Choral Artists of Sarasota’s 44th season, entitled “United in Song,” features five concerts in October, December, March, April, and July. A season highlight includes the Florida premiere of The Children’s March, a moving oratorio by composer Andrew Bleckner that takes audiences on a journey to a historical event during the Civil Rights Era of the 1960s, with Charlayne Hunter-Gault as narrator. Other performances include Say a Little Prayer, featuring spiritual songs from different cultures and faiths; Peace on Earth, a holiday concert with traditional holiday carols that are interspersed with “In Terra Pax,” a work of childlike serenity by British composer Gerald Finzi; and an April concert featuring Bach’s pastoral setting of the Twenty-third Psalm paired with Mozart’s Requiem, a poignant contemplation of eternity. The group’s popular July 4th concert, “American Fanfare,” will be performed at the Sarasota Opera House with the Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble.

Artistic Director Joseph Holt says, “These performances speak to our common humanity as people of faith, people yearning for peace in a discordant world, people seeking justice, people finding consolation in music, and people enjoying the freedoms afforded us by our American principles. Five performances bring us together through song, a symphony of vocal sound that expresses our inner thoughts and emotions. ‘United in Song’ takes us on a journey of renewal, with hope for a brighter future for all.”

Holt will also illuminate the creative process, presenting “Meet the Music” prior to each concert throughout the season.  Each will focus on the upcoming concert with a special guest joining the conversation and performance.  Guest artists for the performance season include sopranos Adelaide Boedecker and Danielle Talamantes; Laurel Semerdjian, alto; tenors John Kaneklides and J. Warren Mitchell; and baritones Kerry Wilkerson and William Socolof.

Thanks to season sponsor Ernie Kretzmer in loving memory of Alisa Kretzmer.

The season is also sponsored, in part, by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture, the Florida Council on Arts and Culture, and the National Endowment for the Arts.