For more than 60 years, the Sarasota Orchestra has been entertaining music lovers from around the region, and visitors from around the world. With Artistic Director Leif Bjaland and President and CEO Joseph McKenna at the helm, 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.

    I would be happy to tell you more about the Sarasota Orchestra and about all the many other amenities that make up the glorious Sarasota Florida arts and cultural scene.