One of seven guest conductors featured during the Sarasota Orchestra's Masterworks Series that begins Friday could be the next artistic director of the Sarasota Orchestra.

A search committee comprised of four Sarasota Orchestra musicians, two board members, two staffers and a pair of community enthusiasts are considering some of these conductors for artistic director.

It's the prestigious position Leif Bjaland held for 15 years before completing his tenure last season.This weekend's Masterworks program, "The Four Seasons + 7," opens with guest conductor Jaime Laredo, music director at the Vermont Symphony Orchestra.

Highlights of the program include Ludwig Van Beethoven's "Symphony No. 7" and Gioachino Rossini's "Italian in Algiers Overture."

In addition to conducting, Laredo will perform a violin solo during Antonio Vivaldi's "The Four Seasons."

Details: 8 p.m. Nov. 9-10; 2:30 p.m. Nov. 11, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. Tickets: $30-$84. Information: 941-953-3434 or www.sarasotaorchestra.org.

-- Wade Tatangelo