Social Seens... Photography by A. H. Tram
Opera Tampa, the resident opera company of the Straz Center for the Performing Arts in Tampa, celebrated its 20th Anniversary at its
annual Gala benefit. Opera Tampa General Director Judith Lisi welcomed the guests and thanked them for keeping grand opera alive in
Tampa Bay. Guests arrived through the stage door and were ushered onto the stage, where a set from Rigoletto was in place. After
proceeding to the Ruth Silberger Lobby of Carol Morsani Hall, they dined and were entertained by the Opera Tampa singers.
Legendary baritone Sherrill Milnes was presented with the annual Anton Coppola Excellence in the Arts Award for his worldwide
lifetime achievements in Grand Opera. Special thanks also went to longtime sponsor Helen Torres, Endowed Principal Artist
Fund Sponsor Dr. Zena Lansky, and Opera Tampa’s original Artistic Director/Conductor Maestro Anton Coppola, who attended from
California with his wife Almerinda.
Opera Tampa’s performances are part of the Florida Opera Festival, which was attended by over 20,800 people last year. In addition to
its performances, Opera Tampa Outreach Programs introduce opera to schools and community centers throughout the Tampa Bay area.
Dr. César Lara and his wife Penelope are opera
fans, who attend most performances of Opera
Tampa.
Anne Atlas and her husband Troy, who has
served three years as the chair of the Opera
Tampa board, have given generously to make
Opera Tampa a success.
9
Opera Tampa Gala
Charles Simmons and his wife, board member
Faith “Cookie” Simmons, who co-chaired the
20th Anniversary Gala to benefit Opera Tampa,
were happy with the event’s large turnout.
Opera Tampa General Director and Straz Center
President Judith Lisi and her husband Ernie are
proud to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of grand
opera in Tampa Bay at the Straz Center.
Soprano Maria Zouves beamed as her husband
Sherrill Milnes the world-famous opera baritone,
received the Anton Coppola Excellence in the
Arts Award in recognition of his continuing
contributions to the world of opera.
Opera Tampa’s Artistic Director/Conductor
Maestro Daniel Lipton thanked Gina d’Angelo,
the incoming chair of the Opera Tampa League,
for her dedication to and support of Opera
Tampa.
186 TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE MARCH/APRIL 2015