Sarasota Orchestra
Sarasota Orchestra
4.5
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
For more than 60 years, the Sarasota Orchestra has been entertaining music lovers from around the region, and visitors from around the world. The 80-member Orchestra performs more than 100 classical, pops and family concerts each year, and thrives as the oldest continuing orchestra in the state of Florida. In 2008 the organization unveiled a new name and logo with a package that offers new series, new concerts and a whole new way to experience live music, along with the timeless classics.An arts leader in the community, the Sarasota Orchestra has a dual mission, dedicated to exquisite performance and first-class musical education. The Sarasota Orchestra's acclaimed music education program includes the 50-year-old Youth Orchestra, which features five ensembles – the most advanced of which, The Youth Philharmonic, made its Carnegie Hall debut in 2008. The Sarasota Orchestra also offers music lessons for students of all ages and abilities, sponsors multiple community-outreach programs and is the parent program of the Sarasota Music Festival.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.5
57 reviews
Excellent
44
Very good
9
Average
1
Poor
1
Terrible
2
Walter J
Hinsdale, IL92 contributions
Feb 2020
This is a rather young orchestra by age. The musicians are quite good. There is a series called Classic Conversations on Thursdays where the conductor is present and the works being performed are discussed. I would recommend attending both the lectures and the performances. The Pop concerts are quite good as well.
Written February 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Roberta Z
Lincolnwood, IL19 contributions
Apr 2015 • Couples
When we retired to Sarasota 18 years ago, this Orchestra sounded like a third tier local orchestra. Under the direction of of Leif Bjaland the orchestra was transformed and became truly wonderful t o listen to. The orchestra is now led by Anu Tali, an Estonian powerhouse. The concerts have gone from pleasant to thrilling. We are so fortunate to have this gem in our city.
Written August 29, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Roberta, thank you so much for your kind words! Each season, the Sarasota Orchestra keeps getting better and better. Thank you for your dedication to our programming and organization over the years. We would not be here today without supporters like you.
Written September 24, 2015
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Judy H
Sarasota, FL16 contributions
Oct 2012
One of my favorite Sarasota venues, we love the music selections and variety of performers. It's a neighborhood favorite for me and friends.
Written October 31, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cjsarasota
1 contribution
Feb 2020
My husband and I attended Beethoven Eroica conducted by Jeffrey Kahane last night, Feb. 6, 2020. It was a disaster as we were all forced to listen to Kahane speak for 75 minutes as if he were teaching a music appreciation class. We came to hear a concert not be forced to listen to him. It was only after the intermission did we get to hear the actual concert which was now difficult to appreciate.
Written February 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
booglemaestro
Tallahassee, FL1 contribution
Mar 2018 • Solo
One dimensional conductor Anu Tali only programs heavy Romantic repertoire. She has no sensitivity.
More objectively speaking, there are several weak players in key roles such as the Concertmaster, Principal Flute, and Principal Bassoon. This trio can manage to ruin many a performance.
The group itself also succumbs to frequent rhythmic phrasing from one side of the ensemble to the other, possibly due to the fact that half of the group are second-contract players and only play half of the season so there is no sense of ensemble.
Other than the complaints listed above, pretty mediocre group.
More objectively speaking, there are several weak players in key roles such as the Concertmaster, Principal Flute, and Principal Bassoon. This trio can manage to ruin many a performance.
The group itself also succumbs to frequent rhythmic phrasing from one side of the ensemble to the other, possibly due to the fact that half of the group are second-contract players and only play half of the season so there is no sense of ensemble.
Other than the complaints listed above, pretty mediocre group.
Written September 12, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello booglemaestro. We are so sorry you did not enjoy your experience with us. The mission of the Sarasota Orchestra is to engage, educate, and enrich our community through high-quality, live musical experiences. We would love to speak with you about the issue you experienced. If you would like to contact us to discuss further, please do not hesitate to email us at web@sarasotaorchestra.org or call us directly at (941) 953 - 4252.
Thank you so much!
Written September 13, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Marc F
Cleveland, OH292 contributions
Apr 2019 • Couples
We spent a very enjoyable evening listening to the Sarasota Orchestra play a number of movie music. Orchestra played well.. venue is quite lovely. free parking. many very nice greeters and ushers. the auditorium is structured so that patrons look down at the orchestra, which is very nice. in our experience, in many venues, if you're on orchestra level, you're looking up at the orchestra. only complaint is there are no interior aisles.
Written April 14, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GayleyPablo
Sarasota, FL109 contributions
Feb 2017 • Solo
In the past two decades, the Sarasota Orchestra has grown from a fine little local orchestra to a regional powerhouse. Current music director Anu Tali sets extremely high standards which have attracted and retained excellent musicians. The quality of performance is consistently high and exceeds our expectations. It is a definite rarity for a city the size of Sarasota to have a resident orchestra of such high caliber.
Concerts throughout the season feature classic masterworks, chamber music, and pops in a variety of venues.
Concerts throughout the season feature classic masterworks, chamber music, and pops in a variety of venues.
Written August 2, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to write this review of the Sarasota Orchestra! We are lucky to bring in high-quality guest artists throughout the year to perform with our professional orchestra. We hope to see you again soon!
Written February 14, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
BillKn
Sarasota27 contributions
Mar 2016 • Friends
Anu Tali, the new Artistic Director, has upped the game of the Sarasota Orchestra. She has revitalized the member musicians and imports guest conductors and soloists of impeccable quality. Worth a voyage.
Written May 31, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to write this review of the Sarasota Orchestra! We are lucky to bring in high-quality guest artists throughout the year to perform with our professional orchestra under the baton of Maestra Anu Tali, with 125 different performances each season. We hope to see you again soon!
Written September 6, 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Davekate24
Sarasota, FL17 contributions
Feb 2016 • Couples
Last night the Father and son team from Russia Sergey and Andrei Dogadin were
outstanding. The young violinist is destined to be one of the greats. I was impressed.
The orchestra led by ANA Tau was excellent.
outstanding. The young violinist is destined to be one of the greats. I was impressed.
The orchestra led by ANA Tau was excellent.
Written February 6, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to write this review of the Sarasota Orchestra! We appreciate your kind words about the recent Masterworks concert featuring son and father guest artists, Sergey and Andrei Dogadin. We are lucky to bring in high-quality guest artists throughout the year to perform with our professional orchestra under the baton of Maestra Anu Tali. We hope to see you again soon!
Written February 15, 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sarasota34242
Sarasota, FL32 contributions
Mar 2015 • Couples
For a community the size of the Sarasota / Manatee area, most would not expect to experience an orchestra of this caliber. We are annual subscribers and enjoy music of all kinds ... but nothing in this area compares to the concerts by the Sarasota Orchestra. Not even the big national / international (famous) touring Orchestras that frequent our Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. For over 60 years, this orchestra has been appreciated by our community but over the years, it has grown to be 'World Class!' The more you know about orchestral music, the more you will LOVE the Sarasota Orchestra. If you just enjoy good music, and appreciate a variety, the Sarasota Orchestra won't disappoint. During the season, there is something for everyone. Their catchy motto "Come as you are, leave different" discribes the experience: not too stuffy but always memorable. The recent addition of the new female Conductor, Anu Tali, has not only set this orchestra apart from others, but has elevated it to new heights. This is a "must visit" in Sarasota. Warning: It is habit-forming!
Written October 15, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
You couldn't have said it better than that! Thank you for taking the time to share your review with us and encouraging others to join us for an upcoming concert. We are truly lucky to have music director, Anu Tali, at the helm. We couldn't do the world-class work we do without supportive patrons like yourself. See you again soon!
Written January 27, 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
SarasotaOrchestra
Sarasota, Florida
Hello Dick C,
Our schedule for the 2015-2016 season is available on our website.
Written May 14, 2015
SarasotaOrchestra
Sarasota, Florida
Hello Dick C, please visit our website for all the latest concerts and news!
Written September 24, 2015
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