Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota Announces its 2021 Fundraising Gala

Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota's silver anniversary fundraiser, 'A Sterling Affair,' happens online on Wednesday, March 3, at 5:30 p.m. The event, produced by Artist Series Concerts FRIENDS, the volunteer arm of Artist Series Concerts, will spotlight exclusive video performances by Young Concert Artists accordionist Hanzhi Wang, the first classical accordionist to earn a place on the YCA roster in its 60-year history, plus three exceptional young area musicians: pianist Marco Jimenez; cellist Gabriel McDerment; and flutist Molly McWilliams.

The evening also features an online "store" with a chance to score such treats as a private dinner with live musical entertainment, a condominium stay on Lido Beach, champagne, music, flowers, dinners and more, as well as special toasts to ASC co-founders Jerry and Lee Dougherty Ross and their 25 years with Artist Series Concerts. Proceeds from the gala, which is co-chaired by Cyndi Mumm and Jane Hunder, will benefit Artist Series Concerts' music scholarship awards, educational and community outreach programs, and performance opportunities for gifted young musicians. The suggested minimum donation to attend the event is $25 per person. Reservations can be made at ArtistSeriesConcerts.org or by calling 941-306-1202, Mon. - Fri., 10 a.m. - 4p.m. Confirmations and links to the gala will be sent to participants via email. Details about the Gala and more information about Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota's 2021 season are at www.ArtistSeriesConcerts.org.

Like so many non-profits functioning in the wake of the coronavirus, Artist Series Concerts is taking its annual fundraiser virtual this season. "Never in a million years did we think we'd be celebrating our 25 years in this way," says Cyndi Mumm, president of Artist Series Concerts FRIENDS. "But thanks to virtual technology the show will go on and thanks to our eager and generous patrons, including four matching donors, we are still anticipating a fun, novel and, most of all, successful event." Part of the reason for that is the ability afforded by an online event to open it up to the general public. "Due to limited seating capacities, the live gala has traditionally been invite-only. While we do hope to return next year to our traditional live gala, going virtual this season has allowed us to offer this alternative gala fundraiser experience to a larger and more widespread audience; people can tune in wherever in the world they happen to be," adds Mumm.

The highlights of the evening will certainly be the videoed performances made for Artist Series Concerts by Young Concert Artists accordionist Hanzhi Wang, and by area students Molly McWilliams, Gabriel McDerment and Marcus Jimenez. Wang is the first and only classical accordionist ever to earn a place on the roster of Young Concert Artists, the agency that has helped launch the careers of major classical music stars for sixty years. Flutist Molly McWilliams, a ninth grader who studies at the Sarasota Music Conservatory, was named to the 2020 Florida All State Band. Cellist Gabriel McDerment is a twelfth grader from Bradenton who plays seven instruments and is already establishing himself as a composer and producer. Pianist Marco Jimenez, who also plays violin, has been a member of the Sarasota Youth Orchestra for several years and has been concertmaster with their Youth Philharmonic for the past five.

"These young musicians are shining examples of creative potential and of the success that is possible with the right training and support, says Mumm. "We're thrilled to present all of them as part of our annual evening of celebration and fundraising and we look forward to presenting more young artists like them for years to come. They are what this is all about."

Over the past several years, Artist Series Concerts has awarded over $300,000 to more than 80 gifted young musicians via its scholarship awards programs. Past winners have gone on to study at leading music conservatories and pursued successful music careers. For the past four years, the organization has also co-hosted the Suncoast Music Scholarships, a collaborative competition organized and funded by Artist Series Concerts and the Sarasota Music Club. This year the initiative will award another $8,000 to young musicians from high schools in Sarasota and Manatee counties. Artist Series Concerts' 2021-22 season will also provide more valuable performance opportunities for groundbreaking young artists, many of whom are engaged via continued collaborations with such prestigious institutions as Young Concert Artists International, Juilliard, Curtis Institute and others.

"We hope everyone will join us from the safety of home, and perhaps raise a glass to our co-founders Lee and Jerry, to 25 years of Artist Series Concerts, to the great young musicians and to this festive hour of virtual fun and fundraising with great music, great online shopping and more," says Mumm. "This may be a gala unlike any other we've ever had but as always, the funds raised will all go towards our mission of supporting our youth and community outreach programs, as well as that next generation of great musicians - our stars of the future."

To post a comment, you must register and login.