The Hermitage Artist Retreat just rolled out its February 2026 schedule, and it’s packed with talent you don’t want to miss. Think Broadway star power, world-class musicians, acclaimed writers, and bold new voices, all coming together to light up Sarasota County.
First up, mark your calendars for Thursday, February 5th. Leslie Rodriguez Kritzer, fresh off Tony Award nominations for her standout roles in “Spamalot” and “Beetlejuice,” returns to the Hermitage, this time, not just as a performer, but as a writer. She’ll share new stories and give you a behind-the-scenes look at her latest theatrical projects.
Harriet Steinke, who took home the 2025 Hermitage Prize in Composition at the Aspen Music Festival, will be there too. Expect a night of original music performed live by a classical ensemble, all set by the lake at Nathan Benderson Park. They’re calling it “Chamber Flights & Broadway Nights,” and honestly, that’s exactly what it sounds like.
On Friday, February 13th, the action shifts back to the Hermitage’s iconic beachfront campus. World-renowned flutist Claire Chase, described by The New York Times as “the most important flutist of our time,” is back to wow Sarasota once again. Chase is a pioneer—her “Density 2036” project is rewriting the rules of modern flute music. She’ll share the stage with Kirstin Valdez Quade, an author with a Guggenheim Fellowship and a “5 Under 35” nod from the National Book Foundation. Quade’s writing is changing the landscape of Latinx literature, and together, these two promise an evening where music and story blend in unforgettable ways.
Then, on Thursday, February 19th, get ready for a different vibe at Selby Gardens’ Historic Spanish Point. Comedian, musician, and writer Morgan Bassichis—called “fiercely hilarious” by The New Yorker—will join forces with Doug Wright, the Pulitzer and Tony-winning playwright behind “I Am My Own Wife.” They’ll dig into the art of solo performance, crack a few jokes, and share excerpts from their own work.
This February, the Hermitage isn’t just offering performances, it’s bringing together artists at the top of their game and inviting Sarasota to be part of something special. If you enjoy music, theater, or storytelling, you’ll want to be there.
You can join Hermitage programs for free, they just ask for a $5 registration fee per person. It’s a rare chance to meet and connect with some of the world’s top talent, right here on the Gulf Coast. Most programs run about an hour, maybe a little longer, and there’s no intermission. Space is limited, so you’ll need to register at HermitageArtistRetreat.org.
