January 21, 2026

Viennese String Quartet Evening takes place on Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at 5:30 PM at the Art Ovation Hotel, Autograph Collection, in downtown Sarasota. Set in a venue dedicated to celebrating the arts, this refined evening draws inspiration from the great European musical tradition, featuring works by Mozart, Johann Strauss II, Lehár, Bizet, Shostakovich, Jacob Gade, and Carlos Gardel, performed by an exceptional ensemble of principal musicians from leading Florida orchestras.

The evening will include a special guest appearance by Elizabeth Pitcairn, who will perform on the legendary, authentic 1720 Red Mendelssohn Stradivarius violin, often referred to as the real Red Violin. This rare opportunity allows audiences to hear one of the world’s most celebrated instruments live. Seating is limited; a suggested donation of $45 or more supports the musicians and helps continue the Margot Zarzycka & Friends concert series.

Viennese New Year’s Concert

Repertoire & Artistic Elements:

        Johann Strauss II — The Blue Danube Waltz (with ballroom dancers)

        Johann Strauss Sr. — Radetzky March

        Johann Strauss II — Champagne Polka

        Additional Viennese waltzes and polkas

Artistic Concept:

This concert draws inspiration from the great Viennese New Year traditions. Live classical music is paired with ballroom dancers for selected works, creating an elegant and celebratory opening to the season that evokes the charm and refinement of historic European ballrooms.

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February 2026

Date and Venue TBD

Violin & Piano Recital

A violin and piano recital featuring Margot Zarzycka-Whitelaw and Jakub Polaczyk, distinguished composer and Director of the John Paul II Center in New York.

Artistic Concept:

An intimate classical recital emphasizing musical dialogue, expressive depth, and refined collaboration. Jakub Polaczyk’s artistry and compositional voice complement Margot’s violin performance in a program rooted in tradition and lyricism.

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March 2026

Date and Venue TBD

Tango & Jazz Evening

A special program featuring:

       Grażyna Auguścik, jazz vocalist

    Jarek Bester, accordion

    Natalia van Genderen, piano

    Margot Zarzycka-Whitelaw, violin

    Ballroom Dancers

Repertoire Highlights:

      Astor Piazzolla — Oblivion

    Astor Piazzolla — Liberano

      Carlos Gardel — Por Una Cabeza

Artistic Concept:

This evening blends tango, jazz, and classical influences. Ballroom dancers interpret selected tango works, adding a visual and dramatic dimension to the music. The program emphasizes rhythmic vitality, expressive storytelling, and cross-genre artistry.

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April 2026

Date and Venue TBD

Season Finale Concert

A grand finale featuring Margot Zarzycka-Whitelaw and Michael Drewnowski, internationally acclaimed concert pianist.

Artistic Concept:

The closing concert of the season showcases virtuosic performance and musical depth, bringing the 2026 series to a distinguished and memorable conclusion while reaffirming the mission of preserving live classical music.