When we announced in March that Sarasota Orchestra identified a site for our new home, we expressed a desire to develop our new music center and acoustically engineered concert hall into a valuable arts and cultural asset in which everyone in our dynamic region may take immense pride.
We are excited to share the first of many updates with you as work continues to realize this vision.
When we announced in March that Sarasota Orchestra identified a site for our new home, we expressed a desire to develop our new music center and acoustically engineered concert hall into a valuable arts and cultural asset in which everyone in our dynamic region may take immense pride.
We are excited to share the first of many updates with you as work continues to realize this vision.
Community Engagement
Our community’s input remains critical to creating a space that fulfills the diverse needs of our vibrant and growing region. Since March, we kicked off a listening process to secure feedback about the music center from several groups with an interest in our future:
- Neighbors: With the support of our partner, David Brain, program director for urban studies and sociology professor at New College of Florida, we hosted several workshops with residents in the neighborhoods adjacent to our new site. Along with expressing their enthusiasm for having the Orchestra right in their backyard, our new neighbors also shared valuable input for consideration about outdoor parks and walking trails, parking, and privacy. We sincerely appreciate their time and support. We are taking great care to address their wishes and concerns as we begin drafting a master site plan.
- Arts & Cultural Partners: Conversations with over a dozen arts and cultural partners underscored the acute need for performance, rehearsal, practice, storage, and education space to support our growing community. They are excited and ready to help us create a music center that offers something for everyone. We already have an additional dozen meetings with other organizations scheduled throughout the next few weeks and look forward to continuing these conversations; ultimately, reaching approximately 35 regional organizations.
- Patrons & Community: We are in the process of developing a survey for our patrons and broader community in Manatee and Sarasota counties, with the goal of gathering your feedback about the music center, and our performance and educational programming. More to come this summer.
Project & Site Development
Simultaneously, we have been working with Sarasota County leaders to start the zoning approval process that will allow for world-class experiences in our new, state-of-the-art concert hall. The approval process is expected to continue through October. Based on what we know today, a rezoning and a special exception will be required to construct our acoustically engineered concert hall at the desired height, as well as an exception for operations to continue beyond 10 p.m. as needed to accommodate the Orchestra's performance-related activities.
Standard work to evaluate the site, prepare the land for future construction, and secure the necessary permits will continue through January 2023. Stay tuned for more details in future updates and how you may be able to support our music center journey.
Please contact us with any questions or input about the music center at
As we continue working toward our future, know that we are grateful for your continuous efforts to make Sarasota Orchestra such a special place. Together, we are striving to create something for our entire community to enjoy, and we look forward to involving you more as our plans progress.
Sincerely,
Music Center Planning Team
