PHOTO GALLERY: Verdi's 200th Birthday

Pam Bernstein and Carol Fraser walk the red carpet from the library to The Sarasota Opera House to continue the celebration.

Patrons of the opera and library guests crowded the corridors, wrapped up the stair case and encased the balcony to hear Sarasota Opera artists perform Verdi’s works.

Tenor Marvin Kehler, Soprano Jennifer Townshend, Soprano Alexandra Batsios, and Bass-Baritone William Roberts perform for an audience at the library

Tenor Jon Jurgens performs in the balcony of the lobby of Sarasota Opera House for patrons

Jane James and Jane Stevenson anticipate the singers’ performances

Elizabeth Hope brought along some party favors

Joyce and Herb Furman wait in line for a backstage tour

Ashleigh Evans volunteers to get dressed in a wig by the wig and makeup assistant Audrey Bernardin. Many wig demonstrations took place throughout the evening.

Maestro Victor DeRenzi greets patrons in the lobby

Brigitte Liltgureux and Ursula Pries rehearse Verdi’s “Va, pensiero” from Nabucco. Attendees were able to rehearse and learn the familiar score and participated in a group sing-a-long of the song at the end of the evening.

Roz Lurie, Barbara Kelly, Millie Finkel, Helen McVey and Carole Gorin

One young patron in line said, “I bet there’s one person for every year Verdi was born.” There were hundreds of people that attended The Sarasota Opera House for the celebration.

Gabe Moretti, Paul Zimmermann, Naureen DeFonzo, Rob Montano and Linda Moretti

Bruno Pasquali and Ellen Goldman

Kerry, Ben Owen, Steve and Jack Schabacker

Director of production Chris Van Alstyne lead groups in backstage tours of The Sarasota Opera House

Member of the Bradenton Opera Guild Sheila Varady marvels at one of the Sarasota Opera costumes head dresser Ruthie Engford Clark shows her. Three elaborate costumes were on display.