2025 Winter Opera Festival Memories
BY RICHARD RUSSELL
It seems like the Winter Opera Festival flies by and is soon just a memory. But what great memories they are, with four superlative productions of great works and enthusiastic response from our audiences.
The trusty double bill of Cavalleria rusticana and Pagliacci were an exciting pair for Opening Night, with a cast of thrilling voices creating a dramatic impact. As a contrast, the charming comedy of Rossini’s The Barber of Seville afforded many laughs amongst the beguiling music. Mozart’s classic The Marriage of Figaro once again came to life through the composer’s genius with a cast and production fully up to the task. For many, Verdi’s Stiffelio was the surprise of the season. Although it is not one of the more well-known of the composer’s works, it is still a major piece with many exciting and beautiful moments.
The heroes of the season were the talented chorus of Apprentice and Studio Artists and the Sarasota Opera Orchestra, whose collective voices completed the picture and made each performance a memorable one.
Victor DeRenzi, conductor
Martha Collins, stage director
David P. Gordon, scenic designer
Howard Tsvi Kaplan, costume designer
Ken Yunker, lighting designer
Sara Kennedy as Lola and Rafael Dávila as Turiddu (Cavalleria rusticana)
Lisa Chavez as Santuzza (Cavalleria rusticana)
Rafael Dávila as Canio and Ashley Milanese as Nedda (Pagliacci)
Ashley Milanese as Nedda (Pagliacci)
CAVALLERIA RUSTICANA AND PAGLIACCI
2025 Winter Opera Festival Memories
THE BARBER OF SEVILLE
Marcello Cormio, conductor
Marco Nisticò, stage director
Jeffery W. Dean, scenic designer
Howard Tsvi Kaplan, costume designer
Ken Yunker, lighting designer
STIFFELIO
Victor DeRenzi, conductor
Stephanie Sundine, stage director
Steven C. Kemp, scenic designer
Howard Tsvi Kaplan, costume designer
Ken Yunker, lighting designer
Filippo Fontana as Figaro, Lisa Marie Rogali as Rosina
Andrew Gilstrap as Dr. Bartolo, Hak Soo Kim as Count Almaviva, Lisa Marie Rogali as Rosina, Filippo Fontana as Figaro, Alexandra Kzeski as Berta, Young Bok Kim as Basilio
THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO
Louis Lohraseb, conductor
Tom Diamond, stage director
J. Michael Wingfield, scenic designer
Howard Tsvi Kaplan, costume designer Ken Yunker, lighting designer
Mattia Venni as Figaro, Virginia Mims as Susanna, Lauren Paul as Marcellina, Brian Kontes as Dr. Bartolo.
Michelle Johnson as Countess Almaviva
Tessa Fackelmann as Cherubino, Jake Stamatis as Count Almaviva, Virginia Mims as Susanna
Aviva Fortunata as Lina, Victor Starsky as Stiffelio Jeremy Brauner as Raffaele, Victor Starsky as Stiffelio, Ricardo Jose Rivera as Stankar
OPERA RETURNS THIS FALL
The Fall Opera is Back for 2025
BY RICHARD RUSSELL
Just as we come down from the end of our event-filled 2025 Winter Opera Festival, we immediately start thinking about the fall, and the upcoming 2025-2026 Season. Maestro DeRenzi opens his scores for the works he will conduct, production meetings with directors and designers begin, contracts go out, and work on the next season begins in earnest. Sooner than we think, fall and another season will be upon us.
We are especially looking forward to the return of a fully staged fall production. Begun in 2008 with a production of The Barber of Seville, our fall opera gives us the opportunity to have a year-round presence. Coupled with our Sarasota Youth Opera production, it is a great chance to see an opera when things are a little slower, and before the intensity of the winter “snowbird” season begins.
This season we bring back Mozart’s intricate comedy Così fan tutte (or The School for Lovers). Written to a libretto by Lorenzo Da Ponte (with whom he also collaborated on The Marriage of Figaro and Don Giovanni), it is the story of two soldiers who, egged on by a cynical philosopher, test their lovers’ fidelity. Last heard in Sarasota in 2016, Così fan tutte has been one of the most popular and most performed works in Sarasota
Opera’s history (exceeded only by La bohème and The Barber of Seville) and is perfect for the intimate scale of the Sarasota Opera House.
Così fan tutte will open on October 31, 2025, with four more performances on November 2 (matinee), 11, 13, and 15 (matinee). This production also renews our annual collaboration with the Sarasota Orchestra. The cast will include returning artists Hanna Brammer, Olivia Vote, Virginia Mims, Filippo Fontana, and Jake Stamatis, and new to us this season, Luke Norvell. Mo. DeRenzi will conduct, and Stephanie Sundine will direct the production.
The Sarasota Youth Opera production of Hans Krasa’s Brundibár will return on November 8 (5:30 p.m.) and 9 (noon).
The opera was first performed in 1942 in a Jewish orphanage in Prague by children who had been separated from their parents by the war. The composer had already been sent to the Terezin concentration camp, followed soon by the children performers. The opera was then performed over 55 times in the camp.
The opera is the story of children who try to sing in the marketplace to earn money to buy milk for their sick mother. Their efforts are thwarted by the town bully,
the organ grinder Brundibár (who was a thinly disguised representation of Hitler). By joining together with the children of the town, along with a sparrow, a cat, and a dog, they can overcome Brundibár
Sarasota Youth Opera will perform the work preceded by a prologue that has been created by director Martha Collins and Youth Opera Music Director Jessé Martins to accompany the opera. The prologue uses the words of children who have faced oppression, including those who have been victims of bullying. The moving words of the children has been set to music, selected by Mo. Martins.
As we eagerly anticipate the upcoming season, we look forward to sharing these extraordinary experiences with you and continuing to enrich our community through the power of music and storytelling.
HARMONY IN MARRIAGE:
Two Decades of Opera Orchestra, Now a Family Affair
BY MELISSA VOIGT
If you open any of the Winter program books over the last couple of decades to the page recognizing the Sarasota Opera Orchestra, you will find Gil Katz, Principal Bass, and Nadine Trudel, Principal Cello. Also husband and wife, here is their story about how they found their way into music, found each other, and have found their career in Sarasota and at Sarasota Opera.
Gil was born in Los Angeles, California, then moved to New Jersey at 10-days old, moved again at the age of six to Israel, Holland, England, back to Israel, and then returned to the United States to study music at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. After learning the recorder, Gil started guitar lessons at the age of 9. He played electric bass for his brother’s rock band and then performed in a military band. In his private music theory studies, he initially became interested in the cello and classic repertoire, listening to Yo Yo Ma and Pierre Fournier. Gil loved the tone of the cello and how the instrument “sang” each note. His theory teacher mentioned that the bass would be a bit easier than the cello, especially for someone starting at a later age, which Gil didn’t completely agree with. However, given his experience with the electric bass, it made more sense to Gil as a career choice.
Nadine was born and raised in Montreal, Canada. She went directly into music, starting her journey in elementary school with a special concentration in music. First playing the violin, she ultimately chose the cello over the violin and piano. She auditioned and attended the Montreal Conservatory starting at the age of 10 years old and stayed there three years past high school. She played the Summer Music Festival at the Music Academy of the West in Santa Barbara, California. This is where she and Gil first met. She then attended the University of Southern California.
For each, music was their calling, despite the gnawing thoughts: should I continue doing this?
“It is what I wanted to do.” Gil jokingly shared, “Like wands in Harry Potter, it chose me.”
Nadine agreed with his sentiment, “I don’t think I can do anything else. I wouldn’t be happy doing anything else.” They both agree that choosing this career path requires a lot of sacrifice, such as time practicing and investments into their instruments. Having children also made them rethink their choice, but ultimately, they agree, “It’s a lifestyle and we made it work.”
“During the pandemic, we did brainstorm what else we could do,” Gil said. “It was the first time since college either of us had not performed all the time. However, we were so fortunate to get some jobs even during that period. Many musicians changed their occupations. We were fortunate to have work.” He added, “Sarasota Opera has been so good to us.”
Gil began with Sarasota Opera in 2002, joining the bass section. He did not play in the 2003 season but returned as principal, replacing his predecessor who had moved to Hong Kong. Nadine started as principal of the Opera’s cello section in 2004.
In terms of rewards and challenges, Nadine enjoys being able to contribute some control over the sound. “You can assist in getting a more homogeneous sound from the section.” She illustrated, “we have six cellists, and we work to blend the six sounds to create the expression needed, which is always in accordance with the person on the podium, but you get to be part of that process.” “And” she shared, “there are a lot of nice solos.”
“The challenge is to do it in a way that brings the team together and doesn’t ruffle any feathers. There are so many
It’s great, we get to be together. In fact, they were in the recent production of Cavalleria rusticana and Pagliacci.
~ NADINE TRUDEL
factors that come into play. Especially fitting as a section and blending well with the other sections and singers. With this bigger responsibility, it can be a lot like business. Things don’t always go as planned, and then there are split-second decisions to be made at the last minute.”
Gil also enjoys being more involved and having more contact with decision making. “It is interesting consulting with the other principals and conductors, and ways to best convey to the other section members to stay unified with the entire orchestra. It’s not so much about ego, it’s the actual activity that is most rewarding. And when we go home, the rehearsal isn’t over. Nadine and I discuss our day and what needs to be done.”
“Geographically speaking, we are in the back, so the challenge for the bass section is hearing what is happening in the front of
the orchestra and to not contradict what they are doing. It can be very difficult to hear certain things. For this we trust the conductor and look to who is best in the orchestra, using visual cues.” Gil laughed, “And carrying the bass. Carrying the bass is a challenge.”
Nadine and Gil have two children, a son, Eitan, now 13, and a daughter, Yaelle, 10. Both are enrolled and active in Sarasota Youth Opera, starting first with Eitan who enrolled in online Summer Camp in 2020 with his little sister watching over his shoulder when she was only 5 years old. Eitan took it to the next level playing the lead role, Sam, the Sweep, in The Little Sweep, the fall Youth Opera production in 2021.
“There is nothing else they would rather do. When we must make choices, that is the one thing they will not give up,” Gil shared. “They love the other children, the staff, and program. They appreciate that they are working with such professional staff and don’t take any of it for granted.”
Nadine agrees, “It’s great, we get to be together. In fact, we were all in the recent production of Cavalleria rusticana and Pagliacci.”
Gil laughs, “Yes, we get to go to work with them!”
Gil and Nadine made the move to Sarasota in 2004 and have stayed committed to Sarasota Opera ever since. Nadine described what has been key for her, “Maestro DeRenzi brings a level of passion to the music. He tries to stay in that expressive mode all the way through. He conveys that and we all join in on the same wagon.”
For Gil, “The Opera is committed to me, so I can commit to them.” He described playing in 2004’s Tosca as “magical” and that working with Maestro DeRenzi is an experience unlike any other in his life. “I did not like opera until that moment. It reached deep inside, especially hearing the cello quartet. It was the feeling it brought to me at every single performance. Some people never get that feeling in a lifetime.”
HVAC and Post Milton
Hurricane Restoration
Using the QR code, go to www.sarasotaopera.org/ Pavlion-Project, to view the list of generous donors who supported the purchase and installation of the new HVAC system and provided urgent funding needed to repair and restore this essential building post Hurricane Milton.
LEAVING A LEGACY
Visionary Bequests Help Secure Sarasota Opera’s Future
BY RICHARD RUSSELL
Sarasota Opera has recently received two bequests of over $1M each from two generous patrons: Mary Jo “Jody” Reston and Cynthia Walker. These two visionary individuals remembered the company in their estate plans and thereby helped secure its future.
Jody Reston was a patron and donor to Sarasota Opera since 2003. She had traveled the world with her journalist husband, including four years in Moscow. They moved to Martha’s Vineyard in 1975 to take over the helm of the Vineyard Gazette, which was owned by his family. They became publishers and owners in 1988. She ran the business side of the paper until her retirement in 1999. She moved to Sarasota and began to participate in Sarasota’s rich cultural life.
Jody joined us on a trip to Santa Fe in 2016 and her inquisitiveness and good humor made her a delightful traveling companion. She especially enjoyed introducing young people to the opera and until she fell victim to Alzheimer’s disease in 2022, she was always in her aisle seat, sharing the art form with her companions.
At Your Service!
Her love of the arts was demonstrated as she left a significant portion of her estate to Sarasota’s major arts organizations, several of which (including Sarasota Opera) received bequests of $1.25M.
Cynthia Walker was an attorney who studied at Boston University, Cambridge in the UK, Harvard, and Tulane. She lived and worked abroad and was fluent in several languages. She lived in Washington at the Watergate for many years and was active in international organizations including the U.N., UNIDO, OECD, FAO, The African Development Bank and the European Union.
She was an active volunteer. She volunteered at the White House from 20082016. I first met Cynthia when she moved to Sarasota and attended a Harvard Club luncheon at which I was speaker. She asked me about volunteer opportunities and was an usher from 2017 until COVID shutdown the 2020 season. When in
The Development Staff is here to answer questions about giving levels and benefits and take reservations to our Signature and Special Benefit Events..
Our office’s main number is (941) 366-8450. Positions, extensions and emails for each member of the staff are listed below. Feel free to reach out to any of us. And thank you for your support of Sarasota Opera!
PATRON TIER DONORS ($50 to $5,999) to all areas, including STAR and Youth Opera
Brenda Tamm Ext. 250 btamm@sarasotaopera.org
Davis Wolfe Ext. 231 dwolfe@sarasotaopera.org
Washington, she proudly displayed her “Sarasota Opera” tote bag and sang the company’s praises. She remained in her Washington DC home, until she passed away in November 2023. She had made Sarasota Opera beneficiary of her estate which totaled over $1.1M.
These transformational gifts will be recognized through sponsorship of a Studio Artist during Sarasota Opera’s Winter Opera Festivals for the next decade. Farsighted individuals like these ensure that Sarasota Opera can continue to provide the kind of performances that they enjoyed during their lifetime. By helping to build our endowment, these funds will continue to provide operating income to Sarasota Opera for years to come.
LEADERSHIP TIER DONORS ($6,000+) to all areas, including Co-Producer, Youth Opera and Artistic Achievement Fund
Melissa Voigt Ext. 581 mvoigt@sarasotaopera.org
Karen Misantone Ext. 416 kmisantone@sarasotaopera.org
SPECIAL EVENTS AND CORPORATE SUPPORT
Matthew Glover Ext. 402 mglover@sarastoaopera.org
PLANNED GIVING AND KRETZMER LEGACY SOCIETY
Stacy Ridenour Ext. 246 sridenour@sarasotaopera.org
Cynthia Walker Mary Jo “Jody” Reston
Inviting All Opera Lovers!
BY STACY RIDENOUR
You have probably seen mention of our Kretzmer Legacy Society, but what is it? It is a group of patrons that have made a provision for Sarasota Opera in their estate plan. Kretzmer Legacy Society members are invited to our annual legacy appreciation luncheon with performances by our artists.
There are so many ways to make an estate provision. Here are just a few examples:
• The easiest is to make Sarasota Opera a (partial) beneficiary of an IRA. This takes just a few minutes and costs nothing.
• New to Sarasota Opera – Set up a Charitable Gift Annuity receiving a tax donation credit and income for life! You can even use up to $54,000 as a Qualified Charitable Distribution from your IRA, saving even more on taxes. We are pleased to collaborate with the National Gift Annuity Foundation to make this possible and relatively easy with low minimums.
• Name Sarasota Opera as a beneficiary of a Donor Advised Fund or Life Insurance policy.
• Set up an interest-bearing savings account, naming Sarasota Opera as a beneficiary.
• Is it time to update your will? Updates need to be made throughout your life as circumstances change. If it’s time for an update, consider including your favorite opera company!
Sarasota Opera has been financially stable through the recent years of volatility. We are also relatively well capitalized with ownership of our properties: The William E. Schmidt Theater, Pavilion, and Steinwachs Artists Residences. Our endowment, however, is not where it should be for an organization of our size. Planned giving is key to building the endowment to ensure that Sarasota Opera will continue to serve our community and audiences for generations to come!
You can make the difference! We hope the quality of our performances, the exquisite Opera House, our unique Youth Opera, lectures and social opportunities inspire you to consider becoming a legacy donor.
The Kretzmer Legacy Society is named in honor of the late Ernie and Alisa Kretzmer for their love of opera, financial support and belief in the importance of legacy giving.
Contact Stacy Ridenour at sridenour@sarasotaopera.org or (941) 366-8450 ext. 246 for more information about joining the Kretzmer Legacy Society.
Please consult your accountant or attorney for the estate planning options that are best for you.
Peter and Melody Kretzmer, Maestro Victor DeRenzi Sumner Bagby, Janet and Lew Solomon
Allan Kennedy and Isa Engleberg
Alexander Nichols and Jeanne Yeagle
Dolly Bass
Carol and Joe Kreit
Sarasota
Opera Studio Artists: Sara Kennedy, soprano and Jeremy Brauner, tenor
2025 KRETZMER LEGACY LUNCHEON AT SAGE RESTAURANT
Remembering the Sarasota Opera 2024-25 Events
SARASOTA OPERA FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL, SEPTEMBER 21, 2024
Guests enjoy the array of food sampling and wine tasting from participating restaurants.
& MELODIES, NOVEMBER 16, 2024 AND FEBRUARY 18, 2025
SARASOTA OPERA GALA: A NIGHT IN SEVILLE
TO THE STARS AWARDS LUNCHEON, MARCH 25, 2025
Gerald Fickenscher and Wendy Babb, and Beau Louis and Sharon St. Clair
Stephanie Sundine, Elizabeth Aversa, Katherine Benoit, and John Brooks
Andrew and Felicia Hall and Bob and Camille Thinnes
Courtyard Dinner
Gala Guests Honorees: Les and Carol Brualdi
Co-Chairs Edie Chaifetz and Tamara Jacobs Michael and Beth Huber and Eileen Hampshire and Jake Lockwood
Toby Siegel, Melody and Peter Kretzmer, Harvey Siegel, and Noel Siegel
John Knowles, Elizabeth Seymour, and Nick Prout Gulf Coast Community Foundation Sponsor
Guests: Maya Wright, Lyric Brown, Beha Ketkar, Hillary Newton, Lauren Hersh
Carolyn Christian and Dave Bialosky and table guests
Alexandra Kzeski, soprano sings at Salute to the Stars John Brooks, Joe Kreit, and David Chaifetz
Bonny Heet, Richard Russell, Marty Martel Jinny and Ralph Scheffert
Sarasota Opera 2025-26 Signature Events
SARASOTA OPERA ANNUAL FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL
Sarasota Opera House | Saturday, September 27, 2025
VIP $150 per person with Early Access at 12:15 PM
$75 per person | $85 at the door at 1 PM
*VIPs enjoy early access and special seating.
Sarasota Opera’s Food & Wine Festival is a festive community event featuring a variety of eateries with tasty food samples and wine tastings! What better way to support our nationally recognized Sarasota Youth Opera.
MOONLIGHT & MELODIES
Under the Stars with Mozart
Sarasota Opera House Courtyard
Friday, November 7, 2025, 6:30 PM
$225 per person | Limited Seating
Enjoy an enchanting evening under the stars, where the timeless music of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart will set the stage for an unforgettable dining experience. Following live performances of some of Mozart’s beloved arias and ensembles, you will indulge in a gourmet meal inspired by the rich culinary traditions of Naples, Italy.
THE SARASOTA OPERA GALA: WINTER IN PARIS
The Ora, Sarasota | Friday, January 30, 2026, 6 PM
Table Sponsors: $12,500, $7,500, $3,500 Reservations: $1,250, $750, $350 per person
Join us for Sarasota Opera’s highly celebrated Annual Gala, themed “Winter in Paris.” Be immersed in the splendor of the City of Lights while enjoying an evening of mingling, fine cuisine, and dancing. Proceeds from the event and paddle raise will support our Youth Opera & Education programs. We invite you to be part of this elegant experience inspired by the Sarasota Opera’s 67th Winter Opera Festival and its opening performance of La bohème. Guests are encouraged to dress in chic, boutique Parisian black-tie (optional) attire.
MOONLIGHT & MELODIES
An Evening with Puccini in Paris Sarasota Opera House Courtyard Tuesday, March 10, 2026, 6:30 PM $225 per person | Limited Seating
Don’t miss this delightful evening as we celebrate the timeless beauty of Giacomo Puccini’s operatic work. The Opera House Courtyard will be adorned with elements reminiscent of this historic Latin Quarter, known for its lively, cobblestone streets, vibrant cafes, and iconic landmarks.
SALUTE TO THE STARS AWARD LUNCHEON
Sarasota Yacht Club | Tuesday, March 24, 2026, 11:30 AM
Per person levels $85 and $150
Be a part of this popular celebration of Sarasota Opera’s Apprentice and Studio Artists as they are honored for their accomplishments. Savor a gourmet lunch in the company of new and old friends, accompanied by captivating performances from the awardees. These awards are made possible through the generosity of visionary individuals and the Sarasota and Manatee Opera Guilds.
SARASOTA OPERA HOUSE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
Saturday, April 11, 2026
4 PM Concert at Sarasota Opera House
7 PM Dinner at Selby Gardens’ Event Center, Michael’s on the Bay
Table Sponsorship Available | Reservations $500 per person
Join us for a spectacular evening as we commemorate the 100th anniversary of the historic Sarasota Opera House. The celebration will feature a concert that highlights the Opera House's colorful and storied history, showcasing memorable performances and milestones. Following the concert, guests will enjoy a dinner at the beautiful Selby Gardens.
This special event promises to be a night of elegance, culture, and reflection on a century. Don't miss this unique opportunity to honor the legacy of Sarasota Opera, its iconic home, and the community it serves.
HOSTS WANTED!
We are grateful to live in such a welcoming and supportive community! At Sarasota Opera, we especially love meeting new people and helping to form new friendships and special experiences. You can help us in this endeavor by considering hosting a Mini Event during the coming year.
How Mini Events Work:
• In celebration of the Sarasota Opera House’s 100th Anniversary, we have created this year’s Mini Event theme to reflect the past century of Sarasota’s history between 1926 to 2026!
• Consider being a host of a Mini Event – using this special celebratory theme - be it a sit-down dinner in a beautiful setting, an informative experience, a fun activity or adventure, or any number of creative ideas you might consider.
• After the date and theme are set, your event will be listed with the other Mini-Events for the Sarasota Opera Development staff to take reservations and guest payments.
• Your contribution will include the expenses associated with the event, so that all the proceeds go to Sarasota Opera, AND you will receive a tax-deduction for your costs. (Save your receipts!)
Contact Matthew Glover, Events and Corporate Officer at (941) 366-8450, Ext. 402 or mglover@sarasotaopera.org with any hosting questions.
Staff Updates
MATTHEW GLOVER joined the Development team on May 15th as Events and Corporate Officer
Glover brings a dynamic blend of performance and arts administration experience to his new role at Sarasota Opera. A passionate advocate for the performing arts, he has spent over a decade working behind the scenes in development, artistic direction, marketing, and community engagement. In his new role, Glover will support Sarasota Opera’s fundraising efforts, with a focus on special events and cultivating new partnerships.
We are pleased to announce that ARTHUR BOSARGE is now Sarasota Opera’s Artistic Administrator Arthur joined the music staff of Sarasota Opera in 2022. For the past two seasons he served as the Chorus Master and Director of the Apprentice Artist Program. He has also worked as a coach, conductor, and pianist for Utah Festival Opera, Opera Southwest, Opera Birmingham, and Florida Grand Opera, among others. During the summer he serves as the Director of Choruses at Central City Opera. A native of Fairhope, AL, Arthur holds degrees from The University of Alabama and Mannes College.
TRIBUTES
A gift to the Sarasota Opera Tribute Fund is a beautiful way to memorialize a loved one, honor a friend, or celebrate a special occasion. A tribute card is sent to a family member or the honoree and is published in this newsletter.
IN HONOR OF KATHERINE BENOIT
Joy Stone
IN HONOR OF EILEEN AND JIM BUZZARD
Dolah Saleh Barrett
IN MEMORY OF MARILYN CARLSON
Mr. and Mrs. Carlson
IN HONOR OF DAVID AND EDIE CHAIFETZ
Robert Lachkar
IN HONOR OF VICTOR DERENZI
Jan and Elliot Silverman
IN MEMORY OF BELOVED PARENTS HILDE AND FRANZ FRANKL
Mark and Alice Golub
IN MEMORY OF RAMON B. HAZEN
Victor DeRenzi and Stephanie Sundine
Maryanne Hazen
Sandy Romley
Richard Russell and Cynthia Bydlinski
IN HONOR OF CARLA KOEFFLER AND JOHN SUHRE
Lauren Donahue
IN MEMORY OF ERNIE KRETZMER
Paul and Sharon Steinwachs
IN MEMORY OF RAYMOND MORRISSEY
Ronald and Barbara Archbold
Victor DeRenzi and Stephanie Sundine
Richard Russell and Cynthia Bydlinski
IN HONOR OF MARCO NISTICO, MARCELLO CORMIO AND HOWARD TSVI KAPLAN
Jack Stone
IN HONOR OF RICHARD RUSSELL
Richard and Monica Van Buskirk
Gifts listed were received from November 10, 2024 – June 15, 2025
To have a tribute listed, please send a contribution of $25 or more to: Sarasota Opera, Attn: Tribute Fund
61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota, FL 34236, or online at: SarasotaOpera.org/tribute-gifts.
IN HONOR OF THE SARASOTA OPERA STAFF
Donald and Jadwiga Brown
IN MEMORY OF JULIE SCHWORM
Victor DeRenzi and Stephanie Sundine
Richard Russell and Cynthia Bydlinksi
Opera Guilds
The Guilds of Sarasota Opera offer many opportunities to learn more about opera and to meet like-minded opera lovers. The Manatee Opera Guild and Sarasota Opera Guild both provide social activities paired with educational opportunities where Sarasota Opera staff and volunteers discuss the operas featured each season.
Becoming a Guild member is a great way to support Sarasota Opera! Both Guilds provide significant support to general operating costs and the nationally acclaimed Sarasota Youth Opera. In addition, both Guilds provide financial awards to select artists and Sarasota Youth Opera.
Visit “SarasotaOpera.org/opera-guilds” to learn how you can join these vibrant communities!
Photo: Rod Millington
Sarasota Youth Opera