Choral Artists of Sarasota kicks off its 45^th season this year, with six concerts in November, December, February, March, April and May.

This year's season highlights include the Florida premiere of Abraham Lincoln Walks at Midnight by Florence Price, an African-American composer whose works were lost during the middle of the 20th century and later discovered in an attic trunk in 2009. Another highlight is a performance of Craig Hella Johnson’s Considering Matthew Shepard a modern-day Passion—modeled after the great Passions of Johann Sebastian Bach—which tells the story of Matthew Shepard, a gay American student at the University of Wyoming who was beaten, tortured, and left to die near Laramie on October 6, 1998.

This season also marks the launch of the group’s United We Stand Memorial Day concert, a tribute to those in the armed forces. This concert serves as the kick-off for the Choral Artists’ tour to France to participate in the 80th anniversary of D-Day in Normandy.

“Each concert features a unique tribute, commemoration, celebration, or recognition of people and events that have made a difference in our lives," says artistic director Joseph Holt. "From the movies to the military to Matthew Shepard, we have all been touched and inspired by their impact.”

Holt will also hold “Meet the Music” sessions prior to each concert throughout the season. Each one will focus on the upcoming concert with a special guest joining the conversation and performance. “Meet the Music” programs are held at Art to Walk On at 16 S. Palm Avenue in downtown Sarasota from 5:30-7 p.m., with a wine and hors d'oeuvre reception. Planned dates are November 2, November 30, February 1, February 29, April 4 and May 16.

Here's the lineup for the entire 2023-2024 seasion.

Veteran’s Day in Song 

Songs that brought hope and inspiration during military conflicts, from the Revolutionary War through Desert Storm. The featured guest artist is baritone Bob McDonald, a retired Sergeant Major from the U.S. Army Chorus. Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023 at 1 p.m. at Church of the Redeemer, 222 S. Palm Ave., Sarasota. Tickets: Tickets: $40; Veterans $25, students $5.

Christmas Celebration

Celebrate the spirit of Christmas with an evening of holiday harmonies and festive favorites, including African-American spirituals. Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023, art 7 p.m. at Church of the Redeemer, 222 S. Palm Ave., Sarasota. Tickets: $40; students $5.

Choral Cinemagic

Featuring popular movie music from films including the James Bond series, Momma Mia!, Sister Act and more. Sunday, Feb. 4, 2024, at 7 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 2050 Oak St., Sarasota. Tickets: Tickets: $40; students $5.

Abraham Lincoln Walks at Midnight

A moving depiction of a man burdened by the tragedies of the modern world, by African-American composer Florence Price, based on the poem by Vachel Lindsey. Joseph Haydn’s Lord Nelson Mass, also known as Mass in a Time of Anxiety, will be performed as well. Sunday, March 10, 2024, at 7 p.m. at Church of the Palms, 3224 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota. Tickets: Tickets: $40; students $5.

Considering Matthew Shepard

Craig Hella Johnson’s work tells the story of Matthew Shepard, a gay American student at the University of Wyoming who was beaten, tortured, and left to die in 1998. The concert is presented in partnership with Embracing Our Differences, Project Pride, ALSO Youth, and the First Congregational Church UCC. Sunday, April 14, 2024, at 7 p.m. at Church of the Palms, 3224 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota. Tickets: Tickets: $40; students $5.

Memorial Day Concert: United We Stand

Choral Artists will team with the Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble to perform a tribute to those in the armed forces.  Sunday, May 26, 2024, at 4 p.m. at Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota. Tickets: $30-60; students $5.

D-Day Commemoration Journey: June 3-11.

Choral Artists has been invited by Historic Programs, which partners with the Department of Defense Office of Commemorations, to be the principal choral ensemble for the 80th D-Day anniversary commemorations in France in June. In addition to participating in commemoration ceremonies at cemeteries in Normandy and Brittany, the group will perform a concert in the town square at Sainte-Mère-Église in Normandy and also at L'église de la Madeleine in Paris. 

For more information and to purchase tickets, click here or call (941) 387-4900. Single tickets and flexible season packages will be available Sept. 1, 2023.