The finale of the 2025 Living Arts Festival proved one powerful truth: the future of Sarasota’s arts scene is already here — and they’re still doing homework.

On November 9, students from across Sarasota and Manatee counties stepped into the spotlight at the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium for You Raise Me Up, the closing celebration of Sarasota Rising’s four-week Living Arts Festival. From ballet and opera to contemporary choral work, the evening was a full-scale showcase of local arts education — and our next generation of performers did not disappoint.

A Celebration of Arts Education

The event honored excellence in youth performance while highlighting the vital role that arts education plays in our community. Student performers shared the stage with distinguished judges, including Grammy-nominated mezzo-soprano Thea Lobo, Broadway performer Mary Burke Kramer, and American Idol finalist Syesha Mercado.

“We’re here to celebrate, show gratitude, and remind every organization that Sarasota Rising is here to support them,” said Jeffery Kin, Executive Director & CEO of Sarasota Rising.

2025 Award Winners

• “You Raise Me Up” Performance Award
  Sarasota Cuban Ballet School
• Creativity at Its Finest Award
  Sarasota Cuban Ballet School — Dracula
• Small But Mighty Award
  Diversity: The Voices of Sarasota
• Excellence in Artistry & Education Award
  Sarasota Youth Opera
• The Hamblin Teacher Tribute Award
  Winner: Jacob Russo, Rise Above Performing Arts
  Runner-Up: Thayer Greenberg, The Sarasota Players
• Best of the Fest — 2025 Living Arts Festival Award
  Villanova Chorale for Future Present Past
  Strings Con Brio for its 10-year anniversary celebration

These awardees represent only a fraction of the extraordinary talent that filled the room — reminding us that Sarasota’s arts legacy isn’t just something we look back on… it’s happening now.

Why It Matters
Sarasota may be known for its galleries, theater, and world-class performing arts institutions — but events like this reveal what audiences rarely see: the emerging artists who will carry that legacy forward.

This is the heart of Sarasota Rising’s mission: to unify our region’s creative community, celebrate cultural excellence, and build a thriving arts ecosystem that uplifts everyone — from students to seasoned pros.

Read the full article here: “You Raise Me Up’ puts local arts education on stage” — The Observer