Guests show their secretive sides at Opera Gala’s masked ball
By
Observer Staff
| 2:15 p.m. February 4, 2024
Black Tie
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Dressed to impress and sporting festive masks of every size, shape and color, guests of the Sarasota Opera’s annual gala got to experience Italy without leaving The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota ballroom Feb. 3. The gala’s theme, A Masked Ball: Carnevale di Venezia, transported attendees to a carnival atmosphere complete with masked performers from the Circus Arts Conservatory and performances by the event’s beneficiary, the Sarasota Youth Opera.
The Ritz ballroom was decked out with the theme, featuring gold masks illuminated in red lights and a stage with a backdrop of Venice, Italy. Guests participated in the fun with masks featuring feathers, beads and colorful glitter.
After dinner, Artistic Director Victor DeRenzi and General Director Richard Russell welcomed attendees. Guests then got their paddles warmed up with a live auction and a paddle raise for the Youth Opera and Education Fund before heading to the dance floor to dance to the sounds of the Tomkats Jazz Orchestra.
Gala Committee members Isabelle Eidet, Aline Blanchard, Katherine Benoit and Tamara Jacobs
Photo by Lori Sax
Scott Guinn and Katherine Benoit
Photo by Lori Sax
Bliss Rippy, Tuanna Radovic, Isabella Maltese, Ara Martinez, and Sophie Lunsford, all representing the Sarasota Youth Opera
Photo by Lori Sax
Lauren and Brian Hersh
Photo by Lori Sax
Jonathan Coleman and Rick Kerby don their masks with all the accompanying style at the Sarasota Opera Gala.
Photo by Lori Sax
Victor DeRenzi, artistic director of the Sarasota Opera, and Richard Russell, general director, at a 2024 black tie event.
Photo by Lori Sax
Chacha Sunshine and Kathy Yu
Photo by Lori Sax
Nade Kassis and Eduardo Anaya
Photo by Lori Sax
Marianne and Lou Cohen with Douglas White
Photo by Lori Sax
Fran Blum and Hadi Lashkajani with Douglas White
Photo by Lori Sax
Pete Dunay, Christina Yin and Philip Dunay
Photo by Lori Sax
Chloe Kim and Jesse Martins
Photo by Lori Sax
The Ritz-Carlton ballroom was dressed up for the theme.
Photo by Lori Sax
Dr. Olga Dontsovia and Dr. Victor Khlevmoy
Photo by Lori Sax
Shelli Johnson and Sarah Chaffee
Photo by Lori Sax
Jake Zeigler and Cheryl Gorelick
Photo by Lori Sax
Patrick and Erin Duggan
Photo by Lori Sax
Jim and Eileen Buzzard
Photo by Lori Sax
Andrew Mahea and Sarah Tucker
Photo by Lori Sax
Ashley Holt and Paul Allen
Photo by Lori Sax
Kristen and Jeremie Guglielmi with Jorge Santiago and Teddy Fournier
Photo by Lori Sax
Anthony Valez, Brian Maher and Shelley Valez
Photo by Lori Sax
Carol Vonallmen and Bobby Garibaldi
Photo by Lori Sax
Celia Young and Sherril Morse
Photo by Lori Sax
Victor DeRenzi and Richard Russell welcome guests.
