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
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.
BANYAN THEATER COMPANY
PO Box 49483
Sarasota, FL 34230
941-358-5330
http://www.banyantheatercompany.com
The Banyan Theater Company, located on Florida's cultural coast, continues its mission to produce professional theater in the summer. In the beginning, many said a company like this - producing plays of literary merit in the summer - would never work. But here we are, now in our eighth season and better than ever! Our vision is to maintain a summer theater festival in Sarasota to rival similar attractions in other areas of the country.
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
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
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
"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
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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