Concert Companion

That's a Wrap | A Concert Companion to Discoveries: Unfinished Business

Episode Overview: Music has the incredible power to speak without saying a word—just ask Joseph Haydn! This episode of the Concert Companion turns over a new leaf as host Sara Stovall dives into Sarasota Orchestra's Discoveries series, a format that's a little like bringing the Concert Companion live to the stage. Joining her is Sarasota Orchestra Music Director Giancarlo Guerrero, who shares how he got into the art of classical musical storytelling and developed his signature impassioned, riveting style.  As the Orchestra prepares for its final bow of the 2025-2026 season, Giancarlo and Sara explore the nature of the "unfinished business" with each piece on the program. You’ll hear why Schubert may have simply forgotten he started his famous Eighth Symphony and how a period of downtime during the COVID-19 pandemic led Giancarlo to discover the unsung brilliance of African American composer Julia Perry. The conversation culminates with a look at Haydn’s "Farewell" Symphony—a 250-year-old symphonic protest. While Haydn scripted the musicians' walk-off, he left the conductor’s departure wide open. Giancarlo teases his own secret plan for his final exit of the season, promising an "Oscar-winning moment" you have to see for yourself! About the Concert: Sarasota Orchestra performs Discoveries: Unfinished Business on May 16 at the Sarasota Opera House. The program features Schubert’s mysterious Symphony No. 8 (Unfinished), Julia Perry’s groundbreaking Short Piece for Orchestra, and Haydn’s theatrical Symphony No. 45 (Farewell). Experience the 2025-2026 season finale with Music Director Giancarlo Guerrero leading this 75-minute journey of musical discovery. Tickets are available at SarasotaOrchestra.org. Music in This Episode: Symphony No 8. (Unfinished) by Franz Schubert Leif Bjaland, conductor Sarasota Orchestra Recorded live at the Sarasota Opera House, October 30, 2004

Mighty Maestros | A Concert Companion to Masterworks: Bernstein and Mahler

Episode Overview: Last summer, the Chicago Classical Review dubbed Music Director Giancarlo Guerrero a "gifted and idiomatic Mahlerian, insightful yet individual and willing to take risks." That term "Mahlerian" was a new word for host Sara Stovall, and their conversation in this episode reveals more about why it fits Giancarlo to a tee. As Sarasota Orchestra prepares for the grand finale of the 2025-2026 Masterworks season, Giancarlo reveals why he feels it necessary to conduct Gustav Mahler’s music every concert season, exploring the chaotic, grief-stricken, and creatively brilliant life of a composer who truly composed autobiographically. But this isn't just a Mahler episode. Giancarlo has paired Mahler with the American genius who saved his legacy: Leonard Bernstein. Giancarlo and Sara discuss in depth why their two voices naturally belong together on the same stage, and imagine what would happen if Bernstein and Mahler grabbed cocktails together (perhaps there would be a lot of complaining about their conducting "day jobs")!  About the Concert: Sarasota Orchestra performs Masterworks: Bernstein and Mahler on April 17-19 at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. Violin superstar Chee-Yun performs Bernstein's Serenade (after Plato's Symposium), then the Orchestra sends off the Masterworks season with Mahler's Symphony No. 5. Tickets are available at SarasotaOrchestra.org Music in This Episode: Symphony No. 5 by Gustav Mahler Anu Tali, conductor Sarasota Orchestra Recorded live at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, November 12, 2017 Serenade (after Plato's Symposium) by Leonard Bernstein Midori, violin Michael Balke, conductor Sarasota Orchestra Recorded live at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, February 25, 2018

The Rite Stuff | A Concert Companion to Masterworks: Rite of Spring

Episode Overview: It’s been sixteen seasons since Sarasota Orchestra last tackled Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring, and according to Music Director Giancarlo Guerrero, it's high time for the Orchestra's marvelous musicians to perform the Rite again. In this episode of the Concert Companion, your "happy host" Sara Stovall sits down with Giancarlo to discuss why this piece remains the ultimate test for an orchestra. They dive into the work’s scandalous history—including the infamous 1913 Parisian riot that might have been a clever marketing ploy. Beyond the Stravinsky behemoth, Giancarlo discusses the profound significance of Joan Tower’s 1920/2019, a work that bridges the centennial of women’s suffrage with the modern #MeToo movement. They also celebrate the return of violin superstar Benjamin Beilman, with Giancarlo offering a glowing look at their international collaborations and the unique imagination Ben will bring to Mozart’s Violin Concerto No. 5. About the Concert: Sarasota Orchestra performs Masterworks: Rite of Spring on February 27-March 1 at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. Experience a program featuring Joan Tower's profound 1920/2019, The Rite of Spring, and Mozart's Violin Concerto No. 5 featuring soloist Benjamin Beilman. Tickets are available at SarasotaOrchestra.org Music in This Episode: The Rite of Spring by Igor Stravinsky Leif Bjaland, conductor Sarasota Orchestra Recorded live at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, January 31, 2010

250 Candles | A Concert Companion to Masterworks: Variations on America

Episode Overview: In this episode of Sarasota Orchestra's Concert Companion, we're joined by a very special guest: Music Director Giancarlo Guerrero (fresh off his appearance at Bad Bunny's Super Bowl LX Halftime Show)! Giancarlo and host Sara Stovall preview the program of Masterworks: Variations on America, a cornerstone of the 2025-2026 "Sound of Change" season that celebrates the vast, breathtaking landscape of American orchestral music. As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary (the "Semiquincentennial"—try saying that three times fast!), Giancarlo dives into the American voice in orchestral music. From the "rock star" energy of George Gershwin and oceanside sounds from living composer Adolphus Hailstork—to the groundbreaking brilliance of William L. Dawson and Charles Ives, this episode explores how these composers were often decades ahead of their time. Join Giancarlo and Sara for a "musical road trip" that explores what an American sound truly means. About the Concert: Sarasota Orchestra performs Masterworks: Variations on America on February 12 at the Neel Performing Arts Center (Bradenton) and February 13–15 at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall (Sarasota). Experience a program featuring Adolphus Hailstork's An American Port of Call, Charles Ives' witty Variations on America, the transformational Negro Folk Symphony by William L. Dawson, and Gershwin's iconic Concerto in F featuring soloist Clayton Stephenson. Tickets are available at SarasotaOrchestra.org Music in This Episode: Piano Concerto in F by George Gershwin Kevin Cole, piano David Alan Miller, conductor Sarasota Orchestra Recorded live at the Sarasota Opera House, October 5, 2024

Lightsabers Out | A Movie Pops Concert Companion

Episode Overview: In Sarasota Orchestra's Concert Companion to the 2025-2026 season's Movie Pops concert, we're joined by Joshua Horne, Co-principal horn and self-proclaimed "biggest Star Wars fan in the world" for a deep dive into the music, magic, and memories woven into experiencing Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back live in concert. As Sarasota Orchestra prepares for this highly anticipated symphonic screening at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall (October 24 & 25), join Josh and the Concert Companion's happy host, Sara Stovall, to explore classical music influences on John Williams' legendary score and the unforgettable impact of live orchestral performance. About the Concert:  Don’t miss Sarasota Orchestra performing the music of Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back live to film on October 24 & 25 at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. Lightsabers and costumes encouraged! Music in This Episode: The Planets by Gustav Holst Anu Tali, conductor Sarasota Orchestra Recorded live at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, March 2018 Violin Concerto by Erich Korngold Elena Urioste, violin Jeffrey Kahane, conductor Sarasota Music Festival Orchestra Recorded live at the Sarasota Opera House, June 21, 2025