Richard Russell News

After celebrating the 2026 centennial of the Sarasota Opera House during its current season, Sarasota Opera has revealed the five mainstage productions of its 2026-27 season.

During Sarasota Opera's 2026 Winter Festival, the company celebrates 100 years of the Sarasota Opera House. The historic occasion will be marked with two days of celebratory events, including a Centennial Concert at the Opera House on Saturday, April 11, and a Community Open House on Sunday, April 12, as well as special documentary and book projects.

Sarasota Opera has announced that Maestro Victor DeRenzi, Artistic Director and Principal Conductor, has decided to leave the company at the end of his current contract in May 2026.

Sarasota Opera has been awarded a $41,000 grant from the T.T. and W.F. Chao Foundation to purchase four new upright pianos. The grant completes the company’s fundraising to replace seven aging instruments, ensuring high-quality instruments for rehearsals, education, and community outreach programs.

 Sarasota Opera has announced that longtime supporters and community leaders Don and Rachael Worthington will be honored at the company’s annual Gala, themed “Winter in Paris.'

Sarasota Opera has announced a $30,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, provided by the Martha Leiter and Nancy Streetman Fund II and the Allen Wirtz Nobbe and Jo Bowen Nobbe Fund.

Sarasota Opera has received a $60,000 Empowering Arts Grant from Gulf Coast Community Foundation to support its 2025–2026 programming and operations. The grant, made possible through the Zoe Anderson Charitable Fund and the Venice Endowment Fund, will help sustain world-class performances and educational outreach programs.

Sarasota Opera’s Artistic Director Victor DeRenzi and General Director Richard Russell have announced several leadership updates and appointments to the company’s Board of Trustees.

Sarasota Opera has revealed casting for its 2025–2026 season, marking the company's 67th year and the centennial of the historic Sarasota Opera House.

Sarasota Opera has appointed Arthur Bosarge as its new Artistic Administrator. Bosarge has been a key member of the company's music staff since 2022, most recently serving as Chorus Master and Director of the Apprentice Artists Program.

Manchester International Festival 2025 officially gets underway at 6pm today as a herd of life-sized puppet animals stampede through the streets of Manchester to launch the festival, travelling north to flee climate disaster. Learn how to attend!

Sarasota Opera has been awarded a $50,000 traditional grant for Spring 2025 from The William G. and Marie Selby Foundation to assist in the purchase of seven new pianos, including three Boston baby grand pianos and four upright pianos.

Liberation, a new play by poet and playwright Ntombizodwa Nyoni, directed by Monique Touko, will receive its World Premiere as part of Manchester International Festival 2025.

Although Sarasota Opera's Winter Festival has ended, area residents will have the opportunity this spring to view recorded performances of three operas from this year's season for free at The Bay park, the blue-and-green gathering place in downtown Sarasota!

It's music's biggest night! Sabrina Carpenter, Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, Chappell Roan, Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars, and more took home awards at The 67th Annual GRAMMYs, now available to rewatch on Paramount+. Check out the full list of GRAMMY winners here!

Victor DeRenzi, Sarasota Opera's artistic director and Richard Russell, general director, have announced the addition of six new members to the organization's Board of Trustees — David Bialosky, Joseph Mallof, Sue Neumann, Alastair Hunter-Henderson, Tamara Jacobs, and Thomas Garden.

As Sarasota Opera’s winter season approaches, the company has expanded its marketing staff. Learn more about the new additions to the staff and the company here!

Aaron Lazar, Barbra Streisand, Ariana Grande more were nominated for GRAMMYS. Check out the full list of nominations now! The Outsiders, Suffs and more were nominated in the Best Musical Theatre Album category.

As Sarasota Opera's Fall and Winter seasons approach, the company has expanded its development staff and promoted a longtime employee.

Melissa Voigt has been named Director of Development of Sarasota Opera. Her promotion was recently announced by General Director Richard Russell and Artistic Director Victor DeRenzi.