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.