The Perlman Music Program/Suncoast, which for 15 years has brought young musicians to Sarasota in December for a two-week residency for study and performances with superstar violinist Itzhak Perlman and other professionals, has received a $500,000 gift from the Daniel E. Offutt III Charitable Trust.
The money will be used to provide virtual classical music education programs for elementary, middle and high school music students in Sarasota and Manatee counties.
For the first time since it launched in 2003 as an extension of the original Perlman Music Program in Shelter Island, N.Y., the Suncoast residency was canceled this year because of the coronavirus pandemic. Perlman also runs a winter residency in Tel Aviv, Israel.
A Christmas angel graces Midway Road.
Sculptor Hap Bowditch’s work brings light to a corner of the Island and to all who pass by. (Credit: Eleanor P. Labrozzi)
This time of year, many of us try to make donations to support nonprofit organizations and that support is needed this year more than ever. 2020 has been what many nonprofit leaders call “a perfect storm,” when all the worst factors come together to their detriment.
The COVID-19 pandemic closed down or severely curtailed many local restaurants, businesses and services, meaning residents who would gladly work saw their income drop sharply.
The need for school to close meant a lot of parents couldn’t leave their children home and go to work.