Sarasota Orchestra announced that it will offer a “gift of music” this holiday season through an initiative called “Hometown Heroes.” Intended for members of the Sarasota-Manatee community who work in emergency response, disaster recovery, education, healthcare and other public services, the initiative will provide a select number of free tickets to attend a concert entitled “A Guided Tour: Mahler and Sibelius.” Public servants with a valid ID may reserve up to four free tickets online. The performance will take place on Friday, January 6, 2023 at the Van Wezel at 7:30 p.m. Those who work in the following fields are invited to participate: Healthcare, Education, Human Services (social work, food banks, homeless shelters, foster care, other), Law Enforcement, Active Military, Firefighters, Public Works/Utilities (power, water, waste management, other), Construction. A work-issued photo ID is required at Will Call to pick-up free tickets. Conductor Peter Oundjian, Grammy-winning violinist James Ehnes, and soprano Laquita Mitchell join Sarasota Orchestra for a 60 to 75 minute, new concert format called “A Guided Tour.” Conductor and soloists will lead the way through inspiring and joyous selections of music by Gustav Mahler and Jean Sibelius, sharing historical background and personal insights on the music. The Guided Tour concert format is designed to welcome those new to classical music. The Hometown Heroes initiative is made possible by Orchestra donors and ticket buyers. Tickets for the general public start at $26. January 6, 7:30 pm, Van Wezel.

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