The Pops Orchestra of Bradenton & Sarasota and the International Women’s Brass Conference Launch Holiday Brass Sarasota
The Pops Orchestra of Bradenton & Sarasota and the International Women’s Brass Conference Launch Holiday Brass Sarasota
Celebrate the season with the brilliant sounds of brass at the inaugural Holiday Brass Sarasota concert on Saturday, December 5, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at Pine Shores Presbyterian Church, presented by The Pops Orchestra of Bradenton & Sarasota in collaboration with the International Women’s Brass Conference (IWBC). For the first time, this beloved concert tradition is coming to Florida’s Gulf Coast, bringing together outstanding brass musicians from across Florida and beyond and featuring Dr. Robyn Bell, the dynamic director of The Pops Orchestra of Bradenton and Sarasota.
Holiday Brass began in 1992 when Susan Slaughter, retired principal trumpet of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and the first woman named principal trumpet of a major symphony orchestra, founded the IWBC and launched the first concert in St. Louis to support women brass musicians. Now presented in communities nationwide, the concerts help fund scholarships, new musical commissions, competition prizes, and programs that advance and celebrate women in brass. Through a collaboration between IWBC, The Pops Orchestra, and sponsor Amy Schachter, Holiday Brass Sarasota brings this festive tradition to local music lovers of all ages.
Held at Sarasota’s Pine Shores Presbyterian Church, Holiday Brass offers audiences a unique and engaging, continuous-flow concert experience – often called a prism concert – with performers appearing in different locations throughout the venue with one selection flowing seamlessly into the next.
Featured performers at the inaugural event include legendary trumpet virtuoso and educator Vince DiMartino and trumpet soloist and chamber musician Amy Gilreath, artist in residence and professor emeritus at Illinois State University and founding member of Stiletto Brass Quintet. Both are favorites with local audiences. The program also features Ring Sarasota, the premier handbell ensemble of the Gulf Coast, the Bay Chorale of Bradenton, and steel drum artist John Patti.
We are excited to bring this new tradition to the Gulf Coast and celebrate with the joyful sounds of brass.
Tickets and additional information are available at ThePopsOrchestra.org/Concerts.
WHAT:
Holiday Brass Sarasota
Presented by The Pops Orchestra of Bradenton & Sarasota and the International Women’s Brass Conference, featuring Dr. Robyn Bell, Vince DiMartino, Amy Gilreath, and Ring Sarasota
WHEN:
Saturday, December 5, 2026, 7:00–9:00 p.m.
WHERE:
Pine Shores Presbyterian Church
6116 Crestwood Ave
Sarasota, FL 34231
TICKETS:
On sale now through The Pops Orchestra box office: https://thepopsorchestra.app.getcuebox.com/o/21NL0B8D/shows/3LK715K0
General Admission — $35
Group Rate — $25
Student & Child — $15
For more information:
International Women’s Brass Conference (IWBC)
The Pops Orchestra of Bradenton and Sarasota
About The Pops Orchestra of Bradenton & Sarasota
Since its founding in 1975, The Pops Orchestra of Bradenton & Sarasota has produced critically acclaimed musical attractions for enthusiastic audiences of all ages. As one of the top performing arts groups in a unique, culturally rich community, The Pops Orchestra attracts full-time residents, Suncoast Snowbirds, and vacationers to its concerts, proving to be a cultural and economic asset to the Great Bradenton and Sarasota communities.
Directed by the dynamic conductor Dr. Robyn Bell, the 65-piece orchestra consists of many of the community’s finest professional musicians, community music makers, music educators, and high school and college music students, reflecting the diversity of its audience and patrons.
The annual concert season features a diverse range of musical genres, including patriotic, Broadway, Hollywood, jazz, big band, jukebox, Motown, and holiday selections. In addition, The Pops Orchestra
performs community concerts to honor veterans, welcome international sporting events, and feature outstanding local young musicians through its annual summer camp. The Pops partners with other area arts organizations to provide concerts for special occasions in the Suncoast region. Local and national guest artists frequently join The Pops Orchestra, bringing additional energy and excitement to the stage. Each concert season is designed to entertain, invigorate, and project The Pops Orchestra’s passion and enthusiasm for popular-style music, featuring something for everyone. ThePopsOrchestra.org