An American Songbook - Sunday November 9, 2008 3pm

What could be more American than Broadway? The Sarasota Pops opens with musical repertoire from the Great White Way to the concert hall to the speakeasy. The eternal Porgy and Bess, Gypsy, and Annie Get Your Gun with soloists Deborah Ann Polkingham, soprano and Daniel Cartlidge, baritone, Copland's Rodeo and lively melodies from the celebrated composer, Scott Joplin are just a few selections included in this program of American standards.

In a Holiday Mood - Sunday December 14, 2008 3pm

Join us for the sounds of the season with traditional and contemporary transcontinental classics. We'll travel the globe with stops in Norway when Matthew Harrison takes the stage for the Grieg Piano Concert in a minor, on to Sibelius' Finlandia returning to the United States for Mel Torme's Timeless The Christmas Song. Always remember, no matter where in the world you might be, your heart is home for the holidays.

"Wine, Women and Song"

An afternoon in Vienna - Sunday, January 25, 2009 3pm

For centuries, Vienna has been synonymous with music, grandeur and nobility. This concert will transport you to the salons of the imperial Palace for performances of Mozart's Horn Concerto No.2 featuring Robert Moore, the Pops' very own principal french horn, Von Suppe's rousing Light Cavalry Overture and the Emperor's Waltz by Johann Strauss Jr. Continuing the musical journey, you'll be spirited away with Hungarian Fantasy featuring the gifted young cellist, Nicholas Gutsche.

Viva Espana - Sunday March 1, 2009 3pm

The festivals and celebrations in Spain are full of life and this concert will be no exception. Perennial favorites with a Spanish flair will include Malaguena, Bizet's Carmen and the beloved Man of La Mancha. Daniel Jordan, concertmaster for the Florida West Coast Symphony, joins the Sarasota Pops for an exquisite performance of Saint Saens' Havanaise.

East meets West - Sunday April 5, 2009 3pm

The exotic customs and culture of the Far East have inspired Western composers since the first explorer set sail to conquer the world. This performance will whisk you to the far reaches of the globe from yesterday to today starting in Siam with Selections from The King and I, then across the sea with music from the award winning movie "Exodus", witness heroic love with Saint Saens' Bacchanale and Paganini's inspiring Moses Fantasy featuring Jerome Butler, the Pops' principal bass.