The Sarasota Orchestra has received a landmark $60 million anonymous donation for its new music center construction project. The donor, who has declined naming rights, has been a long-time supporter of the orchestra's programs, including youth performances and the Sarasota Music Festival.

The funds will primarily support development of the recently acquired 31-acre site on Fruitville Road, west of I-75. The planned facility will feature:

• 1,700-seat concert hall
• 700-seat recital hall
• Rehearsal spaces
• Administrative offices
• Education program facilities

The gift ranks as the 6th largest donation to North American orchestras in the past 25 years, according to CCS Fundraising. The donor initially committed $10 million to secure the land debt-free, followed by an additional $50 million contribution.

Joseph McKenna, the orchestra's President & CEO, emphasized the historic nature of the gift, noting it's the largest of its kind in Sarasota's history. The donation will support the orchestra's artistic growth under new music director Giancarlo Guerrero's leadership.

The total projected cost for the new music center ranges between $375-425 million, with initial concept designs scheduled for release in late March.

For context, other major orchestra donations include:

• San Diego Symphony: $120M (2002)
• NY Philharmonic: $100M (2015)
• Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra: $85M (2009)

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