The Perlman Music Program Suncoast's PMP Winter Residency Kicks Off in December

This year marks a monumental milestone for The Perlman Music Program Suncoast (PMP Suncoast). It’s the 20th anniversary of one of its largest events: The Perlman Music Program (PMP) Winter Residency. Each December, musically gifted students from around the world reunite on the USF Sarasota-Manatee campus for lessons, studio classes, works-in-progress (WIP) recitals, chorus and orchestra rehearsals. Participants include 28 classical music prodigies, ages 14 to 20+, alumni fellows who mentor the students, and an exceptional faculty led by acclaimed violinist and conductor Itzhak Perlman and his wife, Toby Perlman. Starting on December 29, the public is invited to attend free master classes and works-in-progress (WIP) recitals. Special evenings are scheduled for guests to watch PMP orchestra rehearsals under the baton of Maestro Perlman. Audiences will also be able to watch Patrick Romano, choirmaster, rehearse with the PMP choir. 

This season’s Winter Residency runs December 29-January 5 in a heated tent on the campus of USF Sarasota-Manatee. On January 6, PMP Winter Residency students and faculty present the “PMP Celebration Concert,” featuring the PMP String Orchestra under the baton of Itzhak Perlman, and the PMP Chorus, led by Patrick Romano, at the Sarasota Opera House. The “20th Anniversary Celebration Dinner” follows the concert at Michael’s on East. (See below for ticket information.)

Lisa Berger, executive director of Perlman Suncoast says that they are “honored to support the PMP Winter Residency for the past two decades. Last year, after a two-year hiatus, audiences were thrilled to watch the transformative interplay once again between young, gifted musicians and world-renowned faculty, including Itzhak Perlman. It’s truly an inspired experience.”

PMP Alumni Concerts 

Berger explains that, in addition to the PMP Winter Residency, Perlman Suncoast also presents PMP alumni concerts and recitals throughout the year—and this year is no exception. “Some of the outstanding events we’ve planned include a concert celebrating the legacy of Juilliard Quartet violist, Roger Tapping; the Carr-Petrova duo’s “HERS” celebration of women composers throughout history; and the return of the beloved Ariel Quartet.”

As PMP participants complete their graduate studies and become professional musicians, Perlman Suncoast supports their future endeavors by inviting them back to our area for concerts and recitals, as well as school and community outreach programs. “With this opportunity, they gain performance experience and delight new audiences as their careers advance,” says Berger. She adds that PMP alumni are “trained in community outreach, providing educational information and insights into classical string music. In addition, Q&A sessions at each performance allow audiences to ask questions of the musicians, broadening their engagement and enjoyment.”

Perlman Suncoast’s 2023-2024 season continues with special performances and recitals by PMP alumni, including the Tobias Quartet, who appeared on November 15 and the Punchline Quartet, who will perform on February 12. Berger says she is especially honored to present “Remembering Roger: Celebrating the Legacy of Roger Tapping,” on January 20. A beloved member of the Juilliard quartet and faculty member of The Perlman Music Program for many years, Tapping inspired generations of musicians for his wit and charm, biting humor, and consummate artistry.

Violist Molly Carr and pianist Anna Petrova will present “HERS” on March 3.  As the Carr-Petrova Duo, they will perform pieces from their new album, which celebrates female composers from the 1100’s to the present day. “HERS vibrantly celebrates the vision, strength, resilience, and incredible accomplishments of eight fearless women – from the 12th-century’s Hildegard Von Bingen to today’s Beyoncé,” says Berger.

The Ariel Quartet returns to Sarasota on April 4 in partnership with The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee. This exhilarating quartet has garnered critical praise worldwide for more than 20 years—and is a favorite among regional audiences. The concert will be at the Ora on the Federation’s new campus.

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