- December 1, 2024
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Much of Sarasota's talent in the realm arts and entertainment involves young or rising performers found in the local area.
However, it had not been showcased in an event until now, said Jeffery Kin, executive director of Sarasota Rising, during Sarasota Rising: A Celebration of Youth on Nov. 17.
The grand finale of the organization's inaugural Living Arts Festival, the event brought together organizations as varied as The Sarasota Ballet, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe and Sarasota Contemporary Dance as it packed the auditorium of the Circus Arts Conservatory.
Offering musical accompaniment were performers from organizations including Sarasota Rising Orchestra, Riverview High School, Sarasota Young Voices, Sarasota Music Conservatory, Sarasota Youth Opera, Key Chorale and Venice Symphony Youth Orchestra.
"It was magical. I just think it was so much fun," said Evelyn Lyman, 21, of Sarasota Cuban Ballet School. "The audience was wonderful, and all of the other performers were just amazing, and it was so wonderful to be able to collaborate with everybody and appreciate the diversity and hard work of all the performers."
Recognition for the show's best performance went to Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe.
"When you consider the level of talent that was here, it was just a really great surprise," said Jim Weaver, the organization's education director. "It's just very, very humbling."