A recent experience brought tears to my eyes and joy to my heart, thanks to the Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota, Dr. Joseph Holt and Sergei Rachmaninoff. The Legacy performance at the Fischer/Weisenborne residence featured Dr. Holt on piano, Daniel Jordan on violin and Christopher Schnell on cello for an all-Russian program of Rachmaninoff, Shos...

Chamber music is often described as a "music of friends."When I taught a chamber music course at New College of Florida, something I did for seven years, I would always begin the first day of class by asking the students a simple question: "What is chamber music?"Often the students would raise their hands with confidence, but then their demeanor wo...

December 4, 2025FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota's January Programs Feature the Mike Block Trio, Erinys Quartet, and Trumpeter William Leathers SARASOTA, Fla. (Dec. 4, 2025) – Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota presents three concerts in January: the Mike Block Trio on January 6 at Plantation Golf and Country Club, Eri...

I started taking piano lessons at age 4; and 62 years have since passed.I had 15 years of classical training in Washington D.C. with Genvieve Hubbard and learned the difficult exercises developed by her teacher LaSalle Spier. Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, Chopin, Grieg and Debussy were my constant companions. I started singing and playing professionally...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASENovember 20, 2025 Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota Announces Added Family-Friendly Concert in March, a World Premiere by Sarasota Native Roger Zare in April, and Guest Harpsichordist Paolo Bordignon in May SARASOTA, Fla. (Nov. 20, 2025) – Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota is pleased to announce the addition of Beethoven, Bea...

The family of Barbara Staton, distinguished music educator and passionate champion for the performing arts, announces her passing on October 29 in Sarasota at the age of 92. Barbara's lifelong dedication to ensuring the arts remain accessible to all people inspired her decades-long career in music education and her generous involvement in arts comm...

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Jim Weisenborne on October 29, 2025. Jim was the longtime partner and husband of former Artist Series Concerts executive director, John Fischer. Jim was born in Eckhart, Maryland on September 14, 1941 and later moved to Michigan with his family – happily returning to Maryland many summers. He wa...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota's December Programs Feature Talent from Young Concert Artists Esteemed YCA alumni and current talent perform in two December concerts SARASOTA, Fla. (Nov. 6, 2025) – Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota presents two concerts in December, both of which feature the talent of Young Concert Artists...

A Life-long Love of Music, by D. Chivas My 2nd grade elementary and junior high school violin teacher, Ms. Schilla, is credited for my passion regarding classical music. I corresponded with her a couple times a year – up to last month when I was notified of her death at age 94.She encouraged me in 7th grade to audition for a scholarship to att...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota Presents Genre-Defying Astral Mixtape's Florida Debut in November Plus "under the radar" instruments take center stage, and Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition Grand Prize winner performs SARASOTA, Fla. (October 14, 2025) – Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota presents bassoonist Eleni ...