The Sarasota Orchestra has received a historic $60 million anonymous donation for its new music center construction. The donor, who has declined naming rights, has been a long-time supporter of the orchestra's programs and performances.

Photo Credit: Sarasota Orchestra (John Williams, Composer)

The funds will primarily support development of the orchestra's newly acquired 31-acre site on Fruitville Road, west of I-75. The planned facility includes:

• 1,700-seat concert hall
• 700-seat recital hall
• Rehearsal rooms
• Administrative offices
• Educational program spaces

The donation came in two parts: an initial $10 million to secure the land debt-free, followed by an additional $50 million commitment. This represents the 6th largest donation to North American orchestras in the past 25 years, according to CCS Fundraising.

Joseph McKenna, the orchestra's President & CEO, emphasized the unprecedented nature of this gift for Sarasota's arts community. Under new music director Giancarlo Guerrero's leadership, the donation will help elevate the orchestra's artistic capabilities and attract world-class talent to the region.

The total projected cost for the new music center ranges between $375-425 million. Initial concept designs are scheduled for release at the end of March.

Notable comparable donations to orchestras include:

• San Diego Symphony: $120M (2002, Joan and Irwin Jacobs)
• NY Philharmonic: $100M (2015, David Geffen)
• Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra: $85M (2009, Louise Nippert)

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