Summon the Heroes

Date: Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026

Time: 7:00 pm

Location: Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall located at 777 N Tamiami Trl, Sarasota

Description: Sarasota Orchestra and Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall are partnering to present Summon the Heroes, a special benefit concert commemorating the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001. Scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 10, the performance will bring the community together through music while honoring those who served, sacrificed and supported others in the aftermath of 9/11.

Led by conductor Evan Roider, the program features iconic works including Aaron Copland’s Fanfare for the Common Man, Samuel Barber’s Adagio for Strings and John Williams’ Summon the Heroes. The evening will include narration by Nate Jacobs, founder and artistic director of Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, and special performances by soprano Amy Owens, whose “fresh and electrifying” voice was praised by the Omaha World-Herald. Owens will perform Amazing Grace and America the Beautiful with Sarasota Orchestra.

Four local organizations will benefit from concert proceeds: Resilient Retreat, Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office Charitable Foundation, Sarasota Firefighters Benevolent Fund, and Sarasota Police Foundation.

Tickets are $25 to $50 and are available through VanWezel.org. Ticket fees will be waived by the presenting organizations. All ticket proceeds after actual expenses have been recovered will be donated to the four first responder charities.