion
on beautiful Sarasota Bay. The Circus Museum displays
memorabilia and artifacts from the rich history of the
American Circus
and The Ringling Bros. Family enterprise. Admission is
$15 for adults, $12 for seniors (65+), and free for children
under 12 accompanied by an adult. Advance tickets are
recommended.
LA MUSICA INTERNATIONAL CHAMBER
MUSIC
P. O. Box 5442
Sarasota, FL 34277
941-366-8450, Ext. 3
http://www.lamusicafestival.org
Now in its 18th season, La Musica
International Chamber Music Festival welcomes 15 of
the world's outstanding musicians to play five concerts
in
the historic Sarasota Opera House, April 12, 15, 18,
21, and 24. From April 9-24, the musicians invite you
to explore the "River of Music: The Danube and the
Composers It Nurtured" in daily open rehearsals,
concerts, lectures and other events. Stretching from
the Black Forest to the Black Sea, the Danube, as no
other river, has provided the vehicle for exchange
of musical ideas and ethnic influences and the greatest
composers drew from this confluence of eastern and
western
motifs. Starting with Mozart and finishing with the
contemporary Schwertsik with many stops along the composer
trail of
this riverine culture, the Festival will pay homage
to the golden age of European music.
MARIE SELBY BOTANICAL GARDENS
811 S. Palm Ave.
Sarasota, FL 34236
941-366-5731
http://www.selby.org
Explore the world's most spectacular
display of rare orchids and bromeliads in this 8.5-acre
tropical oasis on the shores of Sarasota Bay. Discover
an open-air and under-glass museum of more than 20,000
colorful plants--including a living collection of more
than 6,000 orchids--many collected in the wild by the
Gardens' research and conservation scientists on more
than 150 scientific expeditions to tropical rainforests.
Ever-changing botanical art and photography exhibits
in The Mansion. Lunch served daily at Michael's in
the Garden Café. Sunday Afternoon Garden Music
concerts March through mid-May. For a complete list of
upcoming
programs, visit our website.
RINGLING
COLLEGE OF ART & DESIGN
2700 North Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, Florida 34234-5895
941-351-5100
941-359-7517
http://www.ringling.edu
Founded in 1931, Ringling College
of Art and Design is a private, independent college offering
an intensive, professional education in the visual arts
and design. It awards the BFA in six majors and enrolls
more than 1,000 students in its degree program. The College
also offers a diverse selection of Community Arts classes
throughout the year and provides the public the opportunity
to experience the work of national and internationally
known artists through its acclaimed Selby Gallery.
SARASOTA BALLET OF FLORIDA
5555 N. Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, FL 34243
941-351-8000
http://www.sarasotaballet.org
The Sarasota Ballet of Florida,
under the artistic direction of Robert de Warren, has
achieved a dynamic standing among the arts organizations
in the culturally rich Sarasota area. The Ballet performs
a blend of classical and contemporary styles from September
through April. De Warren has created world premieres
for the Sarasota Ballet, which have received outstanding
critical acclaim, such as "Bolero," "Eva
Peron: A Dance Portrait," "Madame Butterfly," and "Carmina
Burana." The Sarasota Ballet also maintains the
Sarasota Ballet Academy, offering dance training for
talent of different ages. Also under the aegis of the
Sarasota Ballet are Dance: The Next Generation, an
award-winning, seven-year, full-scholarship program
for youth at risk,
as well as an International Summer School and an active
school outreach program.
SARASOTA FILM FESTIVAL
635 S. Orange Ave., Ste. 10-B
Sarasota, FL 34236
941-364-9514 or 941-364-8411
http://www.sarasotafilmfestival.com
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The 6th Annual Sarasota Film Festival
is January 23-February 1, 2004, and features 10 days
of independent and international film. The nation's
fastest-growing film festival showcases over 120 independent
and international
features, shorts and documentaries. Visiting filmmakers
and stars offer symposiums and Q & A's to accompany
premiere films and a full lineup of parties. Special
programs include the Shorts Fest on January 25 and
activities and films for the whole family at Tropicana
KidsFest
on both weekends. The festival also features daily
breakfast discussions with featured filmmakers, themed
afternoon
panel discussions with industry leaders and InFocus
symposiums with guest stars. Don't miss the Opening
Night Film and
Party on January 23 and CineSymphony!: A Salute to
the Oscars featuring the Florida West Coast Symphony
on January
24, both at the Van Wezel. The excitement continues
with World Cinema Celebration, an outdoor sensation
with food
and entertainment at Southside Village on January 28,
Night of A Thousand Stars at Michael's on East on January
30 and the Filmmakers Tribute Dinner at The Ritz-Carlton,
Sarasota on January 31. Sarasota Film Festival offers
exclusive travel services and discounts for out-of-town
guests. Festival offices are at 1993 Main Street in
Main Plaza adjacent to Hollywood 20, where the films
are screened.
SARASOTA OPERA
61 N. Pineapple Ave.
Sarasota, FL 34236
941-366-8450, Ext. 1
http://www.sarasotaopera.org
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"Opera you can't see or hear
anywhere else." That quote from the "Los Angeles
Times" adequately summarizes this company's eclectic
mix of audience favorites and opera rarities. Sarasota
Opera's 2004 Winter Opera Festival (Feb. 7-March 27)
features some of the most popular and diverse selections
in the repertory. This year, the company presents Puccini's "Tosca",
Mozart's "The Magic Flute," Massenet's "Werther," and
Verdi's "Il corsaro." In addition to its highly
acclaimed stage productions, Sarasota Opera presents
concerts year-round, and is home to one of the finest
youth opera programs in the country. This year, the Sarasota
Youth Opera is performing a world premiere entitled, "The
Language of Birds," May 8 and 9, 2004. Experience
what "Opera Now" magazine described as "a
tremendous festival," and the "Chicago Tribune" called "a
sharp opera in flat times." English translations
simultaneously projected above the stage. Subscriptions
start at only $65.
SARASOTA ARCHITECTURAL FOUNDATION
P O Box 3678
Sarasota FL 34230-3678
941-926-2821 x723
http://www.sarasotaarchitecturalfoundation.org
Sarasota is an exciting visual
and performing arts community. But did you know that
since the 1950's Sarasota has been known internationally
for its distinct form of modern architecture? The Sarasota
Architectural Foundation hosts architectural tours, educational
events, film screenings, exhibits and cool parties for
architecture lovers who visit Sarasota to see its architectural
legacy for themselves. Visit our website for news of
upcoming tours and events, or call us to arrange your
own private group tour. Email us to be placed on our
free notification list for tours and events today!
SELBY
GALLERY/RINGLING SCHOOL OF ART AND DESIGN
2700 N. Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, FL 34234-5895
941.359.7563 or 941.351.5100
http://www.ringling.edu/selbygallery
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Experience the exciting world
of contemporary art and design and learn more about the
visual arts through Selby Gallery's exhibitions and visiting
artists' lecture programs. Ringling School of Art and
Design's Selby Gallery, Sarasota's premiere contemporary
art gallery, presents a diverse selection of exhibitions
throughout the year, featuring the work of nationally
and internationally known artists, designers, photographers
and illustrators. In addition, the Gallery showcases
the work of the world-renowned art college's faculty,
staff, and students in the fall and spring, respectively;
and in the month of May, Florida-based artists are spotlighted
through an annual Community Exhibition. All Gallery exhibitions
and programs are free and open to the public. Please
visit our website for current exhibition information,
hours and directions.
VAN WEZEL PERFORMING ARTS HALL
777 N. Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, FL 34236
941-953-3368
http://www.vanwezel.org
Entering our 34th season, we are
pleased to offer 18 Broadway productions along with
the finest of world-class dance, music, comedy, and popular
national and international artists and attractions.
Other
programs will be added throughout the season as our
schedule permits-always check for the newest additions
on our
website at vanwezel.org. Let the excitement begin!
The Van Wezel and Café L’Europe of St. Armands
Circle have partnered to offer you, our patrons, more
sophisticated dinning and beverage service. The Café will
open 2 hours prior to every show time, offering an
elegant buffet, fine wine and spirits. Make your next
event a
showstopper! The scenic Grand Foyer overlooking the
bayfront is available for parties, corporate events,
wedding or
any other very special occasion you may want to celebrate.
For more information, contact the Events Coordinator
at 955-767, ext. 222.
This information about the
arts was prepared by
The
Sarasota County Arts Council. |
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