Tag: Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra

The Board of Directors of the Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus & Orchestra (AMICCO) has decided to postpone its Symphony on the Sand for this year after meeting regularly to examine its options considering the unique circumstances surrounding COVID-19 and its effect on the community.

In its eighth season, Symphony on the Sand has traditionally been held on Coquina Beach on the second Saturday each November. Recognized as one of the region’s premier musical events, it has been attended by more than 4,000 people annually.

“The board has been following the news closely as it relates to the safety and well-being of patrons, musicians and vocalists, as well as the surrounding community and audience members who have supported this successful event over the years,” board President James Stoltie said.

“Central to the conversation has been the health and well-being of everyone involved in the production of Symphony on the Sand. Many organizations and individuals work closely together to ensure that every performance is successful and better than the last. The rehearsal time invested by our orchestra and chorus members, along with the planning time of our service providers and volunteers, requires hours of commitment.

“AMICCO deeply values the relationships created with our community partners and as such we feel that moving forward with Symphony on the Sand 2020 would put all involved at increased and unnecessary risk. While we acknowledge that there are differing perspectives on the topic, we have nevertheless decided to err on the side of keeping our treasured talent, audience members, volunteers, sponsors and community partners safe. The AMICCO Board views the health and safety of our community as the most important factor and underlying priority, and it is in this spirit that we look forward to creating Symphony on the Sand in 2021 and beyond.”

BRADENTON BEACH – Clear skies, minimal red tide and the sounds of music from the Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra (AMICCO) made for a perfect evening last Saturday. The all-inclusive tickets were sold out, but there was room for people to bring their own chairs and enjoy the music and purchase refreshments.

As the sun set, the crowd found seats and Bay News 9 Senior Anchor Al Ruechel welcomed everybody and gave credit to the many people who made the annual event successful. Symphony narrator Tom Aposporos introduced AMICCO Conductor Alfred Gershfeld, who retired this year but came back for this concert.

Then the beach came alive with a combination of patriotic, show tunes, opera and “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” before intermission.

Afterward, the orchestra opened with the “El Capitan March,” a tribute to the Armed Forces, and “The Prayer.” Then came disco sounds and the audience members were on their feet, dancing and enjoying themselves.

During intermission, auctioneer Blake Kennedy took the microphone and sold off four raffle packages. The amount raised was unavailable at press time. The fifth prize was an opportunity to lead the orchestra with the baton. The bid was split and both bidders agreed to pay the last highest bid amount.

First to conduct was Brenda Brunelle and second to conduct were Mrs. Thomas A. Smith and Mary Bell who co-conducted, courtesy of the bid by Thomas Smith.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled with the turnout for the event and success of the sixth annual Symphony on the Sand this past Saturday,” said Jeanie Pickwick, who chaired the event steering committee. “The weather cooperated, the food was delicious, the music was unbelievable – with amazing highlights from guest vocalists, Michelle Giglio, Daniel Hoffman, Ashley Thunder Lowe and Russell Andrade. It was the perfect combination for a magical evening.”

The Anna Maria Oyster Bar provided waitstaff and the Sandbar, Harry’s Continental Kitchen, the Lazy Lobster, Hometown Desserts and the Coquina Beach Café supplied the food.

Symphony on the Sand is a collaboration of the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, AMICCO and Manatee County. Sponsors include the Anna Maria Island Sun, the Bradenton Herald and public radio stations WUSF and WSMR.

“Many heartfelt thanks go out to our sponsors, the wonderful waitstaff, the Symphony on the Sand committee, Maestro Gershfeld for another incredible concert conducting the Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra, and most of all, our great and generous patrons,” said Pickwick.