Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarasota Opera.
Hi Sarasota Opera, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Based in Florida’s beautiful Gulf Coast, Sarasota Opera is now in its 67th season and celebrating 100 years of the Sarasota Opera House.
In 1960 the touring Turnau Opera Players presented their first season in the historic 320 seat Asolo Theater on the grounds of Sarasota’s Ringling Museum of Art. The following year the Asolo Opera Guild was formed to support the annual visits of the Turnau company. In 1974 the Guild formed the Asolo Opera Company to begin presenting their own productions. Recognizing the need for a theater more conducive to opera, the company purchased the former A.B. Edwards Theater in downtown Sarasota in 1979. Renovations began in 1982 and the theater, now on the National Register of Historic Places, opened in 1984 as the Sarasota Opera House, the company it housed now being called Sarasota Opera.
Since 1983 the company has been under the artistic leadership of Victor DeRenzi. Recognizing the importance of training, Maestro DeRenzi founded the Apprentice Artist and Studio Artist programs. Sarasota Opera also maintains a commitment to education through its performances for local schools and the unique Sarasota Youth Opera program, currently the most comprehensive youth opera program in the nation.
Sarasota Opera began attracting international attention with the Masterworks Revival Series, which presents neglected works of artistic merit and made history in 2016 by completing the Verdi Cycle, a 28-season effort to produce every work written by Giuseppe Verdi. Sarasota Opera is now the only opera company in the world to have presented every work, in every version and Maestro DeRenzi is the only conductor to have conducted all the composer’s works.
The Sarasota Opera House completed a $20 million-dollar historic renovation and restoration in 2008. The project was designed to restore the historic 1926 theater to its original glory, while creating a venue for opera for the 21st century. Decorative details have been restored, seating has been replaced, and the orchestra pit almost doubled in size to accommodate operas that require larger orchestras. Backstage systems have been updated and public areas and amenities expanded and enhanced.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There are often misperceptions about opera, but opera is a beautiful, dynamic art form that everyone can enjoy. From beautifully crafted sets and costumes, to world-class, unamplified singing from artists who come to Sarasota from all over the world, to drama and acting, to live orchestral music from the Sarasota Opera Orchestra–opera has it all! Come and try it. You will love it =)
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Sarasota Opera produces impassioned opera performances true to the vision of the composer, to entertain, enrich, educate, and inspire a life-long love of opera in our diverse and growing communities.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
Our community’s love of opera and our company’s dedication to the art form has been the key to success.
Pricing:
- Tickets are on sale now for our 2026 Winter Opera Festival, with prices starting at $32.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sarasotaopera.org
- Instagram: @sarasotaopera
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarasotaopera
- Twitter: https://x.com/sarasotaopera
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/SarasotaOpera
Image Credits
Rod Millington for Sarasota Opera
