Sarasota Opera Gala kicks off the 2019 Winter Opera Festival

Opera Gala: 'A Jeweled Affair — An Evening of Glamour and Glitz' was held Feb. 2 at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota.

  • By Niki Kottmann
  • | 1:16 a.m. February 3, 2019
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There were several reasons to celebrate at Opera Gala: 'A Jeweled Affair — An Evening of Glamour and Glitz.' Feb. 2, but the main one was the start of the 2019 Winter Opera Festival. 

The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota ballroom was shimmering even more than usual at the annual fundraiser, which began with an extensive cocktail hour during which guests could bid on silent auction items. Eventgoers then headed to the ornately decorated ballroom for the pre-dinner program. Several guests took to the dance floor before being seated and welcomed by Executive Director Richard Russell, Maestro Victor DeRenzi and Board Chairwoman Syble DiGirolamo.

Before dinner, guests were treated to performances by “Nabucco” vocalists soprano Rochelle Bard, baritone Stephen Gaertner and tenor Ben Gulley.

The company will celebrate its 60th diamond anniversary season April 5 at the Sarasota Opera House with a Diamond Anniversary Recital and Dinner. 

Co-Chairs Carol and Larry English
Co-Chairs Carol and Larry English
Jeff and Kathleen Troiano with Michelle and Tim Hornung
Jeff and Kathleen Troiano with Michelle and Tim Hornung
Marlo and Jay Turner with Cyndi Miller
Marlo and Jay Turner with Cyndi Miller
Opera Gala committee members Chris Shivery, Lydia McKenzie, Chairwoman Carol English, Pat Jones and Irene Bagby
Opera Gala committee members Chris Shivery, Lydia McKenzie, Chairwoman Carol English, Pat Jones and Irene Bagby
Nancy Markle, Louise Minges and Faith Goldman
Nancy Markle, Louise Minges and Faith Goldman
Kim Nettles and Margaret Knaust
Kim Nettles and Margaret Knaust
Colette Penn and Dr. George Straschnov
Colette Penn and Dr. George Straschnov
Greg and Pat Reinhart with Jean and Dennis Dorton
Greg and Pat Reinhart with Jean and Dennis Dorton
Floral arrangements centered all the tables.
Floral arrangements centered all the tables.
Annette Lloyd with Mayson and Irene Brooks
Annette Lloyd with Mayson and Irene Brooks
Judy Rudgers, Stan Katz and Hermione Gilpin
Judy Rudgers, Stan Katz and Hermione Gilpin
Melinda Foster with Erik and Sandra Lindqvist
Melinda Foster with Erik and Sandra Lindqvist
Audrey Robbins and Stephanie Sundine
Audrey Robbins and Stephanie Sundine
Janice Bini, Dean Scarborugh, and Chris and Kirk Voelker
Janice Bini, Dean Scarborugh, and Chris and Kirk Voelker
Ken Tarase, Ann Waller and Len Solimene
Ken Tarase, Ann Waller and Len Solimene
Executive Director Richard Russell and Maestro Victor DeRenzi
Executive Director Richard Russell and Maestro Victor DeRenzi
Patricia Quirk and Jacqueline Morton
Patricia Quirk and Jacqueline Morton
Alex Floethe and Veronica Brady
Alex Floethe and Veronica Brady
Musicians greeted guests with live music as they entered the ballroom before dinner.
Musicians greeted guests with live music as they entered the ballroom before dinner.
Dr. Ed Williams dances with Nancy Hewett.
Dr. Ed Williams dances with Nancy Hewett.
Board Chairwoman Syble DiGirolamo welcomes guests.
Board Chairwoman Syble DiGirolamo welcomes guests.
Soprano Rochelle Bard sings “Jewel Song” from “Gounod’s Faust” with special guest prop holder Executive Director Richard Russell.
Soprano Rochelle Bard sings “Jewel Song” from “Gounod’s Faust” with special guest prop holder Executive Director Richard Russell.
Soprano Rochelle Bard sings “Jewel Song” from “Gounod’s Faust.”
Soprano Rochelle Bard sings “Jewel Song” from “Gounod’s Faust.”
Tenor Ben Gulley performs “Dein ist mein ganzes Herz” from Lehár’s “The Land of Smiles.”
Tenor Ben Gulley performs “Dein ist mein ganzes Herz” from Lehár’s “The Land of Smiles.”

 

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