The Sarasota Orchestra has received a historic $60 million anonymous donation for its new music center construction. The donor, a long-time patron of the orchestra, will not claim naming rights to the facility.

Photo Credit: Sarasota Orchestra (John Williams, Composer)

The funds will primarily support development of the orchestra's recently acquired 31-acre site on Fruitville Road, west of I-75. Plans include:

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

The donation ranks as the 6th largest to North American orchestras in 25 years, according to CCS Fundraising. The donor initially committed $10 million to secure the land debt-free, followed by an additional $50 million contribution.

Joseph McKenna, the orchestra's President & CEO, emphasized the unprecedented nature of this gift for Sarasota, noting it represents a significant investment in the community's arts future. Music Director Giancarlo Guerrero will lead the orchestra's artistic vision for the new facility.

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

For context, other major orchestra donations 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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