Salute to the Stars Luncheon celebrates artist award winners

Sarasota Opera supporters got to watch the very artists that their donations benefit on March 24, but this time in a more intimate event than their usual performances in the Sarasota Opera House.

The Salute to the Stars Awards Luncheon at Sarasota Yacht Club featured several performances by artists such as Daniel R. Mandelker and Marlene N. Harris Fund for a Returning Artist award winner Hans Tashjian, bass; Scheininger-Reznick Apprentice Scholarship for an Outstanding Apprentice Artist winner Tobias Wright, tenor; and Leo M. Rogers Award for an Outstanding Apprentice Artist Anna Bridgman, soprano.

Among the 13 award winners were two Sarasota Opera staff members — Director of Patron Services Susan Ashcraft and Director of Audience Development Sam Lowry — who were recognized with the Joan and David Wood Award for Exceptional Staff Members.