Social Seens... Photography by Gram and Noraa Sarasota Opera Gala The theme of this year’s Sarasota Opera Gala was “A Japanese Affair” in honor of Puccini’s Madame Butterfly that the company is performing through March 25th at its Opera House. The elegant evening at the Ritz-Carlton featured dancing, dining and a performance by two of the singers starring in the company’s current production. Maestro Victor DeRenzi was congratulated on completing the Verdi Cycle that he began with Sarasota Opera in 1989 and finished last year, showcasing all of Verdi’s works. He says, “No Verdi this year.” Per-Erik Lindqvist and his wife Sandra, co-chair of the gala, were patrons of the ball. Jane Volpe and her husband Joe, who was the general manager of the Metropolitan Opera in New York for many years, were honored to be at the gala. MARCH/APRIL 2017 | TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE 169 Richard Russell, Sarasota Opera’s executive director and his wife Cynthia greeted guests at the opera’s annual fundraiser. Rachael Worthington and her husband Don, the past chair of the Sarasota Opera’s board of directors, enjoyed this evening of excellence. Fay Lazaris, a loyal supporter of the Sarasota Opera, attended the ball with Mark Chibbaro. David and Edie Chaifetz were patrons of this benefit that Edie co-chaired.
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