Concert Companion

Sarasota Orchestra
  • 5.0 (8)
  • Music

Sarasota Orchestra's Concert Companion connects classical music fans with Orchestra musicians who share personal previews of concert programs coming up this season. By giving listeners a little something extra to take along to the performance, the Concert Companion aims to deepen patrons’ appreciation of the works they’ll enjoy live in the concert hall. You're invited to join each enriching adventure with an Orchestra musician as your friendly guide.

  1. 1d ago

    Free and Happy | A Concert Companion to Masterworks: Beethoven & Prokofiev

    Episode Overview: Cue a new Sarasota Orchestra Masterworks season! In this episode of the Concert Companion, we welcome Music Director Giancarlo Guerrero back to the podcast to preview our upcoming Beethoven & Prokofiev program. Tune in as Giancarlo shares historical (and highly amusing) anecdotes about our first Masterworks concerto of the season: Beethoven's Violin Concerto, performed by a longtime collaborator of Giancarlo's, the legendary violinist Gil Shaham. The conversation then turns to Prokofiev’s Symphony No. 5, with a deeply moving story from Giancarlo's own history with the work and a reminder to listeners that Prokofiev's Fifth remains a timeless, hopeful hymn to the best of humanity and the human spirit. About the Concert: Sarasota Orchestra performs Masterworks: Beethoven & Prokofiev on November 7-8, 2026 at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, with Music Director Giancarlo Guerrero conducting and featuring Gil Shaham in Beethoven's Violin Concerto. Feel the profound emotional impact of Prokofiev’s Symphony No. 5, written as the smoke of World War II began to clear. Opening with Lera Auerbach’s gripping musical retelling of the myth of Icarus, the boy who flew too close to the sun, this concert reaches for the heights of human ambition. Tickets are available at SarasotaOrchestra.org. Music in This Episode: Violin Concerto by Ludwig van Beethoven Augustin Hadelich, violin Yaniv Dinur, conductor Sarasota Orchestra Recorded live at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, February 2022 Symphony No. 5 by Sergey Prokofiev Anu Tali, conductor Sarasota Orchestra Recorded live at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, January 2019

  2. Oct 12

    Unmasking the Concertmaster | Daniel Jordan on the Concert Companion

    Episode Overview: In this special episode of Sarasota Orchestra's Concert Companion, at last we catch up with Concertmaster Daniel Jordan for a demystification of one of the most visible, yet somehow least understood leadership roles in a symphony orchestra. Having served as Sarasota Orchestra's concertmaster since 1998, Dan shares his incredible journey from the New World Symphony in Miami to the concertmaster's seat in Sarasota, along with some of his most memorable moments in that chair to date. Tune in to learn what an orchestra concertmaster actually does all day (hint: it goes way beyond tuning the orchestra and shaking the conductor's hand!), explore the unique culture of Sarasota Orchestra, and look ahead to Dan's bucket-list performances for the upcoming season. Tickets are available at SarasotaOrchestra.org! Music in This Episode:  Cello Concerto by Antonín Dvořák Zlatomir Fung, cello Katharina Wincor, conductor Sarasota Orchestra Recorded live at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, March 2026 "In the Hall of the Mountain King," Suite No. 1 from Peer Gynt by Edvard Grieg Anu Tali, conductor Sarasota Orchestra Recorded live at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, February 2019

    Unmasking the Concertmaster | Daniel Jordan on the Concert Companion

  3. May 11

    That's a Wrap | A Concert Companion to Discoveries: Unfinished Business

    Episode Overview: Music has the incredible power to speak without saying a word—just ask Joseph Haydn! This episode of the Concert Companion turns over a new leaf as host Sara Stovall dives into Sarasota Orchestra's Discoveries series, a format that's a little like bringing the Concert Companion live to the stage. Joining her is Sarasota Orchestra Music Director Giancarlo Guerrero, who shares how he got into the art of classical musical storytelling and developed his signature impassioned, riveting style.  As the Orchestra prepares for its final bow of the 2025-2026 season, Giancarlo and Sara explore the nature of the "unfinished business" with each piece on the program. You’ll hear why Schubert may have simply forgotten he started his famous Eighth Symphony and how a period of downtime during the COVID-19 pandemic led Giancarlo to discover the unsung brilliance of African American composer Julia Perry. The conversation culminates with a look at Haydn’s "Farewell" Symphony—a 250-year-old symphonic protest. While Haydn scripted the musicians' walk-off, he left the conductor’s departure wide open. Giancarlo teases his own secret plan for his final exit of the season, promising an "Oscar-winning moment" you have to see for yourself! About the Concert: Sarasota Orchestra performs Discoveries: Unfinished Business on May 16 at the Sarasota Opera House. The program features Schubert’s mysterious Symphony No. 8 (Unfinished), Julia Perry’s groundbreaking Short Piece for Orchestra, and Haydn’s theatrical Symphony No. 45 (Farewell). Experience the 2025-2026 season finale with Music Director Giancarlo Guerrero leading this 75-minute journey of musical discovery. Tickets are available at SarasotaOrchestra.org. Music in This Episode: Symphony No 8. (Unfinished) by Franz Schubert Leif Bjaland, conductor Sarasota Orchestra Recorded live at the Sarasota Opera House, October 30, 2004

  4. Apr 13

    Mighty Maestros | A Concert Companion to Masterworks: Bernstein and Mahler

    Episode Overview: Last summer, the Chicago Classical Review dubbed Music Director Giancarlo Guerrero a "gifted and idiomatic Mahlerian, insightful yet individual and willing to take risks." That term "Mahlerian" was a new word for host Sara Stovall, and their conversation in this episode reveals more about why it fits Giancarlo to a tee. As Sarasota Orchestra prepares for the grand finale of the 2025-2026 Masterworks season, Giancarlo reveals why he feels it necessary to conduct Gustav Mahler’s music every concert season, exploring the chaotic, grief-stricken, and creatively brilliant life of a composer who truly composed autobiographically. But this isn't just a Mahler episode. Giancarlo has paired Mahler with the American genius who saved his legacy: Leonard Bernstein. Giancarlo and Sara discuss in depth why their two voices naturally belong together on the same stage, and imagine what would happen if Bernstein and Mahler grabbed cocktails together (perhaps there would be a lot of complaining about their conducting "day jobs")!  About the Concert: Sarasota Orchestra performs Masterworks: Bernstein and Mahler on April 17-19 at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. Violin superstar Chee-Yun performs Bernstein's Serenade (after Plato's Symposium), then the Orchestra sends off the Masterworks season with Mahler's Symphony No. 5. Tickets are available at SarasotaOrchestra.org Music in This Episode: Symphony No. 5 by Gustav Mahler Anu Tali, conductor Sarasota Orchestra Recorded live at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, November 12, 2017 Serenade (after Plato's Symposium) by Leonard Bernstein Midori, violin Michael Balke, conductor Sarasota Orchestra Recorded live at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, February 25, 2018

  5. Feb 23

    The Rite Stuff | A Concert Companion to Masterworks: Rite of Spring

    Episode Overview: It’s been sixteen seasons since Sarasota Orchestra last tackled Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring, and according to Music Director Giancarlo Guerrero, it's high time for the Orchestra's marvelous musicians to perform the Rite again. In this episode of the Concert Companion, your "happy host" Sara Stovall sits down with Giancarlo to discuss why this piece remains the ultimate test for an orchestra. They dive into the work’s scandalous history—including the infamous 1913 Parisian riot that might have been a clever marketing ploy. Beyond the Stravinsky behemoth, Giancarlo discusses the profound significance of Joan Tower’s 1920/2019, a work that bridges the centennial of women’s suffrage with the modern #MeToo movement. They also celebrate the return of violin superstar Benjamin Beilman, with Giancarlo offering a glowing look at their international collaborations and the unique imagination Ben will bring to Mozart’s Violin Concerto No. 5. About the Concert: Sarasota Orchestra performs Masterworks: Rite of Spring on February 27-March 1 at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. Experience a program featuring Joan Tower's profound 1920/2019, The Rite of Spring, and Mozart's Violin Concerto No. 5 featuring soloist Benjamin Beilman. Tickets are available at SarasotaOrchestra.org Music in This Episode: The Rite of Spring by Igor Stravinsky Leif Bjaland, conductor Sarasota Orchestra Recorded live at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, January 31, 2010

  6. Feb 10

    250 Candles | A Concert Companion to Masterworks: Variations on America

    Episode Overview: In this episode of Sarasota Orchestra's Concert Companion, we're joined by a very special guest: Music Director Giancarlo Guerrero (fresh off his appearance at Bad Bunny's Super Bowl LX Halftime Show)! Giancarlo and host Sara Stovall preview the program of Masterworks: Variations on America, a cornerstone of the 2025-2026 "Sound of Change" season that celebrates the vast, breathtaking landscape of American orchestral music. As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary (the "Semiquincentennial"—try saying that three times fast!), Giancarlo dives into the American voice in orchestral music. From the "rock star" energy of George Gershwin and oceanside sounds from living composer Adolphus Hailstork—to the groundbreaking brilliance of William L. Dawson and Charles Ives, this episode explores how these composers were often decades ahead of their time. Join Giancarlo and Sara for a "musical road trip" that explores what an American sound truly means. About the Concert: Sarasota Orchestra performs Masterworks: Variations on America on February 12 at the Neel Performing Arts Center (Bradenton) and February 13–15 at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall (Sarasota). Experience a program featuring Adolphus Hailstork's An American Port of Call, Charles Ives' witty Variations on America, the transformational Negro Folk Symphony by William L. Dawson, and Gershwin's iconic Concerto in F featuring soloist Clayton Stephenson. Tickets are available at SarasotaOrchestra.org Music in This Episode: Piano Concerto in F by George Gershwin Kevin Cole, piano David Alan Miller, conductor Sarasota Orchestra Recorded live at the Sarasota Opera House, October 5, 2024

  7. 10/20/2025

    Lightsabers Out | A Movie Pops Concert Companion

    Episode Overview: In Sarasota Orchestra's Concert Companion to the 2025-2026 season's Movie Pops concert, we're joined by Joshua Horne, Co-principal horn and self-proclaimed "biggest Star Wars fan in the world" for a deep dive into the music, magic, and memories woven into experiencing Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back live in concert. As Sarasota Orchestra prepares for this highly anticipated symphonic screening at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall (October 24 & 25), join Josh and the Concert Companion's happy host, Sara Stovall, to explore classical music influences on John Williams' legendary score and the unforgettable impact of live orchestral performance. About the Concert:  Don’t miss Sarasota Orchestra performing the music of Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back live to film on October 24 & 25 at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. Lightsabers and costumes encouraged! Music in This Episode: The Planets by Gustav Holst Anu Tali, conductor Sarasota Orchestra Recorded live at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, March 2018 Violin Concerto by Erich Korngold Elena Urioste, violin Jeffrey Kahane, conductor Sarasota Music Festival Orchestra Recorded live at the Sarasota Opera House, June 21, 2025

  8. 03/24/2025

    It’s Alive | A Concert Companion to Masterworks: Grand Treasures

    In Sarasota Orchestra's Concert Companion to Masterworks: Grand Treasures (April 4-6, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall), we dig into a deep question about orchestral music: Art museum or living art form? Well, what if it's both?! Principal Keyboardist Jonathan Spivey masterfully guides us through Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 3, to be performed by Jon Kimura Parker in this concert. In highlighting Sarasota Orchestra’s co-commission of Horizons by Peter Boyer, we learn how orchestras become active participants in presenting contemporary compositions and whether an orchestra leaves fingerprints when new works are born. On the flip side of the coin, we ponder what makes a canonical composition a “masterwork” and discuss the orchestra’s vital importance in keeping these treasures from getting buried in the sands of time. How do orchestras and conductors make centuries-old music feel vital, relevant, and timeless, inspiring generations of repeat listens? Tickets available at SarasotaOrchestra.org! Music in this episode: Symphony No. 4 by Johannes Brahms Czech National Symphony Orchestra Piano Concerto No. 3 by Ludwig van Beethoven Drew Petersen, piano Marcelo Lehninger, conductor Sarasota Orchestra Recorded live at the Sarasota Opera House, September 28, 2019

    It’s Alive | A Concert Companion to Masterworks: Grand Treasures
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Sarasota Orchestra's Concert Companion connects classical music fans with Orchestra musicians who share personal previews of concert programs coming up this season. By giving listeners a little something extra to take along to the performance, the Concert Companion aims to deepen patrons’ appreciation of the works they’ll enjoy live in the concert hall. You're invited to join each enriching adventure with an Orchestra musician as your friendly guide.

Information

  • Creator
    Sarasota Orchestra
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    Concert Companion

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