For the second year in a row, local non-profit Perlman Music Program/Suncoast is providing young musicians from Sarasota and Manatee counties and across the state of Florida a chance to live the symphony experience and perform under the direction of internationally renowned violinist and composer Itzhak Perlman, whose varied work includes performing at President Obama’s 2008 inauguration and popular projects such as the score for Schindler’s List.

A separate entity but working closely with the Perlman Music Program (PMP) in New York, a summer residency for up-and-coming concert musicians, PMP/Suncoast organizes auditions and workshops for local violinists and violists aged 8-18 who want to bring their musicianship to the next level in a collaborative project with the PMP Sarasota Winter Residency. Dubbed the PMP/Suncoast Super Strings, the young artists’ experience culminates in a performance with the PMP String Orchestra and Perlman himself at the Sarasota Opera House in January.

“It’s like a masterclass setting but it’s really supposed to be an inspirational experience, not a scary one,” said PMP/Suncoast executive director Elizabeth Power. “We try to make it as accessible and friendly as possible.”

Qualifying auditions begin tomorrow at Venice High School where Venice Symphony director and conductor Kenneth Bowermeister will lead a panel of judges overseeing the first of more than 50 applicants from across the state. Prospective members will perform the first movement of Bach’s Concerto for Two Violins in D Minor, while the judges watch and listen with an ear for tone, rhythm, technique, tempo and memorization. The second round of auditions, performing the part of the second violin (but open to violists for the first time this year), will take place the following Saturday.

All who qualify will be allowed into the program, attending two workshops and readying themselves for the big performance. And thanks to the generosity of PMP/Suncoast partner USF Sarasota-Manatee and this year’s accommodations from Venice High, the entire experience is free of charge for the young musicians.

“I had a great experience. It’s a great opportunity for kids to perform and Itzhak Perlman is one of my favorite performers,” said Sommer Altier, a 10th grader at Booker High who was a member of last year’s Super Strings and is auditioning again this year. “It was a time to grow for me and I had a great time learning from all the instructors and meeting Itzhak Perlman was amazing. I’m happy that they’re doing it. Everyone really took something from the program.”

“The Perlman Music Program/Suncoast is all about inspiring the next generation of concert artists, educators and audiences,” said PMP/Suncoast executive director Elizabeth Power, who views the enrichment of the community as the greater good and purpose of the program, in addition to the individual benefits accrued by participants.. “How exciting is it to have that young musician out there in the audience, who maybe isn’t quite ready for Super Strings, but might strive to be in the future? Having that little extra inspiration can be highly rewarding.”

Auditions will be held at USF Sarasota-Manatee tomorrow and Sept. 13, and the final performance with Perlman will take place on Jan. 2 at the Sarasota Opera House.