Special performances, a blockbuster concert lineup with Saturday night shows for the first time, and even more spectacular surprises are in store for music lovers as the Venice Symphony pulls out all the stops for its 50th anniversary. The season, which runs from November 2023 to April 2024, will be the Symphony's "biggest and boldest" ever, promises Music Director/Conductor Troy Quinn.
The “undeniable highlight,” he continues, “is when we welcome world-class entertainer Michael Feinstein to our hall (in February 2024) to perform the greatest hits from Hollywood and the silver screen.” President and CEO Christine Kasten notes that the event marks the first time the Venice Symphony has "presented a guest artist of his caliber.”
The season's opening concert is "A Symphony Fantastic!," with guest artist Andrew Bain. As the principal horn player of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Bain is known for performances that range from film scores to vibrant orchestral solos. December will bring holiday cheer with the Symphony's popular annual concert featuring a mix of traditional favorites and new festive works.
In January, "Tall Tales and Treasures" will captivate audiences with familiar music from blockbuster films such as "Pirates of the Caribbean" and "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Rings." Lauren Jelencovich, a gifted vocalist, will accompany these performances, ensuring a multi-sensory treat.
World-renowned entertainer Michael Feinstein takes the stage February 9-10, 2024. Feinstein is “beloved by audiences around the world for his powerful and emotional vocals and piano playing, (and) we are honored to bring him to Venice to perform with the orchestra,” says Troy.
Disney enthusiasts are in for a late February treat. "Disney's Maestro: A Tribute to Alan Menken" will be performed in collaboration with members of Sarasota’s Key Chorale, featuring music from "Beauty and the Beast," "The Little Mermaid," and "Aladdin.” In March, “Arabian Nights” showcases The Venice Symphony premiere of Rimsky-Korsakov’s masterpiece, "Scheherazade."
The Venice Symphony’s 50th anniversary performance season culminates with “The Crown Jewel Finale." This ambitious event will feature an expanded orchestra and the full Key Chorale. International singing sensations Deanna Breiwick and Dashon Burton will join the ensemble, bringing Vaughan Williams’ magnificent "Dona nobis pacem" to life.
Beyond concerts, the Symphony has plans to entertain and connect with the community that include having a float in Venice’s annual holiday parade and a “Symphony Scavenger Hunt” involving Venice businesses, says Christine. “In April (2024) we plan to present a free concert in a downtown Venice location featuring a chamber ensemble of our musicians,” she adds.
Reflecting on the Symphony's journey since 1974, Christine expressed gratitude to everyone involved. "From our early days at Venice High School to the Venice Performing Arts Center, we have endeavored to inspire and entertain audiences of all ages," she explains.
Now, for the Venice Symphony's 50th season, "we will celebrate our past and focus on our limitless future and on our vision of Uniting Through Music."
On January 5, 2024, the Venice Community Center will be transformed into the streets of Venice, Italy for "Venetian Nights," Venice Symphony's fundraising gala. “We've never done anything this ambitious before... it's going to be an extraordinary event,” says President and CEO Christine Kasten. thevenicesymphony.org/50th-anniversary-celebration/.