City renames Pineapple Avenue in honor of Sarasota Opera's Verdi Cycle

In recognition of the Sarasota Opera's final season of its historic Verdi Cycle, a three-decade commitment to performing the complete works of composer Giuseppe Verdi, the opera and city have joined together to temporarily rename Pineapple Avenue "Verdi Place."

The renamed portion of the street, between First and Main streets, will be unveiled at a ceremony 5:30 Saturday, Jan. 30, at the Opera House, just before opening night of "Aida" and the opera's 2016 winter season. The closing of the cycle marks an accomplishment that is the first of its kind by any opera in the world.

“The cultural arts are a significant part of the Sarasota community and one of the reasons why people want to live here and visit our city,” said City Manager Tom Barwin in a release. "To complete the Verdi Cycle by performing the complete works of Giuseppe Verdi (...)  is a notable achievement.  And the city is proud to help celebrate the opera’s accomplishment by temporarily dedicating a portion of Pineapple Avenue as 'Verdi Place.'”

Sarasota Opera Executive Director Richard Russell expressed his gratitude to the city.

“This special honor only reinforces that fact that Sarasota is truly Verdi’s American home.” he said in a release.