– Key Chorale, the Suncoast’s premier symphonic chorus, under the baton of Artistic Director Joseph Caulkins, announces Season 40. Key Chorale’s 40th Ruby Jubilee season will be a magnificent celebration of music’s rich history and its power to inspire. From stirring Gospel grooves to the intricate harmonies of Baroque, and masterpieces of Verdi and Beethoven, it’s sure to be an unforgettable series of performances and dynamic collaborations.
Season 40, concerts at a glance:
September 21 – On Our Way, a celebration of Gospel music, and a little Jazz too
October 18-20 –Baroquetoberfest – 3-day, 4 concert festival with Baroque & Beer
November 17 – Sarasota Rising: A Youth Celebration
December 1 – Winter’s Glow, with The Sarasota Ballet’s Studio Company
December 20-22 –Home for the Holidays, collaboration with The Venice Symphony
January 18-19 – American Roots: Storytellers, featuring The Lubben Brothers Band
February 15 – Masterwork Verdi’s Requiem
March 10 –Tomorrow’s Voices Tonight, Student Scholar Soirée
March 21 & 22 – Cirque des Voix®, with The Circus Arts Conservatory
April 15 – Tomorrow’s Voices Today, High School Choral Festival
April 25-26 – Cosmic Worlds – collaboration with The Venice Symphony
May 10 – Beethoven’s Ode to Joy
“We are pulling out all the stops this year,” said Maestro Caulkins. “This will be our biggest and boldest season in our history. We have more than a dozen featured Guest Artists, including bringing back some audience favorites: The Lubben Brothers, The Stephen Lynerd Group, and vocal phenom Jamal Sarikoki who will be with us three times. If you haven’t heard Key Chorale recently, this is the year to do it!”
The anniversary season kicks off on September 21 with “On Our Way,” a feel-good concert sure to set your toes tapping, your hands clapping and your spirit soaring. The Stephen Lynerd Group, made up of some of the most sought-after session musicians in the country, combine with Jamal Sarikoki at the Hammond B-3 organ, in an upbeat program of Gospel music and a little jazz too.
On October 18-20, Key Chorale Chamber Singers and Church of the Redeemer present a unique take on Oktoberfest, with a 3-day festival celebrating music of the Baroque – and Beer! Four amazing concerts featuring a star-studded cast of performers, chamber orchestra, and concluding with an authentic Biergarten Experience with German food, beers from Calusa Brewing, and dancing to the Oompah Band.
On November 17, the finale to the new Living Arts Festival will spotlight some of the many vibrant youth programs in our community. Join us for a dynamic collaboration that brings together youth programs from the Circus Arts Conservatory’s Sailor Circus, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, Sarasota Youth Opera, Sarasota Ballet Studio Company & Trainees, Key Chorale, Artist Series Concerts, Rise Above, Venice Symphony Youth Orchestra, Sarasota Music Conservatory and MORE.
December 1 marks the annual performance with Key Chorale and The Sarasota Ballet Studio Company. “Winter’s Glow” showcases music celebrating the magic of the winter season featuring the Florida premiere of Dreamweaver, a story of a holiday transformation inspired by a by a Norwegian medieval folk poem. This annual production has become a welcome holiday tradition.
Key Chorale joins Music Director Troy Quinn and The Venice Symphony for four performances of “Home for the Holidays,” December 20-22. Experience the most wonderful time of the year with family and friends at Venice Symphony’s annual celebration of music and togetherness. Become immersed in beloved Christmas carols and memorable seasonal tunes that are sure to fill your heart with joy and memories. Key Chorale, and guest vocalist Liz Callaway, will sing you into the holiday spirit!
“American Roots: Storytellers,” featuring The Lubben Brothers takes place January 18 in Sarasota & 19 in Lakewood Ranch. The Key Chorale Chamber Singers reimagine the music of pop’s great storytellers Simon and Garfunkel, Gordon Lightfoot, James Taylor, and others through the artistic genius of the Lubben Brothers Band. Triplet brothers Michael, Tom, and Joshua bring their acoustic folk roots to a concert celebrating rich vocal harmonies, timeless melodies, and unforgettable stories.
On February 15, Key Chorale presents their Masterwork concert, “Verdi’s Requiem.” Verdi’s Requiem is a darkly dramatic 90-minute emotional roller coaster ride. NPR called it “one of the most sublime and terrifying works in the repertoire.” Few works in classical music offer the excitement of opera, the thrill of the symphony, the power of the chorus and sublime virtuosic solos. Experience a truly epic performance, with Maestro Caulkins leading four world-class opera soloists and over 150 musicians on stage.
March 21 & 22 marks the 14th year of “Cirque des Voix®”, Circus of the Voices presented with the Circus Arts Conservatory. Take a Sci-Fi Voyage for Sarasota’s most unique collaboration. Witness an unforgettable fusion of the musical and circus arts, featuring music from your favorite Science Fiction movies – all under the NEW Big Top at Nathen Benderson Park. The 100+ voices of Key Chorale, and the incomparable Cirque Orchestra, combine with an all-star cast of circus artists set to take you to another universe.
Scheduled on April 7, Key Chorale will present, in conjunction with their 40th anniversary, Chefs & Clefs, a night of amazing food from local chefs, fine wines, and entertainment by Hot Club SRQ.
On April 15, celebrate the power of choral music through an inspired performance of more than 200 voices combined for the annual intergenerational choral festival in partnership with the Sarasota County Schools. Enjoy performances by choirs from Venice, North Port, and Pine View High School choirs performing separately and as part of an amazing festival choir alongside Key Chorale.
Then on April 25 & 26, The women of Key Chorale will join guest artist Kenneth Radnofsky, America’s classical saxophonist, for a truly ‘out of this world’ concert experience in collaboration with The Venice Symphony in “Cosmic Worlds.”
The season concludes on May 10 with Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy.” Like a thunderbolt, the finale to Beethoven’s immortal Ninth Symphony was unleashed into the world. 200 years later it has become an anthem for unity and joy. Beethoven’s uplifting Choral Fantasy, featuring soloist Glenn Priest, and his rarely performed Calm Sea and Prosperous Voyage round out a season finale showcasing music by classical music’s most well-known rebel.
In support of education and community outreach, Key Chorale will hold their annual Perfect Pitch luncheon on November 4, at 11:30 AM at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. Revel in the natural beauty of the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens as Key Chorale bestows its 2024 Perfect Pitch Award to Selby’s visionary President & CEO, Jennifer Rominiecki. Enjoy performances by Key Chorale’s Chamber Singers and Student Scholars and learn more about our award-winning and impactful Community and Educational Outreach programs. On March 10th, the Key Chorale’s Student Scholars will showcase solos and group numbers at the Annual Student Scholar Soirée and Recital.
Beyond the full season of musical presentations, Key Chorale is involved in the community through their four outreach groups delivering 72 sessions to more than 1,000 participants each year. “Off-Key Chorale”, for those living with Parkinson’s, is a partnership with Neuro Challenge Foundation for Parkinson’s, and the Where Are My Keys? Chorale, for those living with memory loss, is in partnership with Senior Friendship Center and JFCS of the Suncoast. They also offer a new outreach choir for senior enrichment with Town Square Sarasota. With fall and spring sessions for all four, Maestro Caulkins creates a unique curriculum of vocal exercises, breathing exercises, and musical selections around a theme which concludes with an end of session performance for friends and family.
Season subscriptions and single tickets are on sale beginning July 9. Visit www.keychorale.org or call (941) 552-8768 to reserve the best seats and to take advantage of additional savings.