Sarasota Opera Gala colors the town

Sarasota residents gathered at the Ritz Carlton for Sarasota Opera's annual gala.

  • By Brynn Mechem
  • | 10:00 p.m. February 1, 2020
  • Black Tie
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The ballroom of the Ritz Carlton-Sarasota was decorated with dramatically lit colored ribbons as the Sarasota Opera presented its 2020 Opera Gala "The Colors of Love" Saturday evening. 

Gala-goers gathered outside the ballroom for an extensive cocktail hour and silent auction that featured items such as travel tickets, fine jewelry, dining certificates and sports packages. Guests dressed in Black Tie with a twist with many guests adding a pop of color to fit the evening's theme. 

After the cocktail hours, patrons were treated to a performance by Sarasota Opera principal artists and a three course dinner. After dinner, guests hit the dance floor to the music of the Scott Blum Band. 

 

Executive Director Richard Russell and Cynthia Russell
Executive Director Richard Russell and Cynthia Russell
Melba Jiménez and Alan Kesten
Melba Jiménez and Alan Kesten
Tony and Barbara Franke
Tony and Barbara Franke
Gala committee Bonny Heet, Barb Archbold, Lynn Blackledge, Carla Koeffler, Katherine Benoit, Annette Lloyd and Susan Straus
Gala committee Bonny Heet, Barb Archbold, Lynn Blackledge, Carla Koeffler, Katherine Benoit, Annette Lloyd and Susan Straus
Each table is decorated with a different color scheme.
Each table is decorated with a different color scheme.
Joan del Giudice and Ann Waller
Joan del Giudice and Ann Waller
Lynn Blackledge and Ann Walborn
Lynn Blackledge and Ann Walborn
Suellen Tillman rocks a Valentino dress.
Suellen Tillman rocks a Valentino dress.
The Ritz Carlton Ballroom is decorated with brightly-colored ribbon.
The Ritz Carlton Ballroom is decorated with brightly-colored ribbon.
Laurel Phillips and Nela Choy
Laurel Phillips and Nela Choy
Jane Newman, Annamaria Troiano and Mary Mitchell
Jane Newman, Annamaria Troiano and Mary Mitchell
Evella and Keith Feldhacker
Evella and Keith Feldhacker
The theme of the evening is
The theme of the evening is "Colors of Love."
Jaqlyn and David Hammersley
Jaqlyn and David Hammersley
Steve Krause, Jen Niedzinski, Jane Killam and Michele Miller
Steve Krause, Jen Niedzinski, Jane Killam and Michele Miller
Fatima Moon and Maria Sarver
Fatima Moon and Maria Sarver
Millie Finkel, Judy Rosemarin and Patty Bjelland have fun at the photo booth during cocktail hour.
Millie Finkel, Judy Rosemarin and Patty Bjelland have fun at the photo booth during cocktail hour.
Patrons looked at various costumes used in the opera during cocktail hour.
Patrons looked at various costumes used in the opera during cocktail hour.
Joe and Dede Mallof
Joe and Dede Mallof
Betsy Garner Wyant is all smiles as she attends the gala with her mother Dottie Baer Garner.
Betsy Garner Wyant is all smiles as she attends the gala with her mother Dottie Baer Garner.
LeAnn and Scott Yow
LeAnn and Scott Yow
Bright ribbons decorate the ballroom.
Bright ribbons decorate the ballroom.
Jacqueline and David Morton
Jacqueline and David Morton
Steve and Lucia Almquist with Ginny and Alden Keyser
Steve and Lucia Almquist with Ginny and Alden Keyser
Elizabeth and Rocco Aversa
Elizabeth and Rocco Aversa

 

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