SARASOTA OPERA SEEKING 'SUPERS'
Supers, short for supernumeraries, are the nonsinging extras that Sarasota Opera uses in its opera productions. This upcoming winter season, Sarasota Opera needs both female and male supers for its productions, playing roles such as courtiers, nuns, soldiers, cardinals and priests.
Anyone interested in volunteering time as a super should attend the Super Call on Thursday, Oct. 29, at 1 p.m. (gather in the Opera House Courtyard). Attending this meeting does not guarantee a position as a super. The stage directors of the productions will interview applicants and the costume department will take measurements to see if there is a costume that fits. Being a super requires both daytime and evening availability.
For more information contact Greg Trupiano at gtrupiano@sarasotaopera.org or at 366-8450, ext. 420.
SINGERS WANTED FOR 'MESSIAH' CONCERT
Do you love to sing? Want to make new friends? Do you want to perform Handel’s well-loved oratorio, The Messiah?
If the answer to any or all of these questions is "yes," the Sarasota Choral Society would love to welcome new members this holiday season. The society will be holding their 65th annual performance of the Messiah this year, and rehearsals begin on Tuesday, Oct. 20, at 7 p.m. at Bee Ridge Presbyterian Church. Rehearsals will then continue every Tuesday evening at 7 p.m. between Oct. 20 and Dec. 1.
New members are welcome to join the group at any time, though joining as early as possible is recommended, and there will be a general membership meeting at the first rehearsal. No auditions are required, simply a love of singing.
All rehearsals will be held at Bee Ridge Presbyterian Church, 4826 McIntosh Road, near the intersection of McIntosh and Proctor roads. The actual performance of the Messiah will take place at Pine Shores Presbyterian Church, 6135 Beechwood Ave., on Saturday, Dec. 5.
More information on how to become a member is available at the group’s web site – www.sarasotachoralsociety.org – where a printable membership form is available.
'ORGAN SPECTACULAR' A FREE PROGRESSIVE RECITAL, RECEPTION
On Sunday, Oct. 18, several Sarasota churches are hosting an "Organ Spectacu-lar," in commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the death of George Frideric Handel. The event will be a progressive recital featuring three of Handel’s organ concertos, performed by three area organists, on the organs of three downtown churches. These concertos were written as last-minute additions to Handel’s oratorio performances, and were primarily designed as opportunities for Handel’s improvisations.
The community is invited to this free recital, which begins with an opening wine and cheese reception on the veranda of the Church of the Redeemer, 222 South Palm Ave., at 6 p.m.
Music begins with a 7 p.m. Evensong service being held at the Church of the Redeemer and featuring Concerto in F Major, Op. 4 No. 4, played by Mary Mozelle, director of music/organist at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Ft. Myers.
The recital will then progress to an 8 p.m. performance of Concerto in B-Flat, Op. 4, No. 2 at the First United Methodist Church, 104 Pineapple Ave., performed by organist Steven Strite.
The recital then progresses, at approximately 8:30, to the final performance of Concerto in F, Op. 4, No. 5, performed by organist Margaret Harris Smith. Instrumentalists accompanying the three concertos are Jennifer Best and Lena Cambis, violins; Jean Phelan, viola; Nadine Trudel, cello; and Gil Katz, bass. This final event takes place at the First Congregational United Church of Christ, 1031 S. Euclid Ave. With the exception of the 6 p.m. reception and following Evensong service at 7, all times given are approximate.
For more information about this event, contact Ann Stephenson-Moe at the Church of the Redeemer (955-4263) or contact any of the churches.
CONTEMPORARY DANCE GROUP TO PERFORM
Fuzion Dance Artists will present "Behind the Curtain" on Oct. 17 at 8 p.m., and Oct. 18, at 2 p.m, at Players Theatre. As Sarasota’s first contemporary dance company, Fuzión Dance Artists was founded by Leymis Bolaños Wilmott and Rachael Inman who blended traditional modern dance and cutting-edge work that includes Middle Eastern and aerial dance, as well as Afro-modern and technologically infused work. The two collaborate with professional artists within their respective communities to inform, educate and entertain audiences through various dance genres with a contemporary approach.
The program features pieces including a structured improv called "When I Dance," award-winner "Aftermath" inspired by the events of Sept. 1, and the premiere of "Left Wanting" that highlights the technical expertise of the dancers.
Tickets are $18 for adults and $12 for students.
VENICE COMMUNITY CENTER OFFERS SEASON PASS
Fans of the Venice Community Center’s Concert Series now have the added advantage of reserving their seats for the upcoming season. Sarasota County Parks and Recreation is offering a season pass for the concert series guaranteeing fans their seats up to 15 minutes prior to each show for the entire season.
The season pass reserves prime seats for this season of shows including 4:2:FIVE, a rockappella group on Nov. 21; the New Dawn Singers Holiday Show on Dec. 3; the Beatlemania Live! tribute show on Jan. 23; a Tribute to Neil Diamond on Feb. 13; and a Tribute to Elvis on March 13.
All shows begin at 7 p.m. and have a beer and wine cash bar available. Reserved seats are limited and will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis until Nov. 21.
For more information on the 2009 Venice Community Center Concert Series, contact the Sarasota County Call Center at 861-5000 or visit www.scgov.net.
OPERA EXPANDS FALL SEASON WITH 'LA TRAVIATA'
Last year’s new fall opera season proved so successful that the Sarasota Opera has expanded its 2009 offering to six performances of Verdi’s tragedy "La traviata." This popular opera will run for six performances (one more than the previous season) from Oct. 30 through Nov. 11.
"La traviata" is the story of Violetta Valery, a courtesan whose life of wild parties, flowing wine and attentive male admirers is killing her. The love of a devoted admirer Alfredo Germont can save her, but she sacrifices her own survival to protect the honor of his family.
Performances will take place in the William E. Schmidt Opera Theater of the Sarasota Opera House on Oct. 30, Nov. 3, 5 and 11 at 8 p.m. Matinees beginning at 1:30 p.m. will be given on Nov. 1 and 8. Tickets range from $19 to $120 and are on sale now in person at the Sarasota Opera box office at 61 N. Pineapple Ave., or by calling 366-8450, ext. 1, or online at www.sarasotaopera.org.
October 22nd 2009 - 11:35AM