Sanibel Music Festival in Sanibel Island, Florida

10/16/2024

Sanibel Music Festival is overjoyed to begin its 38th season with a return to its longtime venue, UCC Sanibel Congregational Church, with a refreshed look!�For piano aficionados, we are elated to have the enthusiastic support of renowned pianist, Wu Han, for a special benefit gala performance with her husband, cellist David Finckel, on March 1, 2025. Be sure to plan ahead to purchase your tickets early and online at www.sanibelmusicfestival.org for this “not to be missed” weekend full of events. Stay tuned for details on our website in the coming months.

March 1: David Finckel, cellist and Wu Han, pianist. Special Gala - Celebrating Sanibel Music Festival’s Return to the Island.

09/01/2024

07/19/2024

Sanibel Music Festival has returned to island location!! We will hold our concerts at our beloved location at UCC Sanibel Congregational Church. 2050 Periwinkle Way Sanibel FL. 33957, beginning with LUMINARY Island-Wide celebration, December 6, 2024. 730 pm Free concert.

03/31/2022

FGCU Symphony Orchestra Returns to Sanibel April 5

Sanibel Music Festival concludes the 2022 season April 5 with the Bower School of Music Symphony Orchestra from Florida Gulf Coast University. “We anticipate an inspiring performance and amazing musicianship again this year,” said Festival board member Gloria Garrett. “The W.A. Mozart Symphony No. 38, "Prague" and the Stravinsky Pulcinella Suite will be presented as complete works.”

Sanibel Music Festival launched the Emerging Artist Series in 2021 supported by sponsors Gene and Lee Seidler. “Our goal is to better acquaint the Sanibel community with the great offerings available to us less than an hour away at FGCU,” explained Lee Seidler, a Festival board member and Vice President. “With the Seidler’s continued support in 2022, the Festival can continue to participate in the increasing popularity of classical music among young people documented by recent studies,” continued Garrett.

“Southwest Florida is ahead of the curve,” said Krzysztof Biernacki, Director of the Bower School of Music and the Arts. “The growing reputation of our strings program is a factor in attracting top level students to the region.”

“The Symphony Orchestra filled the hall and earned a standing ovation last December at the “All is Bright” concert featured at the Chamber of Commerce Luminary Weekend,” added Garrett. Local musician and Sanibel resident Colleen Zurcher-McGauran sponsored that concert and said, “It is our responsibility to introduce classical music of the highest caliber to young people. I encourage the community to attend the concert April 5 and consider making a donation.”

Emerging Artist Series concerts are performed for free will donations supporting the Bower School of Music. Pre-register on the website to assure seating at www.SanibelMusicFestival.org. The concert will take place at 11:00am at Sanibel Congregational U.C.C. at 2050 Periwinkle Way.

03/22/2022

Last Chance to see the Lauded Emerson String Quartet on Sanibel Island

On Saturday, March 26, the highly acclaimed Emerson String Quartet will perform at the Sanibel Music Festival for the last time. After a remarkable 47-year career, the Emerson plans to disband in October of 2023. "They have played for our music festival many times over the past decades, and we are fortunate to be part of one of their final tours. They will be very much missed,” said Sue Pick, Chair of the Sanibel Music Festival Music Committee.

“The Emerson String Quartet’s unparalleled list of achievements spanning four decades includes more than thirty renowned recordings, nine Grammys (including two for the Best Classical Album), three Gramophone Awards, the Avery Fisher Prize, and Musical America’s Ensemble of the Year,” continued Pick. They were inducted into the Classical Music Hall of Fame in 2010. In 2015, the Emerson received The Richard J. Bogomolny National Service Award, the highest award in classical chamber music.

Tickets are on sale now at www.SanibelMusicFestival.org ; in-person on Sanibel at Bank of the Islands, 1699 Periwinkle Way (check and cash only); by mail to Sanibel Music Festival, PO Box 1623, Sanibel, FL 33957; or by phone at 239-344-7025. The concert is March 26 at 7:30pm at Sanibel Congregational U.C.C., 2050 Periwinkle Way on Sanibel Island.

The program begins with the Beethoven Quartet No. 14 in C-sharp minor, Op.131.The seven movements will be played without a break with Philip Setzer as first violin. Following an intermission, Eugene Drucker will serve as first violin for the Schubert Quartet No. 14 in D minor, D. 810. The concert is sponsored by longtime Festival supporters, Sue and Tom Pick

Sanibel Music Festival concludes the 2022 season with two Emerging Artists Series Concerts featuring the talented musicians of the Bower School of Music at Florida Gulf Coast University under the direction of Dr. Kyle Szabo. On March 29, the Bower School of Music String Ensembles perform, featuring violin soloists Glen Basham, concertmaster of the Naples Philharmonic, and Dr. Kyle Szabo, head of strings studies and Orchestra Director at FGCU. On April 5, the Bower School of Music Symphony Orchestra performs.

Both concerts will take place at 11:00am at Sanibel Congregational U.C.C. at 2050 Periwinkle Way. Emerging Artist Series concerts are performed for free will donations on the Sanibel Music Festival website or at the concert. Pre-register on the website to assure seating at www.SanibelMusicFestival.org .

03/22/2022

Last Chance to see the Lauded Emerson String Quartet
on Sanibel Island

03/15/2022

ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER CELEBRATED BY OPERA THEATER OF
CONNECTICUT AT THE SANIBEL MUSIC FESTIVAL

03/15/2022

ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER CELEBRATED BY OPERA THEATER OF
CONNECTICUT AT THE SANIBEL MUSIC FESTIVAL

On Tuesday, March 22, Opera Theater of Connecticut presents Andrew Lloyd Webber Superstar of Song and Stage at the Sanibel Music Festival. “The powerful music of Jesus Christ Superstar, Phantom of the Opera, Cats, Evita and other favorites will be on the program, punctuated by Artistic Director Alan Mann’s knowledgeable commentary”, said Sanibel Music Festival President Jana Stone. “Due to popular demand, for the first time, both a matinee and evening performance are scheduled this year.”
Tickets are on sale now at www.SanibelMusicFestival.org; in-person on Sanibel at Bank of the Islands, 1699 Periwinkle Way (check and cash only); by mail to Sanibel Music Festival, PO Box 1623, Sanibel, FL 33957; or by phone at 239-344-7025. Concerts are at 2:00pm and 7:30pm at Sanibel U.C.C., 2050 Periwinkle Way on Sanibel Island. The Opera Theater of Connecticut is sponsored by the LAT Foundation.

Artistic Director Alan Mann is also Executive Director of the Hartford Chorale, a renowned guest speaker known for “Opera Talks”, a frequent vocal competition judge and a guest director. “Alan brings a talented team each year,” continued Stone. “We are already planning for a wonderful Lerner and Loewe review in 2023 featuring favorites from My Fair Lady, Camelot, Brigadoon, and more.”

The Sanibel Music Festival season continues March 26 with Classical Music Hall of Fame members, the Emerson String Quartet. Their unparalleled list of achievements spanning four decades includes more than thirty renowned recordings, nine Grammys (including two for the Best Classical Album), three Gramophone Awards, the Avery Fisher Prize, and Musical America’s “Ensemble of the Year.” In 2015, the Emerson received The Richard J. Bogomolny National Service Award, the highest award in classical chamber music.

The season concludes with the two Emerging Artist Series concerts on March 29 and April 5 featuring the Bower School of Music string ensembles and symphony orchestra under the direction of Dr Kyle Szabo. “The Emerging Artist Series received enthusiastic reviews when introduced in Sanibel in 2021,” said Board Member Gloria Garrett. “We anticipate another set of energetic concerts full of surprises.” The concerts will feature solo performances by Glen Basham, concertmaster of the Naples Philharmonic and Dr. Kyle Szabo, head of strings studies and Orchestra Director at FGCU.”

Emerging Artist Series concerts are performed for free will donations on the Sanibel Music Festival website or at the concert. Pre-register on the website to assure seating at www.SanibelMusicFestival.org

03/15/2022

Sanibel Music Festival welcomes Van Cliburn International Piano Competition Gold Medalist Haochen Zhang on March 19.

03/15/2022

Celebrate The Juilliard String Quartet 75th Anniversary
on Sanibel Island March 15

03/15/2022

Celebrate The Juilliard String Quartet 75th Anniversary
on Sanibel Island Today, March 15

The renowned Juilliard String Quartet’s 75 th Anniversary Tour comes to Sanibel on March 15 hosted by Sanibel
Music Festival. “We are honored to welcome the Juilliard back to Sanibel for the tenth time,” said David Conrad,
Sanibel Music Festival Board Member and music committee member. “Following the recent death of the
quartet’s distinguished violinist Roger Topping, guest pianist Anna Polonsky joins violinist Ronald Copes, cellist
Astrid Schween, and violinist Areta Zhulla. This powerful ensemble promises exhilarating chemistry with the
Juilliard’s signature artistry and vigor.”

Tickets are on sale now at www.SanibelMusicFestival.org ; in-person in Sanibel at Bank of the Islands, 1699
Periwinkle Way (check and cash only); by mail to Sanibel Music Festival, PO Box 1623, Sanibel, FL 33957; or by
phone at 239-344-7025. The concert is at 7:30pm at Sanibel Congregational U.C.C., 2050 Periwinkle Way on
Sanibel Island.

“The program includes classic piano quartets by Mozart and Brahms with a contemporary string trio by
Penderecki completed in 1991,” continued Conrad. “This is consistent with the Juilliard String Quartet’s mission:
to play new works as if they were established masterpieces and established masterpieces as if they were new.”
The concert will begin with the Mozart Piano Quartet No. 2 in E-flat Major, K.493 and the Penderecki String Trio
for Violin, Viola, and Cello. Following an intermission, the Brahms Piano Quartet No. 3 in C minor, Op. 60
concludes the evening. The concert is sponsored by a bequest from long-time Sanibel Music Festival supporter
and philanthropist Thomas F. Pick.

Sanibel Music Festival is a volunteer organization focused on bringing chamber music, piano recital, and vocal
ensemble of the highest caliber to Southwest Florida. During the month of March, seven evening concerts are
presented at 7:30 pm plus one matinee at 2:00pm. This signature series is followed by two Emerging Artist
Series concerts featuring the popular FGCU Bower School of Music on March 29 and April 5 at 11:00 am.

The 2022 season includes the widely acclaimed Boston Trio on March 12, featuring the trio’s founding member
Pianist Heng-Jin Park, the noted Boston Symphony soloist cellist Jonah Ellsworth, and violinist Grace Park,
winner of the 2018 Naumberg International Violin competition. On March 19, Haochen Zhang, Gold Medalist at
the Thirteenth Van Cliburn International Piano Competition and recipient of the prestigious Avery Fisher Career
Grant performs.

Opera Theater of Connecticut returns March 22 by popular demand with “Singing Andrew Lloyd Webber-
Superstar of Song and Stage”. Performances at 2:00 pm and 7:30 pm will include hits from Jesus Christ
Superstar, Cats, Evita, and the Phantom of the Opera, punctuated by commentary from Artistic Director Alan
Mann, noted speaker and opera historian.

The acclaimed Emerson String Quartet performs March 26. Their unparalleled list of achievements spanning four
decades includes more than thirty renowned recordings, nine Grammys (including two for the Best Classical
Album), three Gramophone Awards, the Avery Fisher Prize, and Musical America’s “Ensemble of the Year.” They
were inducted into the Classical Music Hall of Fame in 2010. In 2015, the Emerson received The Richard J.
Bogomolny National Service Award, the highest award in classical chamber music.

The season concludes with the two Emerging Artist Series concerts featuring the Bower School of Music string
ensembles and symphony orchestra under the direction of Dr Kyle Szabo. “These polished student musicians are
developing a following on the islands,” said Board Member Gloria Garrett. “The series received enthusiastic
reviews when introduced in 2021. The concerts promise energy and surprises, including solo performances by
Glen Basham, concertmaster of the Naples Philharmonic and Dr. Kyle Szabo, head of strings studies and
Orchestra Director at FGCU.”

Multiple discount packages are available and student tickets are half price. Emerging Artist Series concerts are
performed for free will donations on the Sanibel Music Festival website or at the concert. Pre-register on the
website to assure seating at www.SanibelMusicFestival.org . All concerts will take place at Sanibel
Congregational U.C.C. at 2050 Periwinkle Way, in the center of the island across from Periwinkle Place.

03/06/2022

BANK OF THE ISLANDS PARTNERS WITH SANIBEL MUSIC FESTIVAL TO SERVE ARTS PATRONS

Bank of the Islands is working with Sanibel Music Festival again this year to bring the bank’s signature genuine personal service to art patrons. “Bank of the Islands is a perfect ticket sales partner,” said Sheryl Steele, Sanibel Music Festival board member, and box office manager. “Both organizations strive to delight customers with their personal touch.”

“Sanibel Music Festival’s seven concerts are a beautifully curated classical series,” said Susan Schulte, Bank of the Islands Assistant Manager, holding brightly colored bunches of tickets. “We have the concert schedule posted and welcome all arts patrons to stop by the bank and see Page Stefanski at the concierge desk for in-person ticket purchases.”

Sanibel Music Festival is a volunteer organization focused on presenting chamber music, piano recital, and a vocal ensemble of the highest caliber every year in March. Tickets for the 2022 seven-concert series are on sale now at Bank of the Islands at 1699 Periwinkle Way, check and cash only. Concerts are held at the Congregational U.C.C., 2050 Periwinkle Way, across from Periwinkle Place, on Sanibel. Concerts are held at 7:30 pm on selected Tuesdays and Saturdays, with a matinee performance added this year on March 22 at 2:00 pm for the Opera Theater of Connecticut.

We look forward to the March 2022 season marking our 35th Anniversary. The entire season celebrates outstanding, long-established talent,” said Sanibel Music Festival President, Jana Stone.

Sanibel Music Festival 35th Anniversary Season 2022

­March 5 Jon Nakamatsu, Van Cliburn International Piano Competition Gold Medalist
March 8 American Chamber Players Piano Quartet plus Flute, programmed by Miles Hoffman
March 12 Boston Trio
March 15 Julliard String Quartet
March 19, 2017 Pianist Hoachen Zhang, Van Cliburn International Piano Competition Gold Medalist
March 22 Singing Andrew Lloyd Webber by Opera Theater of Connecticut (evening and matinee)
March 26 Emerson String Quartet

02/23/2022

Boston Trio - March 12 @ 7:30 pm

Violinist Irina Muresanu, cellist Jonah Ellsworth, and pianist Heng-Jin Park each have distinguished careers as soloist, recitalist, chamber musician, and have appeared with major orchestras and premier chamber music festivals throughout the United States and Europe. Cellist Mr. Ellsworth has performed as a soloist with the Boston Symphony, Akron Symphony, Boston Philharmonic, Jacksonville Symphony, Johnstown Symphony, Symphony by the Sea, and New Bedford Symphony. Additionally, Ellsworth attended the Marlboro Music Festival from 2014-2016. Ms. Muresanu, who has appeared as soloist with the Boston Philharmonic, the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, and other top international orchestras, is the recipient of top prizes at the Montreal International Competition and the Queen Elizabeth Violin Competition. Ms. Park, who made her solo debut with the Boston Pops at the age of 15, is the founding member of the Boston Trio and founder and artistic director of Halcyon Music Festival.

02/21/2022

The American Chamber Players

“They have established standards of chamber music performance equal to any in the world,” in the words of the Washington Post. And The New York Times said, “They appealed to the heart and the head, offering a warm, seductively luxurious sound and an impressive precision and unity of purpose.”
Among today’s most exciting and innovative chamber music ensembles, The American Chamber Players were formed in 1985 by Miles Hoffman from a core group of artists of The Library of Congress Summer Chamber Festival. The ensemble performs repertoire ranging from familiar masterpieces to neglected gems to newly commissioned American works, and its fascinating and delightful programs with varied instrumental combinations have been as enthusiastically praised as its extraordinary, dynamic performances.

They have toured throughout North America, engaged and re-engaged by prestigious concert series from Florida to British Columbia, and they have traveled to Paris for a series of special gala concerts at the Paris Opera and the Bibliothèque Nationale. They have also been heard countless times on National Public Radio’s Performance Today and on local radio stations throughout the United States, and they are the resident ensemble of the June Chamber Festival at the Kreeger Museum, in Washington, DC.

The American Chamber Players have recorded music of Mozart, Bruch, Bloch, Stravinsky, Harbison, and Rochberg for a series of compact discs and cassettes distributed internationally on the Koch International Classics label.

02/21/2022

Acclaimed Pianist John Nakamatsu
Launches Sanibel Music Festival 2022 Season on March 5th.

Pianist John Nakamatsu launches the 35th Anniversary season of the Sanibel Music Festival on March 5. “Since winning the Gold Medal at the 1997 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, Mr. Nakamatsu tours year-round with today’s leading conductors and orchestras,” said Sue Pick, Sanibel Music Festival Board Member and Music Committee Chair. “In addition, he is Artist-in-Residence at the highly selective Chautauqua Piano Program. We are delighted to start our season next week with this prominent artist.”

Tickets are on sale now at www.SanibelMusicFestival.org; in-person in Sanibel at Bank of the Islands, 1699 Periwinkle Way (check and cash only); by mail to Sanibel Music Festival, PO Box 1623, Sanibel, FL 33957; or by phone at 239-344-7025. Nakamatsu will perform at 7:30pm on March 5 at Sanibel Congregational U.C.C., 2050- Periwinkle Way on Sanibel Island.

“The program will focus on Chopin and Schubert,” continued Pick. “Mr. Nakamatsu is cited for “beautiful and varied tonal color” by the Boston Musical Intelligencer, applauded for “muscularity and grace” by the New York Times, and called “meticulous” by the Washington Post. We anticipate a stunning performance.”

The Nakamatsu program on March 5 will begin with Chopin: Impromptu in A-flat Major, Op. 29 and Impromptu in G-flat Major, Op. 51, followed by Schubert: Four Impromptus, Op. 90. The concert will conclude with three pieces from Chopin: Fantasy in f minor, Op. 49, Nocturne in B Major, Op. 9, No. 3, and Scherzo in E Major, Op. 54. Island residents Janet and Joseph Davie, and Gene and Lee Seidler, are sponsors.

During the month of March, Sanibel Music Festival features seven ensembles at evening concerts at 7:30 pm plus one matinee at 2:00pm. This signature series is followed by two Emerging Artist Series concerts featuring the popular FGCU Bower School of music chamber ensembles on March 29 and April 5.

The 2022 season includes American Chamber Players Piano Trio plus Flute on March 8, programmed by Miles Hoffman, Founder and Artistic Director, and longtime NPR music commentator. Hoffman’s programs are lauded for a unique and delightful mix of instrumental combinations. The widely acclaimed Boston Trio performs March 12, featuring the trio’s founding member Pianist Heng-Jin Park, the noted Boston Symphony soloist cellist Jonah Ellsworth, and violinist Grace Park, winner of the 2018 Naumberg International Violin competition.

Members of the celebrated Juilliard String Quartet will perform on March 15 with guest pianist Anna Polansky. Polansky has been included for this concert following the January death of the quartet’s distinguished violist, Roger Topping. On March 19, Ken Broberg, Silver Medalist at the Fifteenth Van Cliburn International Piano Competition and 2021 American Pianists Awards first prize winner performs.

Opera Theater of Connecticut returns March 22 by popular demand with “Singing Andrew Lloyd Webber- Superstar of Song and Stage”. Performances at 2:00 pm and 7:30 pm will include hits from Jesus Christ Superstar, Cats, Evita, and the Phantom of the Opera, punctuated by commentary from Artistic Director Alan Mann, noted speaker and opera historian.

The acclaimed Emerson String Quartet performs on March 26. Their unparalleled list of achievements spanning four decades includes more than thirty renowned recordings, nine Grammys (including two for the Best Classical Album), three Gramophone Awards, the Avery Fisher Prize, and Musical America’s “Ensemble of the Year.” They were inducted into the Classical Music Hall of Fame in 2010. In 2015, the Emerson received The Richard J. Bogomolny National Service Award, the highest award in classical chamber music.

The season concludes with the two Emerging Artist Series concerts featuring the Bower School of Music string ensembles under the direction of Dr. Kyle Szabo. “These polished student musicians are developing a following on the islands,” said Board Member Gloria Garrett. “The series received enthusiastic reviews when introduced in 2021. The concerts promise energy and surprises, including solo performances by Glen Basham, concertmaster of the Naples Philharmonic, and Dr. Kyle Szabo, head of strings studies and Orchestra Director at FGCU.”

Sanibel Music Festival is a volunteer organization focused on bringing chamber music, piano recital, and a vocal ensemble of the highest caliber to southwest Florida. Evening concerts are presented at 7:30 pm on selected Tuesdays and Saturdays, with a matinee performance on March 22 at 2:00 pm for the Opera Theater of Connecticut. Emerging Artist Series concerts will be presented in the morning at 11:00 am on March 29 and April 5.

Multiple discount packages are available and student tickets are half price. Emerging Artist Series concerts are performed for free-will donations on the Sanibel Music Festival website or at the concert. Pre-register on the website to assure seating at www.SanibelMusicFestival.org .

All concerts will take place at Sanibel Congregational U.C.C. at 2050 Periwinkle Way, in the center of the island across from Periwinkle Place