AMICCO's Symphony on the Sand set for this weekend on Anna Maria island

It's only in its third year, but already Symphony on the Sand has become one of the most eagerly anticipated music events of the year for people who love orchestral music.

The 45-piece Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus & Orchestra, more commonly known as AMICCO, performs a mixture of classical music and pops favorites for the beachfront concert. This year's edition is 3:30-7:30 p.m. Saturday in Coquina Gulfside Park in Bradenton Beach. Maestro Alfred Gershfeld will lead AMICCO through a program that includes works by Strauss and Mozart, and well as songs by the Beatles, Queen and Simon & Garfunkel, plus Sousa's "El Capitan March" and songs from Broadway musicals.

The emcees for the evening are Bay News 9 anchorman Al Ruechel and one of the on-air personalities from classical music station WSMR 89.1.

If you spring for the high-priced tickets, you will get a catered presentation of small plates offered by local restaurateurs including Anna Maria Oyster Bar, Beach House Restaurant, Coquina Cafe and the Lazy Lobster restaurants, plus free beer and wine.

And if you don't want to but a ticket at all, you can still listen from the beach just beyond the seating area.

Symphony on the Sand is part of this year's Anna Maria Island ArtsHOP, so other shows and events will be going on all around the island.

Details: 3:30-7:30 p.m. Nov. 14, Coquina Gulfside Park, 2650 Gulf Drive, Bradenton Beach. Tickets: $35 and $100 in advance, $50 and $125 day of show. Information: 941-795-2370, annamariaislandchamber.org.

-- Marty Clear

This story was originally published November 11, 2015 at 4:56 PM with the headline "AMICCO's Symphony on the Sand set for this weekend on Anna Maria island ."