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
Jeff and Kathleen Troiano with Michelle and Tim Hornung
Marlo and Jay Turner with Cyndi Miller
Opera Gala committee members Chris Shivery, Lydia McKenzie, Chairwoman Carol English, Pat Jones and Irene Bagby
Nancy Markle, Louise Minges and Faith Goldman
Kim Nettles and Margaret Knaust
Colette Penn and Dr. George Straschnov
Greg and Pat Reinhart with Jean and Dennis Dorton
Floral arrangements centered all the tables.
Annette Lloyd with Mayson and Irene Brooks
Judy Rudgers, Stan Katz and Hermione Gilpin
Melinda Foster with Erik and Sandra Lindqvist
Audrey Robbins and Stephanie Sundine
Janice Bini, Dean Scarborugh, and Chris and Kirk Voelker
Ken Tarase, Ann Waller and Len Solimene
Executive Director Richard Russell and Maestro Victor DeRenzi
Patricia Quirk and Jacqueline Morton
Alex Floethe and Veronica Brady
Musicians greeted guests with live music as they entered the ballroom before dinner.
