Presented by the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County

It’s a new year!  We encourage you to add the following to your list of New Year’s resolutions:  celebrate the variety of dance created in America, break a few boundaries, and witness a legendary musical talent impart his knowledge on the next generation.

Made In America
January 27-29, 2012

Celebrating the rich variety of dance created in America and inspired by the unique American spirit, The Sarasota Ballet presents a program featuring George Balanchine’s Donizetti Variations, Salute by Johan Kobborg, and Will Tuckett’s Spielende Kinder.

Why it matters:  The abstract ballet, Donizetti Variations, carries many of Balanchine’s most distinctive stylistic touches, and typifies his highly musical approach. Choreographed for a principal couple and a corps de ballet of six women and three men to the music of the lively music of the renowned bel canto opera composer Gaetano Donizetti, Donizetti Variations has proved popular with many international companies.

Breaking Boundaries
January 19 – March 10, 2012

Art Center Sarasota’s illustrious and colorful history will be showcased in two groundbreaking exhibitions.  Gallery one will feature Artists Who Made Sarasota Famous, recognizing over 40 creative pioneers who were the artistic force responsible for putting Sarasota on the map as one of Florida’s most vibrant cultural destinations.    Gallery two will feature The Story of the Sarasota Art Association 1926 – 1966 (today’s Art Center Sarasota), which chronicles the formative years through photography and unique original artifacts.  

Why it matters:  These exhibitions pay tribute to Art Center Sarasota’s success and spirit while celebrating its past achievements.  Also on display in galleries three and four:  The Black Muse 2012, works by members of The Association of African American Life and History, and Breaking Boundaries, an open, juried, all-media exhibition.

Celebration Concert
January 7, 2012

Experience 36 gifted music students create inspired music under the direction of the celebrated conductor and violinist Itzhak Perlman.  “The Celebration Concert is a rare and remarkable opportunity for audience members to experience a legendary musical talent directing young, profoundly talented musicians,” says Elizabeth Power, executive director of PMP/Suncoast. “It’s a moving celebration of the continuity of classical music—and fascinating to experience the creative process at work.”

Why it matters:  The Celebration Concert is the culmination of the Perlman Music Program Sarasota Winter Residency. This inspired two-week program was founded by Toby Perlman, wife of acclaimed concert violinist and conductor Itzhak Perlman. It offers unparalleled musical training for students, ages 12 to 20+, who come from around the world to study and play violin, viola, cello, and bass. With a faculty, including Mr. Perlman and comprising some of the most gifted musical talents of our time, the Sarasota Winter Residency offers an artistic and personal experience that changes students’ lives forever.