FEBRUARY 2018 | SARASOTA SCENE 97
“It seemed like a really good idea to pair Deedee and
Cliffton up on our stage,” Lane said. “They’re going to do
a couple’s concert and it’s a nice opportunity for them to
perform together.”
He added the concert will feature a little something for
everyone.
“If you’ve never heard the Sarasota Orchestra before,
you’re going to get a really good sampler by attending
this concert,” he said. “And this is our fifth season in
performing the Outdoor Pops concerts. We’ve grown
100 percent over the last couple of years, offering two
concerts a year instead of one, because our audience
has doubled. I’ve also got to credit Ed Smith Stadium and
the Baltimore Orioles, who have really helped grow this
event, which we now call ‘Orchestra in the Outfield.’
Bringing the orchestra and the ballpark together has made
it unique and very special.”
Lane added a complete sound system
is in place at the ballpark with 45-50
microphones set to maximize the
orchestra and singers.
“We’re miked better than in a studio,”
he said. “As a result, you’re hearing a
very powerful sound. It’s a challenge
to get that right and a lot of energy
and talent goes into getting it to come
off without a hitch. Our lighting is
also first-rate and the stage is built
specially for this event. It’s something
people work a lot of hours on so we
can make our two-hour concert a
memorable one.”
Lane concluded there is something
special about enjoying an outdoor
concert as opposed to one in a concert hall.
“People love to sit outside, look at the stars and hear
concerts,” he said. “It’s a great combination not only for
our orchestra, but for orchestras all over the world. You’ve
got great seats in the stands and everyone has a perfect
view of the orchestra. It’s a sublime outdoor experience.”
The concerts will begin at 8 p.m. on Friday, May 11 and
Saturday, May 12 at Ed Smith Stadium, located at 2700
12th Street in Sarasota. Tickets start at $15 each and
can be obtained through the stadium box office or by
calling 941.893.6300. For more information, log on to
sarasotaorchestra.org and click on “Concerts.”
Cliffton Hall
Deedee Magno Hall
Andrew Lane
/sarasotaorchestra.org