Music Mondays Features Performances And Lively Conversations With Renowned Performers, Artists and Conductors

Sarasota Institute of Lifetime Learning's popular "Music Mondays" series features informal performances and lively conversations with renowned performers and conductors. Monday Music sessions are held on Mondays through March 26. The morning sessions, hosted by Edward Alley, are 10:30 a.m. at Church of the Palms, 3224 Bee Ridge Road. Afternoon sessions, hosted by Dr. Joseph Holt and Robert Sherman, are at 3 p.m. at Venice Presbyterian Church, 825 The Rialto. Tickets are $10 per session. To purchase tickets, visit www.sillsarasota.org. For more information, call 941-365-6404.

January sessions:

• Warren Jones (January 15): Warren Jones' playing has been called "exquisite" by the NY Times. He has performed and partnered with many of the world's best-known artists, including Stephanie Blythe, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, Samuel Ramey, Kathleen Battle, and Marilyn Horne. See and hear how he transforms the meaning of "accompanying" to true collaboration with his performing artists.
• Bella Hristova (January 22): Acclaimed for her passionate, powerful performances and beautiful sound, violinist Bella Hristova is a young musician with a growing international career. Winner of many awards, including the Avery Fisher Career Grant, she has performed at Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, and with numerous orchestras throughout the world. This will be her SILL debut.
• Rafael Davila (January 29): Long a favorite with the Sarasota Opera, tenor Rafael Davila performs with Chicago Lyric, Washington National Opera, and enjoyed a stunning debut at the MET as Don José in "Carmen" on only 1 ½ hours' notice. Learn about the life of an opera singer and hear his glorious voice live.

February sessions:

• Nathan Lee (February 5): Seattle-area pianist Nathan Lee began playing the piano at age six and made his orchestral debut at the age of nine. At 15, Lee won first prize in the 2016 Young Concert Artists International Auditions, as well as 14 other prestigious prizes. Recent engagements include a performance with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra on NPR's "From the Top," the Cleveland Orchestra and the Minnesota Orchestra, and he shared the stage with Jean-Yves Thibaudet and Lang Lang with the Seattle Symphony.
• Justino Díaz: (February 12): Justino Díaz starred with Leontyne Price in the opening performance of the new MET in Lincoln Center, and has since sung all over the world, including in Franco Zeffirelli's movie of Verdi's "Otello" and "Callas Forever." He has also served as artistic director of the Pablo Casals Festival in Puerto Rico.
• John Miller (February 19): John Miller is more than just another face behind that big bass fiddle. Principal bass player of the Sarasota Orchestra for 25 years, Miller will share witty observations about music and performance.
• Daniel Jordan (February 26): Probably the best-known violinist in Sarasota, Daniel Jordan has been concertmaster of the Sarasota Orchestra since 1998. He is also the principal second violin of the Santa Fe Opera Orchestra. Jordan plays a very special Guarneri violin on loan from the Steinwachs Family Foundation and discusses and demonstrates what makes it so special.

March sessions:

• Narek Arutyunian (March 5): Now only 25, clarinetist Narek Arutyunian was already an international prize winner at the age of 16. Since then he has performed to vast praise around the world. The Washington Post called him "an artist who reaches passionate depths with seemingly effortless technical prowess and beguiling sensitivity."
• Jenny Kim-Godfrey (March 12): Jenny Kim-Godfrey has already endeared herself to audiences with her lovely tone and engaging stage presence. She was featured with the Gloria Musicae Singers (now Choral Artists of Sarasota) on at least two occasions and brings her lovely voice and bubbly personality to Music Mondays for her first solo appearance.
• Jamie Bernstein (March 19): The daughter of Leonard Bernstein is a musician in her own right, as well as music commentator, writer, and radio personality. Bernstein is making a special return visit to SILL in commemoration of her father's centennial year. She will bring stories galore and some fascinating videos of his work.
• Ashu (March 26): Ashu has developed a trailblazing career as the first and only full-time concert saxophone soloist, and he has repeatedly defied conventions by winning major international awards and competitions traditionally won by pianists and violinists. He created such a sensation on his first visit to SILL that he was invited back for a return appearance.

The Sarasota Institute of Lifetime Learning (SILL) is a non-profit organization that offers an expert lecture series to provide information on and discussion of the arts and contemporary global issues. SILL is guided by an all-volunteer board committed to modest pricing and enhanced outreach. Visit www.sillsarasota.org.

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