Joseph Holt, the artistic director of Choral Artists of Sarasota, announced that the group is postponing its “Listen to the Earth Project,” which was scheduled for April 17, 18 and 19. “We have listened to the earth and the message is clear—the world premiere of James Grant’s ‘Listen to the Earth’ concert and the additional ‘Listen to the Earth Project’ activities, which were planned to mark the 50th anniversary of Earth Day are postponed until April 2021,” says Holt. “You can imagine how disappointed we are and how frustrating it is to postpone these events which have been four years in the making.  But, the health and safety of our audiences, singers, instrumentalists, and volunteers is our first and foremost concern. We are looking ahead to brighter days and have reserved the Sarasota Opera House for April 25, 2021 for the world premiere. So, mark your calendar and plan to celebrate the 51st anniversary of Earth Day with us then.” 

Holt adds that the group is doing its best to adjust to the significant financial impact cancelling the event will have on the artists and vendors Choral Artists works with. “The singers of Choral Artists are, for the most part, freelance musicians and rely on a variety of income sources to make their living,” he says. “We’re reaching out to our patrons and audiences hoping they will consider either donating their tickets to Choral Artists as a tax-deductible donation or holding them for the 2021 event.” 

Holt hopes that people will remember Choral Artists during the Giving Challenge, April 28 and 29, when donations will be matched dollar for dollar up to $100.  Sponsored by the Community Foundation of Sarasota and the Patterson Foundation, this unique fundraising event supports many nonprofits in southwest Florida.

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