Sarasota Orchestra Receives Grants from The Exchange
Sarasota Orchestra has received $30,000 in grant funding from The Exchange in support of the 2025-2026 Young Person’s Concerts (YPC). This includes a Program Grant of $25,000, as well as $5,000 from the Elizabeth Lindsay Arts in Education Grant. Sarasota Orchestra’s YPC are experienced by nearly 9,000 students annually and have been presented since 1953. This live orchestra concert experience for fourth and fifth grade students combines a year-long curriculum in schools with a field trip to see the professional Sarasota Orchestra in concert.
“We are deeply grateful to The Exchange for ensuring that thousands of local students can experience the wonder of a live orchestra,” said Sarasota Orchestra President and CEO Joseph McKenna. “By supporting both the Young Person’s Concerts and the transportation that brings children to the hall, The Exchange removes barriers and creates first-time musical experiences that can inspire a lifetime of appreciation.”
The 2025-2026 Young Person’s Concerts will be held October 7-10, 2025 at the North Port Performing Arts Center and the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, with eight daytime concerts over the four days. The curriculum guide was developed by a team of area music teachers and the Sarasota Orchestra Education Department; it includes detailed lesson plans with information on the featured composers, specific pieces, and general music vocabulary. The 2025-2026 YPC will feature conductor Rei Hotoda, along with the return of popular narrator Gregory Smith. There will also be a family concert that is open to the public at 7:00 pm on Friday, October 10 at the Van Wezel.
“The Exchange is proud to continue our long tradition of supporting Sarasota Orchestra’s Young Person’s Concerts,” said Karen Koblenz, Executive Director and CEO of The Exchange. “Each year, thousands of children discover the thrill of live orchestral music for the very first time. Knowing that our support helps open the door to these transformative experiences—and perhaps sparks a lifelong love of the arts—is both meaningful and deeply rewarding.”
To learn more about Sarasota Orchestra’s 2025-2026 season and programs, visit www.SarasotaOrchestra.org.
About The Exchange:
The Exchange is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization with a central purpose of supporting and enriching a variety of programs for local cultural organizations. Funds for this purpose are realized through a consignment operation in which merchandise is accepted either for donation or for consignment to be sold in its store. Grants and scholarships derived from the earnings of this store are used to enrich and strengthen arts-related programs and to encourage creativity in organizations and individuals throughout the community. Visit http://sarasotawex.com/ to learn more.
About Sarasota Orchestra:
Since 1949, Sarasota Orchestra has inspired and entertained music-lovers across the region and visitors from around the world. As the oldest continuing orchestra in the state of Florida, each year the 76-member Orchestra performs more than 100 classical, pops, chamber music, and community outreach concerts. Sarasota Orchestra’s acclaimed music education program includes the Sarasota Youth Orchestras, established in 1959. Sarasota Orchestra is also the parent program of the world-renowned Sarasota Music Festival, founded in 1965. For further information, please visit www.SarasotaOrchestra.org.