(Bradenton, Fla., Oct. 19, 2023) — The Music Program at State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF) will present the following performances Nov. 3-Nov. 30. Tickets for each performance can be purchased online at SCF.edu/Neel or by calling 941-752-5252. Tickets are $15 for general admission and $5 for SCF students and staff unless otherwise noted.

“The Gondoliers” — Friday, Nov. 3 and Saturday, Nov. 4, 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 5, 2 p.m., SCF Neel Performing Arts Center

Two newly married Venetian gondoliers discover that one of them is rightful of the far-off island of Barataria and was wed unknowingly in infancy to an equally unaware bride from the Plaza Toro family in Spain. But which gondolier is the king? Set in 1750, Venice, Italy, W.S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan’s sunniest collaboration blends tangled webs of amorous conflict with glorious music, dance and comedy, creating a boisterous and joyful show as the mystery of the true king is finally revealed. The show themes “Love to Live and Live to Love” and “Take Life as It Comes” will surely bring a smile and lift the spirits.

“The Gondoliers” is under the direction of Ms. Melodie Dickerson, chair of the Performing Arts Department, and features a cast of 19 SCF students along with 9 SCF Music Theatre alumni accompanied by an Orchestra of 13 SCF student and faculty musicians led by Mr. Rex Willis with Choreography by Ms. Kelly Burnette, SCF Adjunct Instructor of Dance. Tickets are $15 for general admission and $10 for SCF students and staff.

“New Beginnings” — Thursday, Nov. 9, 7:30 p.m., SCF Neel Performing Arts Center

Proudly presented by the SCF Symphonic Band, new beginnings has two meanings for this concert. The obvious one is the start of a new relationship between musicians and director, and director and community. The other is an opportunity to perform a concert of new music. All the repertoire has been composed within the past ten years.

“Jazz at the Movies” presented by SCF’s Jazz Orchestra – Thursday, Nov. 16, 7:30 p.m., SCF Neel Performing Arts Center

From Casablanca to West Side Story, this concert/film screening presents great moments of swing on the silver screen. It is directed by Dr. Pete Carney, and two special guests, Grammy-winner saxophonist and composer Chip McNeill and American Songbook Master and vocalist Bryan J. Hughes.

“SCF Fall Piano Recital” – Monday, Nov. 27, 7 p.m., SCF Neel Performing Arts Center

Piano students from beginner to advanced levels perform the pieces they have been preparing all semester. Students include traditional degree-seeking students and lifelong learners, as SCF offers lessons on multiple instruments through the Lifelong Learning and Workforce Development division. The keyboard faculty teaches students who study piano in preparation for their continued pursuit of a music degree and those who study piano for their own enjoyment as an elective.

“Merry & Bright” – Thursday, Nov. 30, 7:30 p.m., SCF Neel Performing Arts Center

Join SCF Choirs, SCF Guitar Ensemble and SCF Bradenton Symphony Orchestra for a festive holiday concert reveling in the sights and sounds of the season with a fresh take on contemporary and traditional selections.

To learn more about SCF’s music program, visit SCF.edu/Music or call 941-752-5579.