On Saturday, March 4, the highly acclaimed Emerson String Quartet will perform at the Sanibel Music Festival. “Following many visits here over the past four decades, The Emerson String Quartet presents their grand finale concert on Sanibel,” said Jana Stone, president of Sanibel Music Festival. “We are honored to be part of their final tour. The ensemble will retire in the fall of 2023.”
Emerson String Quartet’s unparalleled list of achievements spanning four decades includes more than thirty renowned recordings, nine Grammys (including two for the Best Classical Album), three Gramophone Awards, the Avery Fisher Prize, and Musical America’s Ensemble of the Year. They were inducted into the Classical Music Hall of Fame in 2010. In 2015, the Emerson received The Richard J. Bogomolny National Service Award, the highest award in classical chamber music.
Tickets are on sale now at www.SanibelMusicFestival.org ; in person on Sanibel at Bank of the Islands, 1699 Periwinkle Way (check and cash only); or by phone at 239-344-7025. The concert is March 4 at 7:30 p.m. at the festival’s temporary venue, Peace Lutheran Church, 15840 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers.

Calidore String Quartet – March 11
“We are grateful that Peace Lutheran Church, less than five miles from the Sanibel causeway, has welcomed us to present our selected season in 2023,” continued Stone. “Peace Lutheran offers the intimate space, excellent acoustics, and easy accessibility that we value.”
The Emerson String Quartet program begins with the Beethoven SQ Op. 59 #2 followed by intermission and the Schubert SQ in G Major.

Lysander Piano Trio – March 18
Throughout March, Sanibel Music Festival presents a series of renowned artists, including Calidore String Quartet on March 11 and Lysander Piano Trio on March 18. Back by popular demand, the Opera Theater of Connecticut will perform Lerner and Loewe hits from Brigadoon, Camelot, My Fair Lady, and others with both matinee and evening performances on March 21. The highly acclaimed and entertaining New York Brass Arts Trio will return March 28. The season closes with the popular FGCU Bower School of Music Chamber Strings performing as part of the Emerging Artists Series on April 4. All evening performances are at 7:30 p.m. The matinee is at 2 pm.

New York Brass Arts Trio – March 28
The Sanibel Music Festival, celebrating its 36th season, presents world renowned artists during the month of March. Incorporated in 1987 as a non-for-profit organization, its mission is to present classical music of the highest standard at affordable prices and to promote the careers of young artists through performance opportunities.