Joseph Holt is retiring as artistic director of Choral Artists of Sarasota, a position he has held since 2011, but plans to remain active in the regional arts scene.
Before joining Choral Artists’ predecessor organization, Gloria Musicae, in 2009 as conductor, Holt spent than two decades as principal pianist with the United States Army Chorus in Washington, D.C., performing for presidents and generals from around the world. He also served as associate music director for the Choral Arts Society of Washington.
When Holt took the helm of the ensemble that would become known as Choral Artists, the group was in what he termed an “artistic valley,” during a May 2024 interview with the Observer.
Under his stewardship, Choral Artists would reach an artistic peak with a performance at the 80th anniversary of D-Day in France in June 2024. During their trip to Normandy, Choral Artists participated in a mass gathering of music ensembles at Brittany American Cemetery that also included several groups from Australia and New Zealand.
As the group performed a piece entitled “Blades of Grass and Pure White Stones,” members could see hundreds of gravestones stretching into the distance as well as members of the audience.
“Music is at the center of who we are,” Holt says. “As performers, we’re the conduit between the composer and the audience. My vision was always to embrace that role with purpose and integrity—and to create performances that resonate far beyond the concert hall.”
Sarasota’s Choral Artists march in a parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of D-Day in France.
Besides the D-Day concert, Choral Artists had another international tour under Holt, to Italy’s Amalfi Coast in 2012. Other milestones of his tenure were the performance of “Carmina Burana” in collaboration with Sarasota Contemporary Dance; the world premiere of “Listen to the Earth” by James Grant honoring the 50th anniversary of Earth Day; and programs featuring “Considering Matthew Shepard,” a tribute to a young gay man slain in Wyoming in 1998.
“Joe has been the heart and soul of Choral Artists for so many years,” said Bill Kimbell, board president of Choral Artists of Sarasota, in a statement. “His passion, creativity, tireless dedication, leadership and professionalism have left an indelible mark on all of us—singers, audiences and supporters alike. We are beyond grateful for the music, the memories and the joy he’s brought to this community.”
As for the future of Choral Artists, now in its 46th season, Kimbell says the board is evaluating the ensemble’s next chapter. “The organization is reviewing its options and will announce next steps later this summer,” he said. “What I can say is this: the excellence that has defined Choral Artists will remain at the heart of whatever comes next.”
Before he steps down, Holt will lead Choral Artists as it joins forces with Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble for a Memorial Day concert entitled “United We Stand” at 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 24, at Church of the Palms in Sarasota. For information, visit ChoralArtistsSarasota.org.
In addition to the upcoming Memorial Day concert, Holt continues as producer and host of “Music Mondays” for the Sarasota Institute of Lifetime Learning.
“I’ve felt for some time that my artistic contribution to the ensemble had reached its zenith,” Holt said in a statement announcing his retirement. “This felt like the right moment to step aside and make space for fresh perspectives and new energy.”
