pianist
1/7/13
Speaker: Charlie Albright

Hailed by the NY Times as being "among the most gifted musicians of his generation," this Gilmore Young Artist Award-winning pianist will stun you with his technical prowess at the keyboard. You’ll also love his wit and charm in conversation with guest host, Bob Sherman.

conductor
1/14/13
Speaker: Andrew Lane

You know Andrew Lane because you’ve seen him often on the podium as the Principal Pops Conductor of the Sarasota Orchestra. Now get to know this exciting musician as he speaks with June LeBell. The musical excerpts will include pieces you love with insightful comments by this entertaining musician.

Sarasota singing sensation
1/21/13
Speaker: Maria Wirries

Maria first came to SILL when she was 10. Now, less than five years later, she’s back to share her amazing musical journey and, with her coach, Alan Corey, perform songs from Baroque to Broadway, proving Sarasota’s really got talent!

New York Philharmonic Organist
1/28/13
Speaker: Kent Tritle

The NY Times calls him, "the brightest star in New York's music world..." Conductor and organist Kent Tritle brings us closer to the King of Instruments and the vocal scene with a captivating perceptiveness that you’ll find enthralling.

President & CEO, League of American Orchestras
2/4/13
Speaker: Jesse Rosen

This visit by Rosen, who has taken a leadership role in helping orchestras adapt to a rapidly changing environment, is especially timely as the Sarasota Orchestra continues its search for a new music director. The conversation will be filled with musical insights into the process and procedures of the orchestra in today’s world.

pianist/lecturer
2/11/13
Speaker: Pedja Muzijevic

When we heard Muzijevic at last year’s Ringling International Festival, we knew he had to come to SILL. An exceptional pianist with an engrossing ability to educate as he entertains, you’ll find this hour of music with the artist riveting and inspiring.

arranger and pianist
2/18/13
Speaker: Alex Rybeck

Rybeck has performed with and arranged music for some of your favorites from Tommy Tune to Roberta Peters. A regular on the Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota with the likes of Liz Callaway and Faith Prince, now get to know this marvelous musician as he shares anecdotes from his career with lots of live and recorded musical illustrations.

collaborative pianist
2/25/13
Speaker: Warren Jones

The word "accompanist" can’t adequately describe Jones, whose playing the NY Times called "exquisite." Jones has partnered with many of the world’s best-known artists: Stephanie Blythe, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, Samuel Ramey, Kathleen Battle, and Marilyn Horne. See how this great keyboard collaborator takes the art of "accompanying" to new heights.

composer
3/4/13
Speaker: Carlisle Floyd

Carlisle Floyd is one of the foremost composers and librettists of opera in the United States today. His conversations with June LeBell (in Sarasota) and Robert Sherman (in Venice) will include discussions about this opera, appearances by performers from Sarasota Opera, and live and video musical excerpts from this and other operas by the composer. This is a rare opportunity to hear from one of the greatest living opera composers about his own music.

composer
3/11/13
Speaker: Ricky Ian Gordon

You met Ricky at SILL last season. Now he returns, fresh from international triumphs with his new operas, to tell us How to Write an Opera in Today’s World. Funny, perceptive and astute, his music-making will astound you, even as you learn how to compose an opera.

baritone
3/18/13
Speaker: Bob McDonald

You’ve probably heard MSgt. Bob McDonald in concert with the United States Army Chorus, singing the National Anthem at Ed Smith Stadium or as soloist at the Sarasota Opera House. Find out how one joins the Army and sings around the world.

harpist
3/25/13
Speaker: Ann Hobson Pilot

Former principal harpist with the Boston Symphony, Ann Hobson Pilot has triumphant musical tales of her illustrious 40 year career with the BSO. With concertos composed for her by great composers including John Williams, hear Ann as she recounts amazing experiences live and on recordings.