Curtain Raiser Dinner kicks off new season at the Sarasota Opera

Jo Ann Frye, Sarasota Opera Artistic Director Victor DeRenzie and Jeanne Auten

Fred Murrell and Jenny Ferlicchi

Dorothy Lawrence, Sarasota Opera Board of Trustees Chairman David Chaifetz, Alice Nelson and David Rosenthal

The table settings at Michael’s On East welcome guests with an elegant purple and silver theme.

Dr. Mike Wilkins, Dr. Jenny Wilkins and Terrance Burzynski

Carol and Les Brualdi with Art Siciliano and Sarasota Opera Executive Director Richard Russell

Claudia McCorkle and Jonathan Coleman

Audrey Robbins, Joseph and Jean Volpe

Sarasota Opera Artistic Director Victor DeRenzie and Sarasota Opera Executive Director Richard Russell try to explain to a bummed crowd why the opera won’t feature any Verdi this year (except for one night).

Pat Jones, Carol English and Jacqueline Morton

Dick Johnson, Lydia McKenzie and Patrick McKenzie

Genie and Les Aberson with Edie Chaifetz

Lisa Lipford and Matt Nazzaro

Sarasota Opera Board of Trustees Chairman David Chaifetz gives his opening remarks.

Eileen and George Anitpas

Joan Hazen and Richard Mace

Victor Dina with Mia and Joel Garcia

Harry Leopold, Stacy Ridenour and Joseph Volpe

Jay and Marlo Turner

Veronica Brady and Sarasota Opera Board of Trustees Chairman David Chaifetz

Ann Waller and Len Solimene

Ellyn Drummond and Scott Bushey

John and Patti Piper with Mike and Lynda Matash and Michael and Ann Bowers

Jack McClure, Jonathan Coleman and Anna McClure

Helen and Len Glaser

Hanna Dillon, Xavier Prado and Rose Marie Proietti

Barbara and Ron Archbold

Roger (standing), Kristy, Herbert and Maija Kaufman

Tina Kamberg and Elayne Kalberman

Barbara Bailey, Marsha Johnson and Richard Bailey

Susan and Doc Benjamin

Cynthia Russell and Eleanor Williams

Patrick McKenzie, Margarete Wiltshire and J. Russell

David Rosenthal, Alice Nelson, Dawn Jacobson, Jason Voss and Dorothy Lawrence