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Curtain Raiser Dinner kicks off new season at the Sarasota Opera

The annual event was held on Sunday, Oct. 23 at Michael’s On East.


  • By Niki Kottmann
  • | 9:46 p.m. October 23, 2016
  • Black Tie
  • Share

The Sarasota Opera’s annual Curtain Raiser Dinner was held on Sunday, Oct. 23 at Michael’s On East. Attendees socialized over wine in the atrium before moving inside for dinner.

Inside, Artistic Director Victor DeRenzie and Executive Director Richard Russell told opera supporters what to expect for the new season, and Board of Trustees Chairman David Chaifetz acknowledged attendees who have made significant contributions to the opera.

Jo Ann Frye, Sarasota Opera Artistic Director Victor DeRenzie and Jeanne Auten
Jo Ann Frye, Sarasota Opera Artistic Director Victor DeRenzie and Jeanne Auten
Fred Murrell and Jenny Ferlicchi
Fred Murrell and Jenny Ferlicchi
Dorothy Lawrence, Sarasota Opera Board of Trustees Chairman David Chaifetz, Alice Nelson and David Rosenthal
Dorothy Lawrence, Sarasota Opera Board of Trustees Chairman David Chaifetz, Alice Nelson and David Rosenthal
The table settings at Michael’s On East welcome guests with an elegant purple and silver theme.
The table settings at Michael’s On East welcome guests with an elegant purple and silver theme.
Dr. Mike Wilkins, Dr. Jenny Wilkins and Terrance Burzynski
Dr. Mike Wilkins, Dr. Jenny Wilkins and Terrance Burzynski
Carol and Les Brualdi with Art Siciliano and Sarasota Opera Executive Director Richard Russell
Carol and Les Brualdi with Art Siciliano and Sarasota Opera Executive Director Richard Russell
Claudia McCorkle and Jonathan Coleman
Claudia McCorkle and Jonathan Coleman
Audrey Robbins, Joseph and Jean Volpe
Audrey Robbins, Joseph and Jean Volpe
Sarasota Opera Artistic Director Victor DeRenzie and Sarasota Opera Executive Director Richard Russell try to explain to a bummed crowd why the opera won’t feature any Verdi this year (except for one night).
Sarasota Opera Artistic Director Victor DeRenzie and Sarasota Opera Executive Director Richard Russell try to explain to a bummed crowd why the opera won’t feature any Verdi this year (except for one night).
Pat Jones, Carol English and Jacqueline Morton
Pat Jones, Carol English and Jacqueline Morton
Dick Johnson, Lydia McKenzie and Patrick McKenzie
Dick Johnson, Lydia McKenzie and Patrick McKenzie
Genie and Les Aberson with Edie Chaifetz
Genie and Les Aberson with Edie Chaifetz
Lisa Lipford and Matt Nazzaro
Lisa Lipford and Matt Nazzaro
Sarasota Opera Board of Trustees Chairman David Chaifetz gives his opening remarks.
Sarasota Opera Board of Trustees Chairman David Chaifetz gives his opening remarks.
Eileen and George Anitpas
Eileen and George Anitpas
Joan Hazen and Richard Mace
Joan Hazen and Richard Mace
Victor Dina with Mia and Joel Garcia
Victor Dina with Mia and Joel Garcia
Harry Leopold, Stacy Ridenour and Joseph Volpe
Harry Leopold, Stacy Ridenour and Joseph Volpe
Jay and Marlo Turner
Jay and Marlo Turner
Veronica Brady and Sarasota Opera Board of Trustees Chairman David Chaifetz
Veronica Brady and Sarasota Opera Board of Trustees Chairman David Chaifetz
Ann Waller and Len Solimene
Ann Waller and Len Solimene
Ellyn Drummond and Scott Bushey
Ellyn Drummond and Scott Bushey
John and Patti Piper with Mike and Lynda Matash and Michael and Ann Bowers
John and Patti Piper with Mike and Lynda Matash and Michael and Ann Bowers
Jack McClure, Jonathan Coleman and Anna McClure
Jack McClure, Jonathan Coleman and Anna McClure
Helen and Len Glaser
Helen and Len Glaser
Hanna Dillon, Xavier Prado and Rose Marie Proietti
Hanna Dillon, Xavier Prado and Rose Marie Proietti
Barbara and Ron Archbold
Barbara and Ron Archbold
Roger (standing), Kristy, Herbert and Maija Kaufman
Roger (standing), Kristy, Herbert and Maija Kaufman
Tina Kamberg and Elayne Kalberman
Tina Kamberg and Elayne Kalberman
Barbara Bailey, Marsha Johnson and Richard Bailey
Barbara Bailey, Marsha Johnson and Richard Bailey
Susan and Doc Benjamin
Susan and Doc Benjamin
Cynthia Russell and Eleanor Williams
Cynthia Russell and Eleanor Williams
Patrick McKenzie, Margarete Wiltshire and J. Russell
Patrick McKenzie, Margarete Wiltshire and J. Russell
David Rosenthal, Alice Nelson, Dawn Jacobson, Jason Voss and Dorothy Lawrence
David Rosenthal, Alice Nelson, Dawn Jacobson, Jason Voss and Dorothy Lawrence

 

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