Voices of Spring

The closing program in Sarasota Orchestra's Great Escapes series pairs two pieces that give it its outdoor theme: Johann Strauss Jr.'s concert waltz Frühlingsstimmen, the "Voices of Spring" of the title, and Aaron Copland's Variations on a Shaker Melody, the orchestral reworking of the "Simple Gifts" section of Appalachian Spring. Selections from Richard Rodgers' score for the 1945 film musical State Fair round out the hour. William Waldrop guest conducts and, in keeping with the series format, talks from the podium between pieces. Great Escapes concerts are given in Holley Hall at the orchestra's Symphony Center on the bayfront; most performances run about an hour without intermission.