Sarasota Music Festival

About Us:

Sarasota in June Never Sounded so Good

For three weeks each June, internationally recognized guest artists and musicians come together in Florida to study and perform chamber music. The Sarasota Music Festival is a magical combination of youthful promise and acclaimed talent that carries a reputation as one of the finest classical-music events in the nation.

Nearly 500 fellows from top music programs at colleges and conservatories worldwide audition to participate in the Festival each year, but only 60 are accepted. These exceptional musicians work side-by-side with a group of 40 music masters, which comprise the guest faculty. In any given day during the Festival, a fellow may rehearse in a faculty-coached ensemble, play in master classes and perform on stage. Interspersed, are rare opportunities for the public to hear these visiting artists rehearse or perform together.

Co-founded by Paul Wolfe, the Sarasota Music Festival began in 1965 as a one-week event with seven guest mentors. In just two years, the festival grew to three weeks and was drawing students from across the United States. Over the years, the festival continued to expand and receive national and international attention. In 1984 it was designated by the Florida State Legislature as the "Official Teaching and Performing Festival of the State of Florida." In 2016 Jeffrey Kahane was appointed the festival's Music Director.

There are more than 40 guest artists, including many of the festival's own alumni. These masters represent nearly all major American orchestras and a cross-section of renowned music schools, conservatories and institutes of music. The fellows range from professional-level musicians to superior students in music schools and conservatories. Several travel from other countries to participate.

Festival audiences are entertained by a wide variety of symphonic artistry including: Thursday afternoon Artist Showcase concerts, Friday Festival chamber concerts, and Saturday Symphony orchestra concerts. Many patrons enjoy the option of purchasing Festival Passes, which allows them access to the artists' master classes and rehearsals.

We hope you'll join us this June for our showcase of world-class music.