The Civilized Life in Sarasota: La Musica's Sonata A Due

Imagine that Charles and Edith Ringling had invited you to their pink marble mansion on Sarasota's bay front for an intimate dinner with friends and an evening of world-class entertainment. That is what I was imagining last night as I sat in their 60 x 30 ft. walnut paneled music room under a stenciled wood-beamed ceiling and in front of their gaily decorated massive travertine fireplace - it was sublime. The occasion? La Musica's Sonata A Due event featuring Daniel Avshalomov, who is quite a raconteur, playing the viola and Derek Han playing the piano, in recital of classical favorites Bach, Schumann, and Rolla. The room is large enough for a seated crowd of 100, yet small enough to make you feel that they are playing for a small family dinner party.

Then it was on to the elegant living room set for a gracious dinner catered by Michael's On East. I always love to have dinner in that room. It is just so captivating. Actually the whole evening is charming. I strongly advise you to try to get tickets for next year's event. The indomitable Sally Faron, Executive Director and the intrepid Janet Hunter work hard to make the evening inviting, decorating the rooms for the holidays in a simple, but exquisite manner. I always feel so civilized at this event. Piero Rivolta, Derek Han and Bruno Giuranna started La Musica, as a chamber music festival almost 30 years ago and it is quite a treasure in our cultural life here in Sarasota.

Artist Kay Curtis donated a delightful painting for auction and it was won by Chari Isaacs after a spirited bidding war.