Sarasota Orchestra has announced the organization will broaden its search for the location of a new Music Center beyond the Sarasota City limits. David Steves, Chair of the 18-member Board of Directors, announced the unanimous decision of the Board to expand the search area for a potential site.

According to the organization, pressing calendar constraints and acoustic limitations at the six venues used by Sarasota Orchestra currently hinder growth and future achievement of Sarasota Orchestra’s mission. The orchestra also has urgent need for space expansion for its education programs, which include eight levels of youth orchestra and Young Persons Concerts serving tens of thousands of students.

The orchestra's goal is to pursue a site with a timeline that makes it possible to move into a Music Center within five years.

In response to the announcement, the city released the following statement:

“The City Commission has voted to continue the search for the new home for the Sarasota Orchestra in the City,” said Mayor Liz Alpert. “If the orchestra ultimately chooses to leave its current facility at the Bayfront, we will leave no stone unturned in our efforts to continue this strong, longstanding and productive relationship. City Manager Tom Barwin and his staff will be collaborating closely with the orchestra to advance our collective futures in hopes of coming up with even better options within the City limits than have already been considered.”

Sarasota Orchestra