The talent at the Sarasota orchestra is phenomenal, and their educational programs are fantastic.The management of the orchestra, however, has been extremely disruptive to the city & residents of Sarasota for years. Throughout the past FIFTEEN years, this organization has repeatedly stirred up trouble, mostly with regard to trying to move away from their world-class *waterfront* location, for no valid reason.Their most recent stunt was an attempted land-grab - a really nice, legally well-protected city park called Payne Park that locals love. They pursued it so aggressively & insensitively - despite its protections, despite overwhelming opposition, despite what City Commissioners had to say - they outright refused to be deterred. They created so much chaos that we literally *set records* at their City Commission meeting. A Preserve Payne Park Coalition was formed, social media went crazy, and a record-setting number of citizens spoke at the meeting, probably 90%+ of which were in opposition. (This is not an exaggeration).The orchestras behavior throughout the entire saga was, in my opinion, disgraceful. They flat out lied about the research theyd done, they refused to consider any other alternate locations, and they literally threatened to LEAVE Sarasota if they didnt get their way Absolutely shameful. Luckily, their dismissive, entitled behavior wasnt rewarded, as 4 out of 5 City Commissioners shut them down.All of this is documented... The offensive emails they sent to city commissioners is public record, and the actual video recording of the May 20th Sarasota City Commissioner meeting is also available online.Before I submitted this rating, they had 5 stars & 45ish reviews. Theyre not going to be happy about losing their perfect 5 star rating & Im sure people will have plenty to say. So, go check out the commission meeting video for yourself & itll be pretty obvious as to what really happened.Like I said, the talent at the orchestra is incredible... I still think people should enjoy the world-class fine arts that only Sarasota can offer. I just think the orchestra is long overdue for a change in management especially after devastating their reputation so publicly these past few months.Sorry Sarasota Orchestra, but your outrageous behavior - like gunning for free land that was never up for grabs to begin with, ignoring the overwhelming opposition, playing transparent & manipulative games, and then threatening to leave Sarasota?? - it was unethical & it offended a lot of people. Including me.People deserve to know how you do business.

Sarasota Orchestra played tribute concert to Arthur Fiedler in Holley Hall. What fun. The audience whistled, clapped, stopped their feet and laughed with glee. The bassoon solo was amazing. Conductor Steven Jarvi kept the energy high and the humor coming. It was hard to tell who had more fun, the audience or the orchestra.

This venue has delivered the most spectacular concerts I have ever attended. The music (all types) is first-rate, the musicians are consummate professionals ani dont think there is a bad seat in the house. I cant wait for the next season to begin!

Great place i go there to practice cello and the staff is very nice

The best teaching ever. I loved 🎶

I have listened to many orchestras in my 83 years and can say with confidence that they are first class.

Loved their Tibute to Judy Garland. Sarasota Orchestra played the scores to videos of Garland. Also on the big screens were interviews with her as well as nees clips from her death and funeral.Total class and precision by the orchestra. Not my favorite auditorium the Van Wezel, but nice. Have yet to be in one as awesome as Severance Hall, Cleveland Orchestra.

A little hidden, but great service at the box office.

Excellent local orchestra. Never disappoints!

Very enjoyable and entertaining.

Great music to kickstart the holiday season.

Great music❤️

Amazing! Youth Program is stellar as well.

Great if you want a little culture

The talent at the Sarasota orchestra is phenomenal, and their educational programs are fantastic.The management of the orchestra, however, has been extremely disruptive to the city & residents of Sarasota for years. Throughout the past FIFTEEN years, this organization has repeatedly stirred up trouble, mostly with regard to trying to move away from their world-class *waterfront* location, for no valid reason.Their most recent stunt was an attempted land-grab - a really nice, legally well-protected city park called Payne Park that locals love. They pursued it so aggressively & insensitively - despite its protections, despite overwhelming opposition, despite what City Commissioners had to say - they outright refused to be deterred. They created so much chaos that we literally *set records* at their City Commission meeting. A Preserve Payne Park Coalition was formed, social media went crazy, and a record-setting number of citizens spoke at the meeting, probably 90%+ of which were in opposition. (This is not an exaggeration).The orchestras behavior throughout the entire saga was, in my opinion, disgraceful. They flat out lied about the research theyd done, they refused to consider any other alternate locations, and they literally threatened to LEAVE Sarasota if they didnt get their way 🤯 Absolutely shameful. Luckily, their dismissive, entitled behavior wasnt rewarded, as 4 out of 5 City Commissioners shut them down.All of this is documented... The offensive emails they sent to city commissioners is public record, and the actual video recording of the May 20th Sarasota City Commissioner meeting is also available online.Before I submitted this rating, they had 5 stars & 45ish reviews. Theyre not going to be happy about losing their perfect 5 star rating & Im sure people will have plenty to say. So, go check out the commission meeting video for yourself & itll be pretty obvious as to what really happened.Like I said, the talent at the orchestra is incredible... I still think people should enjoy the world-class fine arts that only Sarasota can offer. I just think the orchestra is long overdue for a change in management especially after devastating their reputation so publicly these past few months.Sorry Sarasota Orchestra, but your outrageous behavior - like gunning for free land that was never up for grabs to begin with, ignoring the overwhelming opposition, playing transparent & manipulative games, and then threatening to leave Sarasota?? - it was unethical & it offended a lot of people. Including me.People deserve to know how you do business.

Excellent, get tickets with a lot of anticipation

LOVE THE YOUTH PROGRAM!

Youth program is amazing!

Sarasota Music Festival - 1st wk. WOW...!

*High-Quality Orchestra.

Excellent music!!

Beautiful venue

Absolutely amazing

Wonderful!!