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SIX-STRING Just Called to Say Cello Sarasota Orchestra presents a concert spanning four centuries.

PAGE 12

SEE THIS

SENSEI

MARTY FUGATE

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CONTRIBUTOR

Thomas Koch passes on the legacy of classical guitar.

T

homas Koch is a soft-spoken, thoughtful man with the trace of a German accent. He’s not a self-promoter. If he were, he’d

immediately tell you that he’s the president and founder of GuitarSarasota and a member of Trio Voila, a Sarasota-based chamber-music ensemble. Koch might also boast that he plays a mean guitar. He does. But he’d rather talk about

Off Key Chorale A creative collaboration uses the power of music to treat Parkinson’s Disease.

PAGE 6

the classical guitar than himself.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

EAT THIS

Garden to Plate Wine Dinner Don’t miss this, and other great events, near you this week. PAGE 8

Photo by Marty Fugate

Thomas Koch feels a deep sense of obligation to pass along his classical-guitar knowledge to students.

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

As Koch sees it, musical instruments, like musicians, can get typecast. It doesn’t always happen. People accept that a violin can play a country reel or a Mozart arpeggio. But somehow, the guitar is different.

The legacies of Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughan have eclipsed the classical guitar in the public mind.

“Most people don’t see the guitar as a classical instrument,” he says. “I want to change that perception. That’s really my mission in life.”

Koch’s own perception changed at the age of 12. That’s when he first heard classical guitarist Andres Segovia at a concert in Wuppertal near his home in Cologne, Germany. The auditorium was filled with more than 2,000 expectant listeners holding their collective breath.

Then Segovia began to play — no amplification. But his acoustic performance had an electrifying effect.

Marc Bolan and Eric Clapton had been Koch’s guitar heroes before the Segovia concert.

Afterward, his heart belonged to the classical guitar.

“My first guitar teacher was a classical musician: Franz-Josef Petri,” Koch recalls. “He was just as cool as any rock musician.”

After a year or so of study, Koch could play “Greensleeves” and a few easy pieces by Bach.

The concert opened his ears to greater possibilities. “A typical pop-music band is divided into a bass player, a speed player, a rhythm player and a singer,” he says. “But I realized I could play

SIX-STRING

SENSEI all the parts on my little guitar.

The polyphony I could create was truly intoxicating. I realized I could be my own band.”

Three years later, Koch began studying under Alfred Eickholt.

His new teacher led him to study at the Hochschule für Musik Köln, where he graduated as a student of professor Dieter Kreidler in 1983. Koch continued his studies at the Hochschule für Musik und Theater Hannover, where he graduated from the class of professor Hans-Michael Koch in 1984.

Koch took master classes and encountered such celebrated guitarists as Alexandre Lagoya, José Tomas and Julian Bream. A 1984 master class with Spanish guitar legend Alberto Ponce further opened his mind.

And Ponce opened more doors.

Koch became his student at the Ecole Normale de Musique in Paris, France. Ponce’s teaching style went beyond mere mechanics.

“I was still a total beginner,” he recalls. “He took me under his wing and pushed me to a totally different level. Technique was never a problem. If I would say, ‘I have a technical problem.’ He’d say, ‘I have the same problem. Go

back to the music. You will find the answers there.’”

Classical music studies are no cakewalk. But Koch isn’t complaining. While studying in Paris, he met the love of his life — and his future wife, Jennifer Ahearn-Koch. “That was a nice benefit of my higher education,” he says with a laugh. Today, Jennifer is GuitarSarasota’s marketing director and creates the website, programs and promotional materials. “Jennifer has all the visual talent in the family,” he says. “I’m just the guitar player.”

Koch recalls the years his early lessons turned to concerts. After graduating, his career took off.

He performed throughout Paris, played Carnegie Hall in New York City, created a sensation in Berlin and put out an acclaimed CD. At the German Ambassador’s invitation, he performed a recital at the German Embassy Auditorium in Washington DC. Before long, America became his new home. And Sarasota his new address.

He fell in love with our area’s commitment to the arts. But he quickly noticed a gap in our cultural ecosystem. Guitarists like Julian Bream and Segovia

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“Most people don’t see the guitar as a classical instrument. I want to change that perception. That’s really my mission in life.”

— Thomas Koch

had transformed him with their music. But in Florida’s famous arts town, the classical guitar was seldom heard.

“I began to notice a preconception that the guitar is not a classical instrument,” he says.

And he decided to do something about it.

In 2004, he co-founded Trio Voila. The chamber-music ensemble changed a few minds about classical guitar. It opened the door of prejudice … just a little. But not enough.

So he hatched the notion of a nonprofit organization devoted to classical guitar. In 2006, GuitarSarasota was born. It was a way of creating musical delight.

But also education.

Koch makes a comparison to the martial arts. A karate student who learns he has a duty to teach others. As he sees it, classical guitarists share the same responsibility. Good musicians have a responsibility to pay it forward.

“My teachers made me who I am today,” he says. “It’s only right that I pass on what I’ve learned.

It’s a kind of duty, and it also takes me to a higher place. To teach is also to learn.”

He quickly adds that this duty isn’t for everybody.

“Musical prodigies who knew how to play the first time they picked up an instrument make terrible teachers,” he says. “They BECAUSE EVERYTHING

And then took care of it.

just say ‘Do this.’ They never had to learn, so they don’t know how to teach. But I remember my struggles and how hard it was.

That makes me very patient with any beginner who wants to learn.”

Currently, Koch teaches private lessons from his home studio and also teaches daily classes at Booker Middle School and Booker High School. He’s also on the faculty of the State College of Florida. It adds up to a long list of students, from newbies to future sensations.

His music groups are also opening minds. Trio Voila is still going strong. Koch, flautist Jane Hoffman and violist Laura JensenJennings create the musical tapestry today. GuitarSarasota still brings a lineup of top-flight guitar talent to our area every year.

Hard work, but Koch doesn’t see it that way. He loves teaching as much as playing. And loves mentoring musicians as much as making music.

He’s deeply grateful for what music has given him.

“Classical guitar got me all the way from Germany, to France, to Florida,” he says. “Without it, I’d never have met my wife, and I wouldn’t have my two children.

It was meant to be in the greater scheme of things.”

He teaches constantly—and he’d never stopped learning.

“Every performance I go to, every record I hear is also an education,”

he says. He quickly adds that guitar playing isn’t an intellectual exercise.

He points to his beloved instruments: a spruce-top guitar

by Sergio Abreu of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; and a “sandwich” top cedar guitar by Antonius Müller of Germany.

“Guitar playing is a physical art,” he says. “You must constantly play, or your skills will become sloppy.”

His skills haven’t. Koch’s home studio takes up one corner of his big, open living room. “I practice every day to the annoyance of everyone else,” he says. He’s kidding. Jennifer and their children, Oliver and Tobias, aren’t really annoyed. But they aren’t quiet either.

“Thomas has wonderful powers of concentration,” Jennifer says.

“He practices. We go on with our lives. The kids play with Legos: ‘Bang! Bang! Give me that!’

Thomas remains totally focused on his playing.”

And he’s also focused on the guitarists he’s taught to play.

The budding musicians he’s nurtured are making music at acclaimed music schools around the country. Many are studying for their doctorates.

“It’s very rewarding when one of your students follows in your footsteps and continues to learn,” he says. “Your job as a music teacher is to pass the music on.

This tells me I’m doing my job.”

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ASOLO REP Broadway-Bound

World Premiere

The world in

PICTURES With his North Trail gallery, Arnold Berns combines his love for history, architecture and photography.

NICK FRIEDMAN A+E EDITOR

Photos by Nick Friedman

Arnold Berns loves local history. The former president of the Historical Society, he was instrumental in the county’s creation of a historical-preservation ordinance.

DEBORAH COX in

A

rnold Berns is many things — a builder, a history buff, a preservationist and a photographer. But more than any one thing, he’s a melding of them all. And his North Trail studio, Studio 41, is an embodiment of his unique fusion of interests.

Fittingly housed in Sarasota’s first historically designated motel, the Twin Motel, Studio 41 is an extension of the man himself. Inside is a collection of prints and displays that are enough to keep a visitor occupied for hours: One-act photographic stories, depicting wrongful convictions and train heists; a sprawling collection of antique cameras; photos and collectibles from around the world — even local memorabilia, including a seat from Sarasota’s original baseball stadium.

After buying the motel in 2002, Berns renovated the 1950 building, replacing its historic concrete-barrel roof and removing the walls between rooms. Now, visitors are free to walk from room to room — each one a photographic tribute to a region of the world, as seen through his lens throughout his 20-something years of travels.

Walking through the studio is akin to seeing the world through Berns’ eyes. And the experience is as multifaceted as the man behind it.

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A NEW MUSICAL

NOW–MAY 29 Book by ELLEN WESTON and MARK HAMPTON Music by STEPHEN DORFF Lyrics by JOHN BETTIS From an original story by KENNETH WAISSMAN Based on the book Remembering Josephine by STEPHEN PAPICH Directed and choreographed by JOEY McKNEELY Music Supervision, Arrangements & Orchestrations by STEVE ORICH Contains adult language and brief nudity.

May not be appropriate for younger audiences.

Deborah Cox as Josephine Baker.

Photo by John Revisky.

Photo taken at The Ringling Museum of Art.

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IF YOU GO Where: Studio 41, 1770 N. Tamiami Trail Info: Call 924-5224

“I STUDIED photography in New York. My biggest skill is my eye for perspective and composition. It’s one of those things you can’t teach. You can learn all the technical aspects of photography, but your eye is yours.”

“I SHOOT in black and white a lot. I really want the focus to be on the composition. Color can be a distraction, and when you remove it, you’re forced to really focus on the composition of a photograph.”

“I’VE ALWAYS been interested in history, even as a kid. It was my favorite subject in school.

And when I moved here, I fell in love with the local history. I love the stories of John and Mable Ringling, Owen Burns and Bertha Palmer.”

“I HAVE a terrible sense of direction. I find myself lost a lot, but I see it as an opportunity to

see something new; to explore.

When I first moved here, that’s how I discovered a lot of the places I loved to photograph.”

“WHEN I bought this building in 2002, I was trying to figure out what I should do with it. I like the history of the North Trail, and I’m interested in rejuvenating it. There’s so much potential here. I thought it would be interesting to take this historic hotel and repurpose it for the arts. I hope to see that kind of thing continue here.”

Above: Studio 41 displays Berns’ photos from his world travels to places including Africa, Cuba, Russia and more.

“EACH ROOM is devoted to a different region of the world. I love to travel and take photographs to document what I see. I travel with guides to visit all the historic sites and regions in each country. I like showing people how I see the world. Photography is my way of telling a story.”

“THIS STUDIO is an extension of me and the things I love — photography, architecture, history and preservation. I’ve seen Sarasota change a lot throughout the years. If you want to see Sarasota — and the world — through my eyes, and have some fun while doing it, this is the place to come.”

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“I MOVED to Sarasota in 1989.

Just driving through town, seeing the variety of architecture, I was intrigued. There’s so much variety here: Mediterranean revival, art deco, Sarasota School of Architecture. I must have taken 300 pictures of buildings the first week I was here.”

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THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2016

OF OFSARASOTA SARASOTA

Healing Voices

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Off Key Chorale uses the power of music to give Parkinson’s patients a voice.

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There’s no question about the emotional healing power of music. But if one needs proof of its ability to physically heal, he need look no further than the Off Key Chorale. The project, formed in 2012 as a collaboration between the Neuro Challenge Foundation, Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota and Key Chorale, uses choral singing as a form of therapy for Parkinson’s patients.

As the effects of Parkinson’s Disease progress, patients often lose the strength and volume of their voices. Some lose the ability to speak altogether — a profoundly impacting and isolating symptom.

When Doreen Sutherland and Judith Bell, of the Neuro Challenge Foundation, first approached Joseph Caulkins, artistic director of Key Chorale, with the idea of forming a therapeutic choir, he had a full workload. He was conducting five choral ensembles already, and he wasn’t sure he could take on another project.

“I read this article about a woman with Parkinson’s,” he says. “It had taken everything from her, but through a choir program, she was able to reclaim one thing. She had always wanted to sing, and this allowed her to perform. It was so touching. I told myself I don’t care how busy I am — I’m doing this.”

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Joseph Caulkins often uses humor in rehearsals.

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Caulkins and Lee Dougherty Ross, of Artist Series Concerts, teamed up with Dr. Dean Sutherland, a neurologist and medical director of the Neuro Challenge Foundation, to develop singing exercises based in existing therapy, catered specifically to the disease. Breathing techniques, posture and vowel shaping — all inherent to singing — were also beneficial in improving vocal strength.

“It’s almost not even therapy,” says Caulkins. “As a patient, if you enjoy what you’re doing, it doesn’t feel like work. You’re much more likely to give it 100%.

Losing your ability to be heard and to socialize is huge. Something like this provides a great sense of family — and it requires a ton of bravery. It’s amazing to me.”

“This is probably the best hour of my week,” says Dougherty Ross.

“They’re having fun; I’m having fun. Any time I can use music to make a difference, that’s what it’s all about.”

LIKE FAMILY

No pressure. No expectations.

Just fun. Off Key Chorale’s motto is printed at the top of each of Caulkins’ lesson plans as a reminder. The choir, he says, is less about performance and more about participation. And it doesn’t take long to see why the members love it.

At a recent rehearsal, Dougherty Ross sits behind the piano,

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beaming as she plays light, upbeat music while the singers find their seats and begin vocal warm-ups.

“My Country Tis of Thee,” “Do Re Mi” — even the witch’s guard chant from “The Wizard of Oz” — get the group loosened up.

“Mouths wide; jaws dropped; soft palates,” Caulkins says from behind his music stand. “Look at that posture — perfect!”

The singers are loud, unified — and perhaps most importantly — proud. The atmosphere is fun, but Caulkins stresses that he doesn’t go easy on the singers.

“We’re tackling tough material,” he says. “There are songs in Hebrew; it’s challenging stuff. My approach shouldn’t change, and it doesn’t. I treat them like anyone else I work with. It’s my job to critique. I do it constructively, and with humor, but each of them is simply one of my singers. There’s no asterisk.”

June Schuer has sung with the Off Key Chorale since its start.

She says the singing improves her vocal strength, but it’s also a way to socialize and have fun.

“Therapy is like work,” she says.

“This isn’t work; this is fun.”

“Even the name gives you a little chuckle,” she adds, with a laugh. “I like to call us the OK Chorale. We’re OK.” The group works on two programs each year, and at the end of each eight-week rehearsal session, the singers have performed in retirement homes and at other private performances. On May 3, however, Off Key Chorale will take the stage at the Unitarian Universalist Church, accompanied by members of the Key Chorale, and with musical accompaniment by Artist Series Concerts, for its first public performance.

Jean Russell, who is in her fourth season with the group, says she’s looking forward to the debut.

“It’s exciting to share what we’ve been working on,” she says.

“But it’s bittersweet. We become like a family here, and we’ll have to wait until next season to see each other.”

ExEcutivE ProducEr SCENE Magazine The Aaron Family Foundation Community Foundation of Sarasota County WUSF Public Media

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THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2016

THURSDAY

GARDEN TO PLATE WINE DINNER 7 to 10 p.m. at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 900 S. Palm Ave. $150 Call 366-9807.

Sit on Selby Gardens’ Great Lawn, where you’ll enjoy fine wines that complement a multi-course dinner catered by Michael’s On East.

Featured items include passed hors d’oeuvres, pan-roasted Key West shrimp and porcini-rubbed carved New York strip.

TIM WILKINS 7 p.m. at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre, 1923 Ringling Blvd. $15 to $19 Call 925-3869.

Stand-up comedian Tim Wilkins has performed on HBO, TLC, CW and CMT’s “Next Big Comic.”

Wilkins will perform in Sarasota through May 1.

FRIDAY RENESITO AVICH 7 to 10 p.m. at the L-Bar, 1917 S. Osprey Ave. Free Call 487-7300.

Join Cuban guitarist Renesito Avich for his first gig at Libby’s LBar. Avich plays traditional Cuban music as a one-man band.

BILLY GARDELL 8 p.m. at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail $40 to $55 Call 953-3368.

NICK’S PICK CARAVAN OF THIEVES 8 p.m. at the Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Court $12 in advance; $15 at the door Call 545-5635.

Caravan of Thieves, a gypsyswing four-piece from Connecticut, brings its high-energy live show and mesmerizing vocal harmonies to WSLR 96.5 Community Radio.

THE BLUE EYED BETTYS The Blue Eyed Bettys bring it back to where it all started — the Florida Studio Theatre stage. The band combines Americana and folk storytelling with a distinct touch of theatrical flair to provide one of the most unique — and entertaining — shows you’ll see in town.

Billy Gardell, star of the CBS series “Mike and Molly,” brings his down-to-earth stand-up show to Sarasota.

– NICK FRIEDMAN

ONLINE

DON’T MISS

Find more infor-

‘WHEELDON & ASHTON’ When: 7:30 p.m., Friday Where: Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave. Tickets: $35 to $110 Info: Call 359-0099.

mation on these events and more at YourObserver.

com.

IF YOU GO The close of the Sarasota Ballet’s 25th anniversary season features Tony Award-winning choreographer Christopher Wheeldon and Sir Frederick Ashton, with live music by the Sarasota Orchestra.

TM

OUTDOOR POPS:

TRIPLE PLAY

SATURDAY, MAY 14, 7:30 PM | ED SMITH STADIUM Andrew Lane, conductor

The Sarasota Orchestra brings exciting live music to the Orioles’ Ed Smith Stadium for our third-annual outdoor Pops. This year’s concert covers the bases in three genres—jazz, rock ‘n’ roll and Broadway. A tribute to American Divas, the vocalists performing with the Sarasota Orchestra include Carol McCartney, Maria Wirries and Amy Whitcomb.

Get yourself a hot dog and sit back for a wonderful outdoor musical experience and a spectacular fireworks display.

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Tickets from $15 available from the Ed Smith Stadium box office.

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When: 9 p.m., Friday Where: Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 N. Palm Ave. Tickets: $12 to $15 Info: Call 366-9000

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT

YourObserver.com

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

UGG’S BAKERY AND FAIRY TAIL ENDINGS 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Ugg’s Bakery, 1821 Hillview St. Call 747-2375.

FOOD AND TRAVEL FESTIVAL 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Sweetgrass Farms, 8350 Carolina St. $60 Call 350-3596.

Pick up desserts from Ugg’s Bakery’s special menu and 10% of the profits will go to Fairy Tail Endings, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping struggling families keep their pets and provide proper care through aid, donations and outreach.

Destination Cuisine hosts its inaugural food-and-travel festival, combining food, drink and music from around the world.

JACOS VS. AUTISM Noon to 3 p.m. at Jaco’s Boxing, MMA + Fitness Gym, 5708 Lawton Drive Call 740-1545.

Free Jaco’s Boxing will ring the bell on its third annual 24-hour boxing marathon with this closing party, featuring food, drink, music and, of course, fights. All session proceeds from this event will be donated to Sarasota’s ABA Academy in support of Autism awareness and research.

‘TOMORROW’S VOICES TODAY’ 7:30 p.m. at Riverview High School, 1 Ram Way $9 Call 921-4845.

This concert is the Sarasota Key Chorale’s third annual collaboration with Sarasota County Schools to work with young voices in a combined performance, accompanied by live music.

QUIN TAN 7:30 p.m. at the Historic Asolo Theatre, 5401 Bay Shore Road $40 to $45 Call 351-8000.

This quintet combines traditional South American tango and classical chamber music. Runs through May 1.

DANA LOUISE AND THE GLORIOUS BIRDS 8 p.m. at the Glenridge Performing Arts Center, 7333 Scotland Way $20 Call 552-5325.

The Glorious Birds, a quartet of acclaimed musicians, led by visual artist and guitarist Dana Louise, bring an edge to their jazz and bluegrass repertoire.

DIGISAURUS 9 p.m. at Growler’s Pub, 2831 N. Tamiami Trail Free Call 487-7373.

Digisaurus, a futuristic pop-rock band from Columbis, Ohio, joins local soulful rock band Babyl at Growler’s Pub.

GARDEN MUSIC SERIES 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 900 S. Palm Ave. $19; free for members; $10 for member guests and $6 for kids Call 366-5731.

The final concert of the season will feature two-time Latin Grammy-nominee and pianist Chuchito Valdes, playing Cuban roots music and modern jazz.

DRAG QUEEN BINGO BONANZA 8 p.m. at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre, 1923 Ringling Blvd. $15 Call 925-3869.

|

THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2016

a different Darwin Brewing Co. beer.

TUESDAY ‘ALABAMA STORY’ 8 p.m. at Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 N. Palm Ave. $25 to $36 Call 366-9000.

This regional premiere, inspired by true events, tells the story of a children’s book with a hidden message that causes controversy in 1959 Montgomery, Ala.

WEDNESDAY PULLMAN STANDARD 4 to 6 p.m. at the Big Top Brewing Co., 6111 Porter Way, Unit B Free Call 371-2939.

Power-rock band Pullman Standard takes the stage at Big Top Brewing Co.

Take a seat, grab a card and get ready to laugh. Beneva Fruitville hosts this outlandish evening of performances, prizes and sidesplitting Bingo.

MONDAY TAPAS AND TAPS 7 to 9 p.m. at Darwin Brewing Co., 803 17th Ave. W., Bradenton $25 Call 747-1970.

Each first Monday of the month, the Darwin’s team hosts three tapas courses, each paired with

LATIN NIGHTS 5:30 p.m. at Holley Hall, 709 N. Tamiami Trail $45 to $48 Call 953-4252.

The Sarasota Orchestra delivers a range of Latin music. Runs through May 7.

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ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2016

The Ringling breaks ground on

I raise my hand for Children First because every child deserves a chance for success.

Kotler-Coville Glass Pavilion The center will serve as the new entrance to the Historic Asolo Theater.

—Gerri AAron community Activist

NICK FRIEDMAN A+E EDITOR

When you raise your hand for children First, you give vulnerable children in our community the education, nutrition and healthcare they need to succeed in kindergarten.

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A traditional groundbreaking ceremony wouldn’t do for The Ringling’s Kotler-Coville Glass Pavilion.

On April 20, instead of the customary dirt, donors Nancy and Philip Kotler and Margot and Warren Coville dug their ceremonial shovels into a more fitting material for the museum’s new home for studio glass — sand.

The 5,500-squarefoot Kotler-Coville Glass Pavilion, expected to open next fall, will be built at the museum’s main entrance, north of the John M. McKay Visitors Pavilion and will include a sculptural façade, a primarily glass exterior and a minimalistic interior, to highlight the works on display.

The new facility will showcase The Ringling’s permanent col-

lection of American and European studio glass, including major gifts donated by the Kotlers and Covilles, and will also serve as the formal entrance to the Historic Asolo Theater.

“This represents a blending of the new and the old,” says Warren Coville. “We have the Historic Asolo Theater, and now the home of modern studio glass. It’s great to bring these two art forms together in a meaningful way.”

Photo by Nick Friedman

Below: The Kotlers and Covilles break ground on the pavilion.

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11

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REVIEWS

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2016

Mellow Cellos ‘Cello Time’ spans four centuries and features more cellos than you can shake a bow at.

JUNE LEBELL STAFF WRITER

It’s not every day we have the chance to hear a concert centered around the cello. But last week, the Sarasota Orchestra’s Chamber Soiree Series offered a program called “Cello Time” and the packed house (we couldn’t find an empty seat anywhere) got to hear music that not only featured the mellow cello, but also spanned four centuries and more cellos than you could shake a bow at.

Eight cellists (Jake Muzzy, Chrstopher Schnell, Isabelle Besancon, Chizuko Matsusaka, Barney Culver, Nadine Trudel , Betsy Isaak and Troy Chang) with percussionist Jeff Ridgeway, tackled Arvo Pärt’s “Fratres,” a work that’s been heard in numerous films and has been scored for a variety of instruments from string orchestra to, well, eight cellos and percussion. It’s basically what I call “meditation music:” trance-like and mesmerizing. It was beautifully played with all the musicians, from those playing the drone-like bottom to the ethereal harmonics, with a spellbinding sculpting of dynamics that was both musical and scientific in its approach.

Before cellist Christopher Schnell laid into Bach’s Cello Suite No. 6 in D, he told us that, like Ricky Ricardo, he had some “s’plainin’ to do.” With that, he showed us an early cello, known as a Violincello Piccolo, a replica of a 1722 English instrument that uses gut strings, tunes the “A” to a lower pitch than the one we use today (415 as

Courtesy photos

Jake Muzzy, left, and Christopher Schnell, right.

cluded with Haydn’s C Major Cello Concerto performed by Jake Muzzy with a small Sarasota Orchestra ensemble led by violinist Christopher Takeda. It was almost jolting to hear the “A” back up to 440 and, I have to admit, somewhat cheering. On top of the brightness of the Haydn compared with the Bach, we were also reminded of the cello sound we’ve grown accustomed to hearing: rich, warm and vibrant, with metal strings. And Muzzy, who really digs into his instrument, gave us a wellrounded performance that was both absorbing and stylistic.

opposed to the modern 440), has no end-pin but, rather, sits on a box and has not four but five strings. The proof was in the performance, which had a softer, more muffled sound instead of the brighter tone we’re used to hearing from modern cellos.

Bach wrote this D Major Suite specifically for this kind of instrument, and since it’s designed for a solo cello (no keyboard), the genius of the composer was to fill in the chords on the single instrument. Like the Pärt, but coming from a much earlier time, it’s mesmerizing, and Schnell, who must have had a difficult time switching from his modern cello to a smaller one with five strings, overcame the travails of the tuning to give us a compelling and hypnotic performance.

The intermissionless concert con-

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People with Purpose: John Raleigh on the pleasant surprises of giving back. 5

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THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2016

A Fashionable Gala —

T

he Designing Daughters were certainly “Havana good time” April 22, for their annual “A Fashion-

able Gala.” The theme for this year’s event, “Hot Havana Nights,” was a hot

Photos by Heather

one, for sure. The girls closed down

Merriman Saba

Above: Co-Chairs Meghan Buchanan, Ashley Markley, Kelsey Alholm and Lauren Graham Wohlwend

Servandos for their event, bringing in close to 300 guests for the party. The

Far Left: Wayne and Alisa Forbis Left: Nikki Taylor and Jane Thompson

venue was flooded with brightly colored dresses, flowers in hair, fedoras — you name it. There were casino games, cigars, Cuban dance performances, a Mojito bar and a DJ to keep the party going, and when the night ended, guests were greeted with Cuban sandwiches and coffee, while they waited

Susan Lynch, Vanessa CaropepePedrero and Diana Born

for their Ubers to arrive.

— HEATHER MERRIMAN SABA CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

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YourObserver.com

Photos by Heather merriman Saba

Above: Gabrielle Vest and Justin Harris Below: Kelly and Patrick Causey

Emily Weitekamp, Brian Robinson, Alicia King, Rebecca Walther and Kelly Baldwin FROM PAGE 1

Left: Ashley Gruters and Montana Taplinger Above: Kyle and Tara Miller with Cindy Bales and Veronica Duncan

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THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2016

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BLACK TIE & TALES HEATHER MERRIMAN SABA Tidbits

TIE

n Montana Taplinger threw an ’80s bowling bash April 23, for her hubby, Irwin, to celebrate his 30th birthday. The location: Sarasota Lanes. The attire: ’80s.

The birthday boy donned a mullet wig, jorts and a wolf howling at the moon cutoff T-shirt. n Ashley Markley was “sprinkled” on April 24 at Jack Dusty. Hosted by her sister, Meaghan Gorrell, the mom-to-be was joined by friends and family on the terrace at Jack Dusty for an adorable baby shower for baby boy Markley. n Camilyn Leavitt celebrated Camilyn Beth’s four-year anniversary April 23. To celebrate her brand, the designer hosted a celebration party on Saturday at her studio along with 10% off her dresses. Happy four years, Camilyn! n The Met hosted a Mother & Daughter Day on April 23. Guests enjoyed spring spritzes and snacks along with jewelry making with June Simmons, fresh floral hair styles by The Met master stylists, a spring trend presentation with Sachin & Babi, Zoe Chicco Jewelry trunk show and spring skin essentials with Trish McEvoy. n More than 200 guests attended Bridge a Life’s inaugural fundraiser on April 21, at Polo Grill and Bar. Bridge a Life is a nonprofit organization that assists orphans and supports foster and adoptive families.

DISCOVER CENTER FOR ASIAN ART GRAND OPENING AND COMMUNITY FESTIVAL MAY 15, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM Included with Admission / Children Free with Paid Adult Join us for the grand opening of the Center for Asian Art in the Dr. Helga Wall-Apelt Gallery of Asian Art.

Photos by Heather Merriman Saba

Top: Montana and Irwin Taplinger Above: Meaghan Dorrell with Ashley and Finley Markley

Support for the community celebration is provided by Gulf Coast Community Foundation, PNC Wealth Management, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Bank of America.

Up next...

Photo ©Anton Grassl/Esto

Garden to Plate Wine Dinner 7 p.m. at Selby Gardens Hosted by Nora and Billy Johnson and Jenny and Ken Pendery Benefiting: Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Tickets $150. Visit selby.org/ events.

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941.358.3180

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Above: Kathy and Mike Martella Below: Honorees Lori White and Mary Bensel

Photos by Heather Merriman Saba

Chairwoman Chris Pfahler with honoree Nik and Erendira Wallenda

CVA HALL OF FAME Induction and Video Premiere Luncheon Monday, April 18, at Michael’s On East

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Tropical Nights

SPARKLES & SPURS Saturday, April 23, at Sarasota Polo Club Benefiting Meals on Wheels Plus of Manatee

Above: Susan Kopstad Below: Darin and Kelly Kubilis

Above: Each table was decorated with sunflowers and blue and yellow flowers.

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YourObserver.com

BLACK TIE

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THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2016

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2016 Navy Seal

Golf and Dinner Benefit Saturday, April 23, at The Ritz-Carlton Members Golf Club Benefiting: Brian Bill Foundation

Left: Terri Vitale with Michele and Chris Dillingham Below: Bridget Ziegler, Kristen Farrell, Katie Biter and Molly Biter

Photo by Cliff Roles

Event Chairwoman Sandy and U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan

Above: Carrie Riley, Anais Blake, Tatyana Stewart and Jason Riley Right: John Saputo with Barbara Stainbrook and John Chapman

DaRuMa-AdMothers Day.pdf

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4/25/16

Photos by Pam Eubanks

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BLACK TIE

|

THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2016

YourObserver.com

HEATHER MERRIMAN SABA

JUST MARRIED

BLACK TIE EDITOR

S

arah Michele Murphy and David Paul Horvath were living only five miles from each other for years, and if it weren’t for online dating, they would have never crossed paths. Luckily for them, they found each other in December 2014, had their first date at Brio Tuscan Grille, and the rest is history. They were married April 15, at the Longboat Key Club.

THE PROPOSAL

The couple had just come home from celebrating Fourth of July with family and friends in Michigan. The two decided to stay in that Friday night. David cooked dinner, and just before dessert, he got down on one knee and proposed to Sarah. He had asked for her parents’ permission and even showed them the ring when they were in Michigan the weekend before. The funny part about it: when they were going through airport security, his bag that he had hidden the ring in was pulled out to be searched, and he was scared they were going to pull out the ring and ruin the surprise.

Photos by Alisa Sue Photography

THE WEDDING AND RECEPTION

The couple had 80 close friends and family attend, most of whom traveled from all over the country. The wedding spanned a few days — a series of celebrations on and around the water, which they both love.

Sarah grew up on the water in Michigan, and David grew up boating the Niagara River. They chose Longboat Key Harbourside because of the location, where they would be surrounded by water, boats and a beautiful landscape.

They had their rehearsal dinner on the beach at The Beach House Restaurant, and then concluded the celebrations by chartering the “Island Pearl” to watch the sunset off of Longboat Key. The wedding was designed with a nautical theme. Instead of a guest book, everyone wrote their well wishes on an anchor that the couple will display in their home. They had anchor kissing bells and held a knot ceremony — how many couples can say they literally tied the knot?

“We decided not to do a first look. The first time we saw each other was when my father was walking me down the aisle.

Seeing David’s smile was my favorite moment of the night.

(Having my dog, Cosmo, was my other favorite part of the night.)”

— Sarah

THE DETAILS Bride: Sarah Michele Murphy Groom: David Paul Horvath Bride’s Parents: Thomas and Mary Murphy Groom’s Parents: Paul Horvath First Dance Song: “Thinking Out Loud”

by Ed Sheeran, sung by Jonathan Cortez Photography: Alisa Sue Photography Colors: Navy blue and aqua Cake by Pastries by Design: Nautical theme, complete with a knot and anchor Dress: Alfred Angelo Bridal Collection Something new, borrowed and blue: Badgley Mischka blue shoes, pearl necklace (a surprise gift from the groom during the rehearsal dinner) and borrowed, the bride’s grandmother’s purse

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