Classical string group to make Longboat Key performance debut

Those seeking musical inspiration this summer can plan a visit to Temple Beth Israel, where classically trained instrumentalists will take listeners on a musical journey from the early 18th century to current times.

Strings Con Brio launched in 2015 and has evolved into a conducted ensemble operating under the leadership of Conductor and Artistic Director Kenneth Bowermeister and Executive Director Monica Sirocchi.

The one-off community concert is July 16 and is set to a wide variety of tunes, including one made famous in the film "Breakfast at Tiffany's." Other featured works will include pieces by Georg Philipp Telemann, Johann Sebastian Bach and Gustav Mahler.

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Vocalist Michael Bodnyk, St. Armands Key Lutheran Church minister of music and director of operations, will also accompany the band for selected works. TBI's own cantorial soloist Kei Sulhi will also join the performance.

The evening turns to Broadway in the final act, embracing the emotion of the iconic musical "Fiddler on the Roof."

Sirocchi said the string orchestra always appreciates incorporating the talents of other local performers. This is the first time the group will perform on Longboat Key, and she said about 40 musicians will be there.

"It's an exciting program," she said. "It opens with classical selections and moves into an Americana section, which is fitting for the 250th birthday."

Bowermeister, well-known for his contributions to The Venice Symphony, The Pops Orchestra, Sarasota Orchestra and other area groups, said patrons can anticipate quite the variety with this show.

The set list includes a mix of patron favorites and new, lesser-known pieces. He said he is particularly eager to share "Concerto for String Orchestra" by Telemann, a German composer from the Baroque period. 

"We've never done it before," he said. "Actually, the music was given to me by another conductor several years ago, and I've never used it. I thought it would be appropriate to open the concert with it because it's very lively and has an interesting history."

For anyone who can't catch the show, Strings Con Brio will also perform on Aug. 6 at St. Armands Key Lutheran Church. Bowermeister said there will be plenty to enjoy at that show as well, including pairings with the church's new organ.