Our
Story
Get to Know Avanti Sinfonia
Avanti Sinfonia is a Sarasota Bay string orchestra composed of a small ensemble of exceptional musicians—if we may say so—united by a shared love of music and the joy of performing together.
Our name reflects our spirit. Avanti, an Italian word meaning “forward,” and Sinfonia, derived from the Greek for “harmony” or “agreement of sound,” capture both our momentum and our mission: to move music forward while creating beautiful moments of connection through sound.
Led by Artistic Director Pat Glunt, Avanti Sinfonia performs throughout Sarasota, Florida, bringing dynamic, high-quality string music to audiences year-round.
You may have encountered us in one of our spontaneous “flash concerts” around town—unexpected performances designed to surprise, delight, and brighten your day. These moments reflect what we love most: sharing music in ways that feel personal, joyful, and a little bit magical.
We invite you to experience our performances, join us at an upcoming event, or simply keep an eye out—you never know where we might appear next, spreading a little music and a lot of fun.
Our Musicians
First Violin
Stuart Schulman*
Francesca Jourawleff
Arlene Locola
Ben Maynard
Dawn Stahler
Second Violin
Renee Inman**
Jaime Del Castillo
Mari Gottdiener
Mary Ann Wirth
Viola
Kate Smith**
Karen Mamel
Dave Preves
Cello
Susan Stein-Farber**
Sarah Troeller
Bass
Jamie Ruetz
* Concertmaster
** Principal
About
Patricia Glunt, a native Californian and graduate of the University of the Pacific in Stockton, continued her studies at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki, Finland with an emphasis on violin performance. She holds a master’s degree in music education and Certification for Education Supervisors from Queens College in New York.
During her 25-year career as a string teacher with the New York City Department of Education, she also served as supervisor for citywide music programs, Assistant Principal at Long Island City High School, and Interim Acting Director of Music for New York City. She was a certified adjudicator for the New York State School Music Association and worked with organizations including Carnegie Hall, New York Philharmonic, Metropolitan Opera, American Ballet Theatre, Juilliard, and the New York Pops. She has presented professional workshops at local, state, and national levels and contributed to the “New York City Blueprint for Music” and the curriculum Music from the Inside Out.
After retiring in 2010, she taught at Hunter College and New York University, worked as a teaching artist with the New York Philharmonic, and mentored new music teachers. In 2018, she participated in the International Women’s Conducting Workshop as a panelist.
Pat founded and served as artistic director of the Jackson Heights Orchestra in Queens, now led by Maestro Alex Wen. After stepping down in 2023, she took a year off before founding Avanti Sinfonia in Sarasota, a small string ensemble exploring diverse repertoire in an informal setting. She continues to conduct and coach ensembles.
She served as president of the Music Educators’ Association of New York City from 2011–2013 and was honored in 2015 for her contributions to music education. That same year, she was named New Yorker of the Week by Time Warner Cable and received a proclamation from the New York City Council. She was also featured in the series “Power Women of Queens.”
Pat Glunt
Founder/Artistic Director
Board of Directors
Patricia Glunt, President/Founder
Susan Parker, Vice President/Treasurer
Pam K. Arfield, Secretary
Francesca Jourawleff, Orchestra Representative
PO Box 5005 | Sarasota, FL 34277-5005
