Key Chorale, the Suncoast’s premier symphonic chorus, under the baton of Artistic Director Joseph Caulkins, announces Season 41. If you enjoy thrilling masterworks, world class guest artists, dramatic singing, bold and exciting collaborations, and performances that will move you, then this is the season for you! Maestro Caulkins has cultivated one-of-a-kind concert experiences that showcase the power of the human voice. Join us on an unforgettable journey and witness first-hand choral music at its finest.
Season subscriptions and single tickets on sale July 7.
Season 41, concerts at a glance:
September 27 – Coronation: Music Inspired by Royalty
November 30 – Joy & Wonder, featuring The Sarasota Ballet’s Studio Company
December 18-21 –Sounds of the Season, collaboration with The Venice Symphony
January 23 – Opus 1700: Handel – The Rest of the Story
January 24 – Opus 1700: Bach – Mass in B Minor
February 7 – Masterwork Mendelssohn’s Elijah
March 2 –Tomorrow’s Voices Tonight, Student Scholar Soirée
March 13 – 15 – Cirque des Voix®, collaboration with The Circus Arts Conservatory, featuring The Venice Symphony
March 29 – GenSRQ, A Youth Celebration
April 18 – Radiance, A Concert by Candlelight
May 3 – One Light, Many Voices
“Hearing how well Key Chorale tackled both Verdi’s Requiem and Beethoven’s 9th Symphony and Choral Fantasy last season – in only a few months – made me really appreciate our fine choral ensemble and the artistry they bring to these amazing masterworks,” said Maestro Caulkins. “So, I guess you might say we’ve doubled down on that with Bach’s Mass in B Minor, Mozart’s Coronation Mass, Handel’s Messiah Parts 2 & 3, and Mendelssohn’s Elijah – All in one season! The power of a symphony orchestra and world-class soloists, combined with the 100 voices of Key Chorale, can be an overwhelming experience. There are so few opportunities to hear works like this in our community and we are thrilled to be presenting these masterpieces.”
The 41st season kicks off on September 27 with “Coronation,” a collection of some of the most festive and sublime works with a royal touch. From the 1727 coronation of King George II to King Charles III in 2023, Key Chorale will present some of the most striking music inspired by royalty with well-known guest artist soprano Mary Wilson.
November 30 marks the annual performance with Key Chorale and The Sarasota Ballet Studio Company. “Joy & Wonder” showcases the joyful sounds of brass with Lithuanian soprano Lina Dambrauskaite and Key Chorale for two Medieval inspired compositions. Enjoy the world premiere dance of Missa Carolae by English composer James Whitbourn and Ola Gjeilo’s lush and moving Dreamweaver. This annual production celebrates the magic of the season with dance and music.
Key Chorale joins Music Director Troy Quinn and The Venice Symphony for four performances of “Sounds of the Season,” December 19-21. 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.
“Opus 1700” on January 23 & 24 showcases masterpieces by Handel & Bach. This annual partnership with Church of the Redeemer combines two institutions known for quality music. Friday evening, enjoy Handel’s iconic Hallelujah Chorus, The Trumpet Shall Sound, and the monumental finale Worthy is the Lamb sung expertly by our Chamber Singers and a cast of world-class soloists presenting Parts 2 & 3. Conducted by Sam Nelson.
On Saturday afternoon, join us and immerse yourself in Bach’s magnificent sonic landscape.
Johann S. Bach’s most towering achievement, the great Mass in B Minor, a work of sublime vocal and orchestral mastery is the glorious summation of an extraordinary musical life demonstrating his skill, ingenuity, and symbolism into a work full of dramatic impact.
Conducted by Joseph Caulkins.
On February 7, Key Chorale presents their Masterwork concert, “Mendelssohn’s Elijah.” Mendelssohn’s powerful choral masterpiece brings to life some of the most dramatic moments in the Old Testament. Fire comes from the heavens, storms gather, and the people cry for vengeance. From the prophet’s curse of drought, to confronting an evil queen, to an ascent into heaven on a fiery chariot, Elijah is an extraordinary musical experience. Soloists Jamal Sarikoki, Olivia Vote, David Tayloe, Jessica Beebe, and Key Chorale will retell the story of a man’s devotion in one of the greatest oratorios ever written.
March 13-15 marks the 15th year of “Cirque des Voix®”, Circus of the Voices presented with the Circus Arts Conservatory and featuring The Venice Symphony. This year’s show is titled “Superheroes vs Supervillains.” Dust off your cape and connect with your inner superhero as we take you on a thrilling journey into the world of heroes, villains and extraordinary feats. Witness an unforgettable fusion of the musical and circus arts, featuring music from your favorite characters —all under the Big Top at Nathan Benderson Park.
On March 29, “GenSRQ – A Youth Celebration,” brings together the Circus Arts Conservatory and Key Chorale in a vibrant collaboration showcasing many of the best youth programs in our county. More than 200 young singers, joined by Sailor Circus students and performers from top local arts training programs, will fill the Sailor Circus arena with energy and talent. Witness how arts and cultural organizations uplift and inspire more than 300 exceptional student artists.
Then, on April 18 the Key Chorale Chamber singers present “Radiance,” an intimate multi-sensory concert experience under the gentle glow of candlelight. Hundreds of candles illuminate the space creating a serene atmosphere as the Chamber Singers perform some of the most sublime, divine, and heavenly music ever written. Violin and cello soloists combine with choir for an unforgettable musical experience.
The season concludes on May 3 with “One Light, Many Voices,” a festival of the human spirit and sacred song led by Guest Conductor Jamal Sarikoki featuring more than 150 voices. Key Chorale, the choirs of First United Methodist Church and Church of the Redeemer, brass quintet, timpani, and organ perform jubilant settings of the Psalms, Old Testament and inspirational poetry by Ralph Vaughan Williams, John Rutter, Morten Lauridsen, and more.
In support of education and community outreach, Key Chorale will hold their annual Perfect Pitch luncheon on November 3, at 11:30 AM at The Ora Ballroom. Join us as we champion conservation of our blue planet and the ocean that sustains us all as Key Chorale bestows its 2025 Perfect Pitch Award to Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium’s visionary President & CEO, Dr. Michael P. Crosby. Enjoy performances by Key Chorale’s Chamber Singers and Student Scholars, and learn more about our award-winning, impactful, community and educational outreach programs. On March 2nd 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 64 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 Aravilla Sarasota: Memory Care. They also offer an 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.