Susan T. Danis to Leave Sarasota Opera; Appointed CEO of Florida Grand Opera

Donald Worthington, Chairman of the Board of the Sarasota Opera announced today long time Executive Director, Susan T. Danis, has been appointed General Director and CEO of Florida Grand Opera, a level one opera company (opera companies with an operating budget of over $10 million) located in Miami, Florida. Ms. Danis will continue her duties as Executive Director through September 28th and assume her new role at Florida Grand Opera on October 1st.

"Susan has been Executive Director of the Sarasota Opera for almost 15 years" said Mr. Worthington. "During her tenure, our opera company has grown dramatically and prospered. Among her most significant achievements was the successful project to renovate our historic theater. She directed a capital campaign that raised over $20 million for the award winning project, and supervised the design and reconstruction of the theater. She will be missed."

Maestro Victor DeRenzi, who just celebrated his 30th anniversary as Artistic Director of Sarasota Opera, also expressed his sense of loss at Susan's new appointment. "Susan has made important contributions to our company for many years”, commented Maestro DeRenzi. “Her creativity and high energy level have been important to our success."

“During the past 14 years, I have had the honor of serving Sarasota Opera as its Executive Director”, said Ms. Danis. “From the day I arrived in Sarasota, I have felt the warmth and support of a group of patrons and Trustees that rivals any of the many other places I have lived. I particularly want to thank Artistic Director, Victor DeRenzi. The vision he has developed for this company created an excitement I was able to build upon. He truly is a Maestro in every sense of the word. With such a winning combination, I leave with every confidence that Sarasota Opera has a bright future ahead.”

Mr. Worthington noted that the planning for this year's season is well underway beginning with our fall production of Rigoletto opening October 26. "It is an honor to Sarasota Opera that Susan has been offered this prestigious position but the show must go on. Our outstanding administrative and production staffs will continue to pursue the projects currently underway, and the Human Resources Committee of the Board will begin a search for a successor immediately.”

Based in Florida’s beautiful Gulf Coast, Sarasota Opera is approaching its 54th consecutive season. In 1960, the company began presenting chamber-sized repertoire in the historic 320-seat Asolo Theater on the grounds of Sarasota’s Ringling Museum of Art. Recognizing the need for a theater more conducive to opera, the company purchased the former A.B. Edwards Theater in downtown Sarasota in 1979 and first performing in it in 1984 as the Sarasota Opera House. The theater has just undergone a $20-million renovation and rehabilitation enhancing audience amenities, while updating the technical facilities including increasing the size of the orchestra pit. The theater, which reopened in March 2008, has been called “one of America’s finest venues for opera” by Musical America.

Subscriptions for the 2012 – 2013 Fall and Winter Season are now on sale and available by calling (941) 328-1300 or visiting the Sarasota Opera Box Office at 61 N. Pineapple Avenue. Single tickets are also currently available online (www.sarasotaopera.org) and will be available in the Box Office September 4th.