Sarasota County is called Florida’s "Cultural Coast" for good reason. Cultural offerings include an opera company, two symphonies, a ballet, a performing arts hall to rival Broadway, professional theaters for every taste, and innovative architecture, and architectural seminars and programs. Visual arts lovers can roam through our sophisticated galleries, antique shops, artists’ studios and fine crafts boutiques. Our acclaimed natural wonders include award-winning botanical gardens, natural parks and a world-class marine biology research center. And don’t worry that this all disappears in the summer. Our cultural arts season is 365 days long, filled with festivals, performance events, and visual art exhibitions.

We offer you a peek at some of Sarasota County's leading arts and cultural organizations.

ASOLO /FSU CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

5555 N. Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34243 941-351-8000 or 800-361-8388 asolo@asolo.org http://www.asolo.org The Asolo Theatre Company is a professional company that performs primarily in the Harold E. and Esther M. Mertz Theatre at the Florida State University Center for the Performing Arts. The Mertz Theatre is an elegant 500-seat facility originally built as an opera house in 1903 in Dunfermline, Scotland. From November through June, the members of the acclaimed Asolo acting company gather to present a unique repertory from classics to new works. The Asolo Theatre Festival is the only winter destination theatre festival in this country. Theatregoers can choose as many as four different plays in a single weekend. Each season Asolo Theatre Festival productions entertain more than 100,000 people. For a complete listing of this season's productions, calendar with performance dates and times, educational opportunities and to order tickets, go to www.asolo.org. Or, to order tickets, call 800-361-8388 or 941-351-8000.

CIRCUS SARASOTA

P. O. Box 18636 Sarasota, FL 34276 941-355-9335 info@circussarasota.org http://www.circussarasota.org Sarasota, known as the "circus capitol of the world," now has its own one-ring, five star international circus. Circus Sarasota, founded in 1997 by Pedro Reis and Dolly Jacobs as a 501(c)(3) performing arts educational organization, enhances, produces and propels the circus arts with innovative programs of the highest level. Circus Sarasota is committed to continuing the legacy and broadening the artistic contribution of the circus while raising the level and perception of the American circus to that of other fine arts institutes. Our focus in four areas: education, special education, community service and performance. All these activities merit the highest artistic level of quality. The presence of the circus as an institution in Sarasota, and its performing artists as individual citizens has contributed mightily to the cultural richness and diversity, which is now synonymous with our area.

FLORIDA STUDIO THEATRE

1241 N. Palm Ave. Sarasota, FL 34236 941-366-9000 fst@fst200.org http://www.fst2000.org Florida Studio Theatre is Sarasota's contemporary theater, located in the heart of the theater and arts district in downtown Sarasota, and offers two different theater experiences. Now in its 29th season, the Mainstage is located in an historic building and presents the finest in contemporary theater. The Cabaret offers fine dining and excellent entertainment in a one-of-a-kind theater experience. Set in a turn-of-the-century Parisian café, FST's Cabaret is an intimate setting in which to enjoy dinner and a show. In addition to its two theaters, Florida Studio Theatre also hosts the Sarasota Festival of New Plays. Held each May, the festival puts the spotlight on the best new work in American theater.

FLORIDA WEST COAST SYMPHONY

709 N. Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34236 941-953-4252 Box Office 941-953-3434 symphony@fwcs.org http://www.fwcs.org The Florida West Coast Symphony delights audiences on the cultural coast of Florida with over 100 concerts every season. Over the last six years, Artistic Director, Leif Bjaland, has led the orchestra in an unprecedented period of growth and artistic achievement. There is something for everyone at the Symphony, from the great masterworks to light classics and entertaining popular music. For classical music lovers, the orchestra presents seven Masterworks programs, a Composer's Series, and Salon Concerts of chamber music. Others will prefer the casual, high energy of the themed Great Escapes series or a pure pops concert with the full orchestra. In June, the annual Sarasota Music Festival presents faculty and students of the highest caliber. Programs are presented in Sarasota, Bradenton and the Englewood/North Port area. Group and student discounts available. Free student concerts throughout the year.

GOLDEN APPLE DINNER THEATRE

25 N. Pineapple Ave. Sarasota, FL 34236 941-366-5454 or 800-652-0920 boxoffice@thegoldenapple.com http://www.thegoldenapple.com A Sarasota landmark, the award-winning Golden Apple Dinner Theatre has, since 1971, transported audiences with electrifying performances and delicious cuisine. The Suncoast classic showcase for Broadway musicals and theatrical productions, The Golden Apple offers an unbeatable combination of professional theater and exceptional dining. The unique, tiered horseshoe seating arrangement, along with comfortable swiveling chairs, offers the ultimate in relaxed dining and viewing. Enjoy the candlelight Prime Rib Buffet (all you can eat) for which the Golden Apple chef prepares a sumptuous spread of mouthwatering delights. Cocktails, wine, fine coffee and luscious desserts ensure a delightfully satisfying dining experience. And then, from the comfort of this intimate setting, sit back as the lights dim, and the magic begins. With award-winning sets and costumes, outstanding choreography and direction, the performances are sure to move you to laughter, to tears, to captivate your heart and leave you breathless. On our stage you will see the stars of tomorrow, the very best talent from New York, California and places in-between and exceptional regional talent. Stars of stage and TV, luminaries like Betty Buckley and Morgan Fairchild, have enthralled audiences past at the Golden Apple Dinner Theatre. The Golden Apple brings to Florida's Suncoast the drama and excitement, the energy and passion of Broadway.

LA MUSICA INTERNATIONAL CHAMBER MUSIC

P. O. Box 5442 Sarasota, FL 34277 941-366-8450, Ext. 3 salfar544@juno.com http://www.lamusicafestival.org Now in its 18th season, La Musica International Chamber Music Festival welcomes 15 of the world's outstanding musicians to play five concerts in the historic Sarasota Opera House, April 12, 15, 18, 21, and 24. From April 9-24, the musicians invite you to explore the "River of Music: The Danube and the Composers It Nurtured" in daily open rehearsals, concerts, lectures and other events. Stretching from the Black Forest to the Black Sea, the Danube, as no other river, has provided the vehicle for exchange of musical ideas and ethnic influences and the greatest composers drew from this confluence of eastern and western motifs. Starting with Mozart and finishing with the contemporary Schwertsik with many stops along the composer trail of this riverine culture, the Festival will pay homage to the golden age of European music.

MARIE SELBY BOTANICAL GARDENS

811 S. Palm Ave. Sarasota, FL 34236 941-366-5731 ContactUs@selby.org http://www.selby.org Explore the world's most spectacular display of rare orchids and bromeliads in this 8.5-acre tropical oasis on the shores of Sarasota Bay. Discover an open-air and under-glass museum of more than 20,000 colorful plants--including a living collection of more than 6,000 orchids--many collected in the wild by the Gardens' research and conservation scientists on more than 150 scientific expeditions to tropical rainforests. Ever-changing botanical art and photography exhibits in The Mansion. Lunch served daily at Michael's in the Garden Café. Sunday Afternoon Garden Music concerts March through mid-May. For a complete list of upcoming programs, visit our website.

MUSEUM OF ASIAN ART

640 S. Washington Blvd. Sarasota, FL 34236 941-952-0666 http://www.museumasianart.org The Museum of Asian Art (MAART) is dedicated to enhancing awareness and understanding of the arts and cultures of Asia through exhibition, education and research programs. Since its opening in April 2000, MAART has presented three major exhibitions and in addition, rotates works from its permanent collection which includes works of art from China, Thailand, Khmer (Cambodia), Nepal, Vietnam and Myanmar (Burma). MAART also presents an annual lecture series featuring guest speakers from museums and educational institutions throughout the United States.

SARASOTA BALLET OF FLORIDA

5555 N. Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34243 941-351-8000 martin@sarasotaballet.org http://www.sarasotaballet.org The Sarasota Ballet of Florida, under the artistic direction of Robert de Warren, has achieved a dynamic standing among the arts organizations in the culturally rich Sarasota area. The Ballet performs a blend of classical and contemporary styles from September through April. De Warren has created world premieres for the Sarasota Ballet, which have received outstanding critical acclaim, such as "Bolero," "Eva Peron: A Dance Portrait," "Madame Butterfly," and "Carmina Burana." The Sarasota Ballet also maintains the Sarasota Ballet Academy, offering dance training for talent of different ages. Also under the aegis of the Sarasota Ballet are Dance: The Next Generation, an award-winning, seven-year, full-scholarship program for youth at risk, as well as an International Summer School and an active school outreach program.

SARASOTA FILM FESTIVAL

635 S. Orange Ave., Ste. 10-B Sarasota, FL 34236 941-364-9514 or 941-364-8411 info@sarasotafilmfestival.com http://www.sarasotafilmfestival.com The 6th Annual Sarasota Film Festival is January 23-February 1, 2004, and features 10 days of independent and international film. The nation's fastest-growing film festival showcases over 120 independent and international features, shorts and documentaries. Visiting filmmakers and stars offer symposiums and Q & A's to accompany premiere films and a full lineup of parties. Special programs include the Shorts Fest on January 25 and activities and films for the whole family at Tropicana KidsFest on both weekends. The festival also features daily breakfast discussions with featured filmmakers, themed afternoon panel discussions with industry leaders and InFocus symposiums with guest stars. Don't miss the Opening Night Film and Party on January 23 and CineSymphony!: A Salute to the Oscars featuring the Florida West Coast Symphony on January 24, both at the Van Wezel. The excitement continues with World Cinema Celebration, an outdoor sensation with food and entertainment at Southside Village on January 28, Night of A Thousand Stars at Michael's on East on January 30 and the Filmmakers Tribute Dinner at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota on January 31. Sarasota Film Festival offers exclusive travel services and discounts for out-of-town guests. Festival offices are at 1993 Main Street in Main Plaza adjacent to Hollywood 20, where the films are screened.

SARASOTA OPERA

61 N. Pineapple Ave. Sarasota, FL 34236 941-366-8450, Ext. 1 info@sarasotaopera.org http://www.sarasotaopera.org "Opera you can't see or hear anywhere else." That quote from the "Los Angeles Times" adequately summarizes this company's eclectic mix of audience favorites and opera rarities. Sarasota Opera's 2004 Winter Opera Festival (Feb. 7-March 27) features some of the most popular and diverse selections in the repertory. This year, the company presents Puccini's "Tosca", Mozart's "The Magic Flute," Massenet's "Werther," and Verdi's "Il corsaro." In addition to its highly acclaimed stage productions, Sarasota Opera presents concerts year-round, and is home to one of the finest youth opera programs in the country. This year, the Sarasota Youth Opera is performing a world premiere entitled, "The Language of Birds," May 8 and 9, 2004. Experience what "Opera Now" magazine described as "a tremendous festival," and the "Chicago Tribune" called "a sharp opera in flat times." English translations simultaneously projected above the stage. Subscriptions start at only $65.

SARASOTA ARCHITECTURAL FOUNDATION

P O Box 3678 Sarasota FL 34230-3678 941-926-2821 x723 SarasotaArchFndn@aol.com http://www.SAFonline.org Sarasota is an exciting visual and performing arts community. But did you know that since the 1950's Sarasota has been known internationally for its distinct form of modern architecture? The Sarasota Architectural Foundation hosts architectural tours, educational events, film screenings, exhibits and cool parties for architecture lovers who visit Sarasota to see its architectural legacy for themselves. Visit our website for news of upcoming tours and events, or call us to arrange your own private group tour. Email us to be placed on our free notification list for tours and events today!

SELBY GALLERY/RINGLING SCHOOL OF ART AND DESIGN

2700 N. Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34234-5895 941.359.7563 or 941.351.5100 selby@ringling.edu http://www.ringling.edu/selbygallery Experience the exciting world of contemporary art and design and learn more about the visual arts through Selby Gallery's exhibitions and visiting artists' lecture programs. Ringling School of Art and Design's Selby Gallery, Sarasota's premiere contemporary art gallery, presents a diverse selection of exhibitions throughout the year, featuring the work of nationally and internationally known artists, designers, photographers and illustrators. In addition, the Gallery showcases the work of the world-renowned art college's faculty, staff, and students in the fall and spring, respectively; and in the month of May, Florida-based artists are spotlighted through an annual Community Exhibition. All Gallery exhibitions and programs are free and open to the public. Please visit our website for current exhibition information, hours and directions.

VAN WEZEL PERFORMING ARTS HALL

777 N. Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34236 941-953-3368 http://www.vanwezel.org Entering our 34th season, we are pleased to offer 18 Broadway productions along with the finest of world-class dance, music, comedy, and popular national and international artists and attractions. Other programs will be added throughout the season as our schedule permits-always check for the newest additions on our website at vanwezel.org. Let the excitement begin! The Van Wezel and Café L’Europe of St. Armands Circle have partnered to offer you, our patrons, more sophisticated dinning and beverage service. The Café will open 2 hours prior to every show time, offering an elegant buffet, fine wine and spirits. Make your next event a showstopper! The scenic Grand Foyer overlooking the bayfront is available for parties, corporate events, wedding or any other very special occasion you may want to celebrate. For more information, contact the Events Coordinator at 955-767, ext. 222.