Gayle Williams, Correspondent
The coronavirus pandemic has created many obstacles for performing arts organization, particularly in limiting how live shows can be presented. But it has also provided them with new opportunities.
“One of the silver linings of this pandemic is that we are bringing our music and our outdoor beauty together,” said Elisabeth Spahn about the Sarasota Orchestra’s series of outdoor concerts presented this season as SO on the Road: Parks & Partners.
Five of these concerts are scheduled now through the end of the season at locations as varied as G.T. Bray Park and Nathan Benderson Park in Manatee County and the Ringling Museum courtyard and Bay Preserve at Osprey in Sarasota County.
Arts events for Sarasota-Manatee: Feb. 4-10
Our weekly guide to the visual and performing arts in the Sarasota-Manatee area.
Tony nominee returns to Asolo Rep
Asolo Repertory Theatre is welcoming back audiences for a weekend of outdoor concerts by two-time Tony nominee Laura Osnes, who made her Sarasota debut in the pre-Broadway run of “Bonnie & Clyde” in 2010. She also starred on Broadway in “Grease,” “Cinderella,” “South Pacific” and “Bandstand.” Osnes, who was seen in the recent Hallmark Channel movie “A Royal Holiday,” plans to perform some of her favorite theater music and songs from the shows in which she has appeared. Concerts are at 7 p.m . Friday and Saturday at Asolo Rep’s Terrace Theatre, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail. Seating will follow social distancing guidelines, temperatures will be taken and masks are required. For ticket information: asolorep.org
Sarasota Orchestra musicians who have been unable to take part in the indoor chamber concerts at Holley Hall, are bringing the music outside to area publics over the next few months.
With support from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County and the Gulf Coast Community Foundation, the orchestra has launched a series of free concerts by three wind and brass ensembles. The concerts include musicians who are unable to wear masks while playing their instruments. With outdoor programs, it is considered safer for them to blow into their instruments.
The outdoor concert series, which began last month, continues Jan. 10 with a performance by the Sarasota Wind Quintet at Nathan Benderson Park. The same group will also perform there on March. 21.