Sarasota Opera hosts Verdi exciting birthday celebration

What’s more fitting than celebrating Verdi’s birthday in Sarasota? Giuseppe Verdi's 200th birthday would have been Thursday, Oct. 10 — the day Sarasota Opera plans to host a free celebration with special exhibits, performances, cake and even a sing-a-long. In 2016, Sarasota Opera will complete its Verdi Cycle — playing every note Verdi ever published. Sarasota Opera is the only company in the world pursuing such a feat.

Beginning at 4 p.m. at the Selby Public Library, 1331 First Street, there will be enlightening exhibits along with a performance by Sarasota Opera in the library’s rotunda.

At 5 p.m. the party will continue at Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave. It will be an open house for those who want to take a backstage tour, see performances by Sarasota Opera and Sarasota Youth Opera, there will be cake and refreshments, door prizes and guests can do a little singing themselves. To cap off the evening, there will be a community sing of the famous "Va, pensiero” from Verdi’s “Nabucco," (here’s a link to to the song).

Read more about Sarasota Opera’s Verdi history here. Sarasota Opera's season kicks off Nov. 1 with Johann Strauss Jr.'s "Die Fledermaus," visit Sarasotaopera.org for tickets.