Victor DeRenzi, Artistic Director Richard Russell, Executive Director

An Operatic Milestone— 28 Years in the Making

In 1989 Sarasota Opera began The Verdi Cycle—a unique undertaking to perform the complete works of . The 2016 Winter Opera Festival will mark the grand finale of this extraordinary journey with new productions of and The Battle of Legnano, with a final week devoted exclusively to the composer including two concerts of his music, talks, panel discussions, and other special events. The completion of the Cycle will make Sarasota Opera the only company in the world to have performed all of Verdi’s music!

As we make history right here in the heart of downtown Sarasota, where will you be?

Table of Contents Fall Opera Season La bohème ...... 4 Brundibár: Youth Opera ...... 6 The Verdi Cycle Commemorative Book ....6 Visit Sarasota Opera ...... 7 Season Calendar...... 8 Concert Performances ...... 9 Lecture Series / Special Events ...... 10 Winter Opera Festival Aida ...... 12 Così fan tutte ...... 14 Fidelio ...... 16 The Battle of Legnano ...... 18 Become a Donor...... 20 Donor Rewards ...... 21 Accessibility / Parking / Connect ...... 22 Buy Your Tickets ...... 23

Opera Season Sponsor Opera in four acts by Sung in Italian with English translations projected above the stage

October 30 Fri 7:30 pm

November 1 Sun 1:30 pm 4 Wed 7:30 pm 10 Tue 7:30 pm 12 Thu 7:30 pm 15 Sun 1:30 pm 17 Tue 7:30 pm With 1830s Paris as the backdrop, love flourishes, withers and dies in this melodious and heart-wrenching favorite. Puccini’s most beloved opera will have you relive Mimì and Rodolfo’s first encounter, walk through Paris’ Latin Quarter with the two lovers, and dine at Cafè Momus on Christmas Eve. You’ll laugh at the four friends’ jokes and pranks, and feel the poet’s broken heart as he realizes his lover is fatally ill.

MIMÌ Jessica Rose Cambio MUSETTA Angela Mortellaro RODOLFO Martín Nusspaumer MARCELLO Craig Irvin SCHAUNARD Gideon Dabi COLLINE Colin Ramsey

CONDUCTOR Victor DeRenzi STAGE DIRECTOR Stephanie Sundine SCENIC DESIGNER David P. Gordon COSTUME COORDINATOR Howard Tsvi Kaplan LIGHTING DESIGNER Ken Yunker

Come early and enjoy a pre-show introduction hosted by a member of the Sarasota Opera music staff 45 minutes before all La bohème performances. FREE with your opera ticket. Felding Hall (in the back of the Donna Wolf Steigerwaldt Courtyard.)

Meet the Artists OCTOBER 20, 2015, 5:00 pm Tickets: $20 The William E. Schmidt Opera Theatre, Executive Director Richard Russell will interview the singers and artistic staff responsible for bringing La bohème to the Sarasota Opera stage.

We are pleased to be performing with the outstanding musicians of the Sarasota Orchestra during our 2015 Fall Season. For more information about the Sarasota Orchestra, visit sarasotaorchestra.org.

Cambio Mortellaro Nusspaumer Irvin

Media Sponsors:

(941) 328-1300 | SARASOTAOPERA.ORG | 5 Hans Krása’s

A Youth Opera Production Sung in English with English titles projected above the stage Prologue and additional materials by Martha Collins

November 14 Sat 1:30 pm 14 Sat 7:30 pm

Performed more than 55 times by the children of the Theresienstadt concentration camp during WWII, this tale finds Annette and Little Joe in search of milk for their ill mother. The children’s only hope is to raise money by singing in the marketplace, but the heartless organ grinder Brundibár chases them away. Not to worry! Help is on the way—the children of the town, plus a sparrow, a cat, and a very wise dog set out to help the siblings stand up to Brundibár. Tickets: Children $12 | Adults $25 | Premium $40 | Family Package $55 (4 children & 2 adults)

CONDUCTOR Jesse Martins STAGE DIRECTOR Martha Collins SCENIC DESIGNER Thaddeus Strassberger

Youth Opera Production Sponsored by the Les and Carol Brualdi Foundation.

The Verdi Cycle: 28 Years of Verdi in Sarasota In honor of this great Sarasota Opera milestone, we are producing a hard-cover, full-color commemorative book. Drawing on years of archival images, historical facts and interesting anecdotes, the book tells the story of the Verdi Cycle from its inception to completion. Order yours today by calling or going online. Price: $79 Books will be available to ship in March/April 2016.

6 | SARASOTAOPERA.ORG | (941) 328-1300 Visit Sarasota Opera

Visit SARASOTAOPERA.ORG for useful information for first time visitors to Sarasota, including information about local hotels and restaurants. Check for partner hotel packages and special offers.

Opera House Tours Our tour of the historic Sarasota Opera House includes access to backstage areas— see what happens behind the scenes! Call for information about tours for groups of 10 or more.

MONDAYS AT 10:30 am on the following dates: Fall 2015: NOVEMBER 2 & 9 Winter 2016: FEBRUARY 8, 15, 22, 29, MARCH 7, 14 Tickets: $12 per person

Visit Sarasota County Sarasota—Where Artistic Expression and Inspiration Meet Visit Sarasota County has expanded information for many local hotels, restaurants and attractions, as well as the inside track on hotel packages and other visitor specials. Contact at: (800) 800-3906 | (941) 957-1877 | visitsarasota.org

Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County The Arts and Cultural Alliance has information on Sarasota’s diverse visual and performing arts scene. Contact at: (941) 365-5118 | sarasotaarts.org For more discount opportunities, mention Sarasota Opera when booking hotels, renting cars, or contacting other local businesses.

First time at the Opera?

Dress comfortably and be yourself. We want everyone to feel at home in our theater. At Sarasota Opera, appropriate dress can be anything from jeans and khakis to evening gowns and tuxedos, and everything in between. Real-time English translations are projected above the stage so you can follow along even if the opera is in a foreign language. No special preparation is required. You will be given a program book with a full cast list and program notes as you enter the hall. You can also check our website SARASOTAOPERA.ORG, for suggested reading, recordings and other information. Applaud when the performance moves you. Don’t be shy! Allow extra time for travel and parking. If you are late, you can watch and listen to a live stream of the performance in our second floor lounge. You will be seated in the theater at the first available opportunity. Food and drinks are available prior to the performance and during intermissions at concessions throughout the Opera House and Courtyard.

Photo: Herb Booth 2015-16 Verdi Cycle Grand Finale Season Calendar

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun OCTOBER 15 16 17 18 Understanding 2015 Fall Season (1) Opera , 10:30 am 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Meet the Artists, Understanding Curtain Raiser 5:00 pm Opera(1), 10:30 am Dinner (2), 6:00 pm 26 27 28 29 30 31 NOVEMBER 1 Understanding La bohème, La bohème, Opera (1), 10:30 am 7:30 pm 1:30 pm 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Opera House La bohème, Understanding Forbidden Forbidden Tour, 10:30 am 7:30 pm Opera (1), 10:30 am Music Concert, Music Concert Lecture: Forbidden 8:00 pm (4), 3:00 pm Music & Anti- Semitism, 5:30 pm 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Opera House La bohème, Concerts at Noon, Brundibár, La bohème, Tour, 10:30 am 7:30 pm 12:00 pm 1:30 pm 1:30 pm La bohème, 7:30 pm Brundibár, 7:30 pm 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 La bohème, Panel Discussion: 7:30 pm Anti-Semitism Today (3), 5:30 pm JANUARY 22 23 24 2016 Winter Opera Festival Opera Gala (5), 6:30 pm 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Meet the Artists, Aida, 7:00 pm 5:00 pm FEBRUARY 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Meet the Artists, Aida, 7:30 pm Così fan tutte, Aida, 1:30 pm 5:00 pm 7:30 pm 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Opera House Meet the Artists, Aida, 7:30 pm Così fan tutte, Fidelio, 7:30 pm Così fan tutte, Tour, 10:30 am 5:00 pm 7:30 pm 1:30 pm Così fan tutte, 7:30 pm 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 Opera House Così fan tutte, Fidelio, 7:30 pm Aida, 1:30 pm Così fan tutte, Tour, 10:30 am 7:30 pm 1:30 pm 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 Opera House Meet the Artists, Fidelio, 7:30 pm Così fan tutte, The Battle of Fidelio, 1:30 pm Tour, 10:30 am 5:00 pm 7:30 pm Legnano, Aida, 7:30 pm Aida, 7:30 pm 7:30 pm 29 MARCH 1 2 3 4 5 6 Opera House Fidelio, 7:30 pm Aida, 7:30 pm The Battle of Concerts at Fidelio, 1:30 pm The Battle Tour, 10:30 am Legnano, 7:30 pm Noon, 12:00 pm Aida, 7:30 pm of Legnano, Covers at 3, 1:30 pm 3:00 pm Così fan tutte, 7:30 pm 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Opera House The Battle of Artists Choice Fidelio, 7:30 pm The Battle of Aida, 1:30 pm Tour, 10:30 am Legnano, 7:30 pm Concert, 7:30 pm Legnano, 1:30 pm Così fan tutte, 8:00 pm 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Opera House Aida, 7:30 pm The Battle of The Young Verdi The Battle of Aida, 7:30 pm The Verdi Cycle Tour, 10:30 am Legnano, 7:30 pm Concert, 7:30 pm Legnano, 7:30 pm Grand Finale Dinner (6), 5:00 pm Concert, 7:00 pm After Party, 9:30 pm

OPERA LOVERS WEEKEND: See all 4 Winter Festival titles in a weekend. Available February 26–28, March 4–6 and March 11–13. THE VERDI FESTIVAL: Join us for a whole week exclusively devoted to Giuseppe Verdi, including two concerts of his music, talks, panel discussions and other special events. All opera performances, events and concerts take place at The William E. Schmidt Opera Theatre, Sarasota Opera House, except: (1) Understanding Opera, at the Jonas Kamlet Library, Sarasota Opera House; (2) Curtain Raiser Dinner, at Michael’s on East Wine Cellar, (3) Forbidden Music Lectures (Nov 5 and 19, 2015), at the Jonas Kamlet Library, Sarasota Opera House; (4) Forbidden Music Con- cert, at the Ferguson Hall at Straz Center, Tampa, and (5) The Opera Gala, at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota and (6) The Verdi Cycle Grand Finale Celebration Dinner and After Party, tented event in front of the Opera House on N. Pineapple Street. You can always visit SARASOTAOPERA.ORG or call (941) 328-1300 for further information more about Sarasota Opera performances, events and lectures. Concert Performances

All Signature Concert performances take place at The William E. Schmidt Opera Theatre, at the Sarasota Opera House unless otherwise noted.

Forbidden Music—Works Banned by the Nazis FLORIDA HOLOCAUST SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2015, 8:00 pm MUSEUM The William E. Schmidt Opera Theatre, Sarasota Opera House

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2015, 3:00 pm Concert Sponsors: Ferguson Hall at Straz Center, Tampa* Jewish artists were at the very center of cultural life in Germany in the 1930s, but as the Third Reich was rising, their art became increasingly isolated, and ultimately forbidden. In partnership with the Florida Holocaust Museum in St. Petersburg, this concert features music by composers who were banned by the Nazis. * For tickets to the Tampa concert, please call the Straz Center Box Office at (813) 229-7827 or visit strazcenter.org. Lecture and Panel Discussion Lecture: Forbidden Music & Anti-Semitism THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2015, 5:30 pm Jonas Kamlet Library, Sarasota Opera House

Panel Discussion: Anti-Semitism Today THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2015, 5:30 pm Jonas Kamlet Library, Sarasota Opera House

Artists Choice Concert WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9, 2016, 7:30 pm Concert Sponsors: A Sarasota Opera tradition! Enjoy principal and studio artists as they perform their choice of the best of opera and song.

The Young Verdi THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016, 7:30 pm He is known as the preeminent opera composer of the 19th century, and regarded by many as the reigning master of opera of all time. But before all the fame, the young Giuseppe was a talented man with his own dreams and aspirations. Meet the young Verdi in this concert of music composed before his first opera, , Conte di San Bonifacio.

The Verdi Cycle Grand Finale Concert SUNDAY, MARCH 20, 2016, 7:00 pm Closing The Verdi Cycle Grand Finale Season, hear one of Verdi’s final works— the Te Deum. For the delight of every Verdi aficionado, this season’s Verdi Concert will feature favorite arias, ensembles and choruses from his most famous operas.

The Verdi Cycle Grand Finale Concert & Celebration are on sale now exclusively to Season Subscribers. Sales to the general public start January 2016. Subscribe and secure your seats today!

Other Concerts

Concerts at Noon FRIDAY, MARCH 4, 2016, 12:00 pm Harold and Kay Ronson Grand Atrium, Sarasota Opera House Experience tomorrow’s talent first hand as our Apprentice Artists perform in these hour-long concerts. Limited seating: first come, first served. Tickets: $5

Covers at 3 FRIDAY, MARCH 4, 2016, 3:00 pm Peterson Great Room, Sarasota Opera House Studio Artists who are understudying principal roles on the mainstage will sing excerpts from this season’s operas. Tickets: $5 (941) 328-1300 | SARASOTAOPERA.ORG | 9 Lecture Series Understanding Opera Executive Director Richard Russell and Director of Artistic Administration Greg Trupiano team up to delve into the world of opera. These enjoyable morning talks take place at the Jonas Kamlet Library at the Sarasota Opera House, and focus on different elements of this all-encompassing art form. Tickets: $25 per session / All four sessions $75

It’s a Scandal! THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2015, 10:30 am Hear about history’s great operatic scandals and fiascos. With featured speakers Richard Russell and Greg Trupiano.

The Tenor Voice THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2015, 10:30 am Delve into the history and development of the all-mighty tenor. With Executive Director Richard Russell.

Opera vs. Opera THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2015, 10:30 am What happens when two great composers write operas on the same subject? With Richard Russell and Greg Trupiano.

My System is Better than Your System THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2015, 10:30 am Greg Trupiano will explain the difference between “stagione” and opera in “Rep.” Special Events

A Taste of Downtown Food & Wine Festival Media Sponsors:

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2015, 1:00 pm

.com The William E. Schmidt Opera Theatre, Sarasota Opera House YourObserver.com Following last year’s great success, our food & wine festival is back, benefiting Sarasota Youth Opera. Enjoy menu samplings from your favorite downtown restaurants, along with fine wine pairings. Tickets: $55 in advance and $65 at the door

Curtain Raiser Dinner SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2015 Corporate Sponsors: Michael’s on East Wine Cellar, Cocktail Attire Traditionally the start of Sarasota Opera’s social season, this event is where long time patrons reunite and new friends are made among fellow opera lovers. In the beautiful ambiance of Michael’s Wine Cellar, enjoy a sumptuous three-course dinner and an exciting performance by artists from our fall opera season. Tickets: $195

Left to right: Elissa Soyka, Sandra Lindqvist, Anna Maria Troiano, Jacqueline Morton Left to right: Rick Kerby, Claudia McCorkle, Jonathan Coleman, Richard Ferrell

Prelude Dinners Enjoy fine dining and socializing at The Bijou Café prior to the Opening Night performance, featuring a special guest from the artistic staff. Seating is limited— place your order today. All dinners start at 5:00 pm. Aida SATURDAY, JANUARY 30, 2016 Così fan tutte SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2016 Fidelio SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2016 The Battle of Legnano SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2016 Tickets: $95 per person, per dinner

The Opera Gala—An Evening on the Nile Corporate Sponsors: SATURDAY, JANUARY 23, 2016, 6:30 pm The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota Black Tie Attire Event Chairs: Edith Chaifetz and Sandra Lindqvist This year’s gala will bring the mystique of ancient Egypt to life as we prepare for our opening of Verdi’s Aida. Complete with a cocktail hour, delectable four-course dinner, live music for dancing, and a performance by our principal artists. Don’t miss the premier event in Sarasota! Media Sponsor: Tickets: $295

Subscribe now and be the first to get tickets for The Verdi Cycle Grand Finale Concert & Celebration! On sale now to Subscribers only. On sale to the general public January 2016.

The Verdi Cycle Grand Finale Celebration SUNDAY, MARCH 20, 2016 5:00 pm Dinner, 7:00 pm Verdi Concert, 9:30 pm After Party Sarasota Opera House Cocktail Attire Join us to celebrate the completion of our world renowned Verdi Cycle. The evening will begin with a lavish dinner party under the stars in a beautiful tent in front of the opera house. Guests will then go into the theater to enjoy the highly anticipated Verdi Cycle Grand Finale Concert. Following the concert will be an after-party with cocktails, live music and a variety of savory and sweet indulgences.

Tickets: $250 per person (includes dinner and after-party) $75 per person (for the after-party only) Verdi Concert tickets sold separately Tickets for events can be purchased through the Sarasota Opera Box Office or through our Development Office. Box Office: (941) 328-1300 | Development Office:(941) 366-8450, ext 402

Questions can be emailed to Jennifer Simms, Senior Manager, Special Events & Sponsorship at [email protected]. (941) 328-1300 | SARASOTAOPERA.ORG | 11 Opera in four acts by Giuseppe Verdi Sung in Italian with English translations projected above the stage

Radamés is an ambitious Egyptian warrior who thinks only of two things—leading his country’s January legions against the Ethiopians, and his undying love 30 Sat 7:00 pm for the slave Aida. But his feelings for Aida crush the hopes of the King’s daughter Amneris, leading him February and his beloved onto a path of betrayal, revenge, 4 Thu 7:30 pm and tragedy. In a grand spectacle of vocal prowess, 7 Sun 1:30 pm awe-inspiring ballet and choruses, sumptuous Wed 7:30 pm scenery and luxurious costumes, experience Verdi’s 10 beloved tale of a heartbreaking love triangle, 20 Sat 1:30 pm presented by Sarasota Opera for the first time. 23 Tue 7:30 pm

Sun 7:30 pm AIDA Michelle Johnson 28 AMNERIS Leann Sandel-Pantaleo RADAMÉS Jonathan Burton March AMONASRO Marco Nisticò Wed 7:30 pm RAMFIS Young Bok Kim 2 THE KING OF EGYPT Jeffrey Beruan 5 Sat 7:30 pm CONDUCTOR Victor DeRenzi 13 Sun 1:30 pm STAGE DIRECTOR Stephanie Sundine Tue 7:30 pm SCENIC DESIGNER David P. Gordon 15 COSTUME COORDINATOR Howard Tsvi Kaplan 19 Sat 7:30 pm LIGHTING DESIGNER Ken Yunker

Production Sponsors: Bud and Betty Shapiro in honor and memory of Harry M. and Eva Shapiro on the 100th anniversary of their marriage. Meet the Artists JANUARY 26, 2016, 5:00 pm Tickets: $20 The William E. Schmidt Opera Theatre, Sarasota Opera House Executive Director Richard Russell will interview the singers and artistic staff responsible for bringing Aida to the Sarasota Opera stage.

Johnson Sandel-Pantaleo Burton Nisticò

Media Sponsors:

(941) 328-1300 | SARASOTAOPERA.ORG | 13 Dramma giocoso in two acts by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Sung in Italian with English translations projected above the stage

“Così fan tutte” literally means “all women do this.” Ferrando and Guglielmo believe that their February respective fiancées will be eternally faithful, but the 6 Sat 7:30 pm old philosopher Don Alfonso isn’t so sure. To show 9 Tue 7:30 pm him that they are right, the two soldiers pull a prank 11 Thu 7:30 pm on their brides-to-be, putting their faithfulness to Sun 1:30 pm the test. Mozart’s enthralling comedy and masterful 14 score will lighten your heart and make for an evening 17 Wed 7:30 pm of great fun. 21 Sun 1:30 pm

FIORDILIGI Jennifer Townshend DESPINA Angela Mortellaro March DORABELLA Shirin Eskandani 4 Fri 7:30 pm FERRANDO Heath Huberg GUGLIELMO Corey Crider 12 Sat 8:00 pm DON ALFONSO Stefano de Peppo

CONDUCTOR Marcello Cormio STAGE DIRECTOR Kathleen Smith Belcher SCENIC DESIGNER David P. Gordon COSTUME DESIGNER Howard Tsvi Kaplan LIGHTING DESIGNER Ken Yunker

Meet the Artists FEBRUARY 2, 2016, 5:00 pm Tickets: $20 The William E. Schmidt Opera Theatre, Sarasota Opera House Artistic Director Victor DeRenzi will interview the singers and artistic staff responsible for bringing Così fan tutte to the Sarasota Opera stage.

Media Sponsor: Townshend Mortellaro Eskandani Huberg Crider de Peppo

(941) 328-1300 | SARASOTAOPERA.ORG | 15 in two acts by Ludwig van Beethoven Performed in German with English translations projected above the stage

In a Spanish prison, the corrupt Pizarro unjustly imprisoned Florestan—a nobleman who had February attempted to expose the villain’s crimes. 13 Sat 7:30 pm Florestan’s loving wife, Leonore, infiltrates the 18 Thu 7:30 pm prison by disguising herself as a young man, 24 Wed 7:30 pm Fidelio, to save her beloved from certain death. Sun 1:30 pm Beethoven’s only opera is an ode to the virtues of 28 love, perseverance, heroism, and justice. March LEONORE Kara Shay Thomson 1 Tue 7:30 pm FLORESTAN Michael Robert Hendrick DON PIZARRO Sean Anderson 5 Sat 1:30 pm ROCCO Harold Wilson Fri 7:30 pm DON FERNANDO Jeffrey Beruan 11 MARZELLINE Vanessa Isiguen

CONDUCTOR Ekhart Wycik STAGE DIRECTOR Tom Diamond SCENIC DESIGNER Michael Schweikardt COSTUME DESIGNER Howard Tsvi Kaplan LIGHTING DESIGNER Ken Yunker

16 | SARASOTAOPERA.ORG | (941) 328-1300 Meet the Artists FEBRUARY 9, 2016, 5:00 pm The William E. Schmidt Opera Theatre, Sarasota Opera House Artistic Director Victor DeRenzi will interview the singers and artistic staff responsible for bringing Fidelio to the Sarasota Opera stage.

Thomson Hendrick Anderson Wilson

Media Sponsor: Lyric Tragedy in four acts by Giuseppe Verdi Sung in Italian with English translations projected above the stage As the Milanese troops struggle to defend their February city against the warrior Barbarossa, love for the same woman will test the friendship of two 27 Sat 7:30 pm warriors. Left for dead at the battlefield, the young Arrigo has now re-joined the army with March high hopes of honor and service to his country. 3 Thu 7:30 pm Believing he was dead, Rolando took the hand 6 Sun 1:30 pm of Arrigo’s beloved in marriage, and now Arrigo 8 Tue 7:30 pm wishes for death in the forthcoming battle. 12 Sat 1:30 pm LIDA Jennifer Black Wed 7:30 pm ARRIGO Martín Nusspaumer 16 ROLANDO Todd Thomas 18 Fri 7:30 pm FEDERICO BARBAROSSA Young Bok Kim MARCOVALDO Harold Wilson IMELDA Tara Curtis

CONDUCTOR Victor DeRenzi STAGE DIRECTOR Martha Collins SCENIC DESIGNER Jeffrey W. Dean COSTUME DESIGNER Howard Tsvi Kaplan LIGHTING DESIGNER Ken Yunker

Come early and enjoy a pre-show introduction hosted by a member of the Sarasota Opera music staff 45 minutes before all The Battle of Legnano performances. FREE with your opera ticket at Felding Hall (in the back of the Donna Wolf Steigerwaldt Courtyard.)

Meet the Artists February 23, 2016, 5:00 pm The William E. Schmidt Opera Theatre, Sarasota Opera House Executive Director Richard Russell will interview the singers and artistic staff responsible for bringing The Battle of Legnano to the Sarasota Opera stage.

Black Nusspaumer Thomas Kim

Media Sponsor:

(941) 328-1300 | SARASOTAOPERA.ORG | 19 Left to right: Jacqueline Morton, Leila O’Connor, Mary Mitchell, Kara Shay Thomson, Kim Nettles, Lisa Merrill

Become a donor A gift of any amount can make a difference A gift to the Sarasota Opera helps ensure the extraordinary quality of performances that you have come to expect and offers unique opportunities to enrich and deepen your enjoyment of opera through special programs that are available only to our donors.

See what your gift can do • $100 assists us in introducing ten students to opera • $500 provides costumes for an Apprentice Artist for a production • $1,000 supports housing a Studio Artist for a month during the Winter Season • $5,000 helps underwrite one of our productions

We can’t do it without you—giving is easy Ticket sales cover only 40% of the cost of producing our world-class productions. Please consider including a tax-deductible contribution along with your ticket order. Gifts can also be made by phone, check, credit card or online. We also accept gifts of appreciated stock. Double the impact of your gift through your corporate matching program! For more information on ways to give, please contact Sarasota Opera’s Development Department at (941) 366-8450 ext. 416, visit us online at SARASOTAOPERA.ORG or mail your contribution to Sarasota Opera, Development Department, 61 N. Pineapple Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34236.

The Sarasota Opera Association, Inc., a not-for-profit, tax-exempt corporation, acknowledges contributions are tax deductible, less the fair market value of any goods or services received.

A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CUSTOMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (1-800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. REGISTRATION NUMBER: CH429.

20 | SARASOTAOPERA.ORG | (941) 328-1300 Donating has its rewards

All gifts of $75 or more make you a Sarasota Opera STAR, while donations of $5,000 and above entitle you to the special privileges of being a CO-PRODUCER. Verdi Circle memberships—which support our Verdi Cycle—start at $125 and include an invitation to Maestro DeRenzi’s popular Verdi Circle Lectures.

For more information, contact Amanda Chandler at (941) 366-8450 ext. 250 or [email protected].

SEASON CO-PRODUCER $25,000+ CO-PRODUCER $5,000–$24,999 BENEFACTOR $3,000–$4,999 AMBASSADOR $2,000–$2,999 REGENT $1,000–$1,999 ASSOCIATE $500–$999 PATRON $350–$499 SUSTAINER $250–$349 SPONSOR $150–$249 DONOR $75–$149 Invitation to the Apprentice Welcome Concert « « « « « « « « « « Complimentary subscription to Sarasota Opera’s « « « « « « « « « « newsletter Libretto Your name listed in the program book « « « « « « « « « Invitation to the STAR Coffee and Lecture « « « « « « « « Invitation to special social events « « « « « « « STAR Lapel Pin « « « « « « « Two admissions to the Dress Rehearsal of one Winter 2016 « « « « « « production (Così fan tutte) Gonye Opera Club Discount ‡ « « « « « Reception in McCorkle Lounge with Principal Artists « « « « « following the Artists Choice Concert Two admissions to the Dress Rehearsal of two « « « « « Winter 2016 productions (Così fan tutte and Fidelio) Two admissions to the Dress Rehearsals of three Winter 2016 productions (Così fan tutte, Fidelio and « « « « The Battle of Legnano) Picture in the 2016 Winter program book « « « One McCorkle Lounge Guest pass (for two people) « « « A private dinner onstage, and more! « « Photo recognition in the program book and on surtitle « « screens, corresponding with opera of your choice The opportunity to co-produce a different opera for each $5,000 gift increment (one opera at $5,000, two operas at « « $10,000, etc.) Access to the McCorkle Lounge on the third floor of the « « Opera House A private dinner party with principal artists « Photo recognition and profile in the program book and on « surtitle screens for all operas

‡ Should you take advantage of the Opera Club discount, an additional $225 would not be deductible. Accessibility

The Sarasota Opera House is accessible to people with disabilities, including Hearing Loop technology. We also provide assistive listening devices as well as high-powered glasses for the visually impaired. Braille program materials are available, but must be ordered together with your ticket order, at least one month in advance of your first performance date. For more information, contact the Box Office at (941) 328-1300 or visit our website at SARASOTAOPERA.ORG/accessibility.aspx. Parking Fruitville Road Fruitville Road from I75 Palm Avenue Parking Garage: Garage entrance free public parking, located 2nd Street 2nd Street ve.

rail (US 41) N. Pineapple Ave. ve. northwest of the Palm Avenue and 100 Central

amiami T Central A N. Lemon A Main Street intersection, N. T 1st Street 1st Street Garage entrance

ve. Plaza at just behind the Opera House. OperaSarasota House Garage Five Points entrance

Cocoanut A Main Street Plaza at Five Points: $2 per hour, ParkingPalm Garage Ave S.. Pineapple Ave. up to $6 maximum. Located at N. Palm Ave eet

50 Central Avenue: entrance on Main Str 1st Street. 100 Central Avenue: free public parking on the 2nd floor only. 4-hour limit. Entrance on 2nd Street. Please do not park in the parking lot of the Selby Library or in the ground floor lot adjacent to the Whole Foods Market, or you may be towed. Complimentary Valet Parking is available in front of the Sarasota Opera House one hour prior to curtain. Be prepared for a brief wait following the performance for your car to arrive. Tipping is encouraged.

This information is accurate as of the date of printing (August 2015) and is subject to change without notice. More ways to connect

The more you know about opera, the more you’ll love it—and one way to get all the insider scoop about Sarasota Opera is to download our mobile app. You can find out about our current season and also buy your tickets right from your smart phone. Available for both iPhone and Android devices, the app is FREE. E-Newsletters and E-Performance reminders: Sign up for our e-blasts to receive reminders and program information for the performances you are attending. You’ll also receive special offers and discounts from Sarasota Opera, area restaurant and hotel partners, and other local arts organizations. Social media: Like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and subscribe to our YouTube channel for the latest news, videos, and even to let us know how we are doing.

Facebook “f” Logo CMYK / .eps Facebook “f” Logo CMYK / .eps facebook.com/sarasotaopera @sarasotaopera Search for Sarasota Opera on YouTube and check out our latest videos.

Our website: Last, but not least, please check us out at SARASOTAOPERA.ORG. Get your tickets today! Subscribe and save: Being a season ticket holder is the best way to experience all that Sarasota Opera has to offer. Subscribers can save up to $100 over individual ticket prices and get benefits like same seats for all performances, free ticket exchanges, discounts and priority on additional tickets and much more! Full 5-opera subscriptions (La bohème, Aida, Così fan tutte, Fidelio and The Battle of Legnano) start at only $86. 2016 Winter Festival 4-opera subscriptions (Aida, Così fan tutte, Fidelio and The Battle of Legnano) start at just $69.

Ordering is easy! Whether you want to enjoy our whole lineup of opera performances and concerts, or just some, Sarasota Opera makes it easy for you to buy your tickets. Individual ticket prices start at $19 and are subject to change. Don’t wait to buy your tickets! Prices for select performances will increase. Call us, or go online to get current pricing.

Here’s how to buy In person: Visit our Box Office, located at the Sarasota Opera House, 61 North Pineapple Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34236, to the left, as you face the main entrance. By phone: Call the Box Office at (941) 328-1300 Online: Visit SARASOTAOPERA.ORG to order your tickets. Box 1 Box 13

Box 2 Box 12

The William E. Schmidt Opera TheatreBox 3 Box 11

Box 4 Box 10 Box 5 Box 9 Box 6 Box 7 Box 8

Box 1 Box 13

Box 2 Box 12

Box 3 Box 11

Box 4 Box 10 Box 5 Box 9 Box 6 Box 7 Box 8

Box Office Hours

September to December: MONDAY–FRIDAY, 10:00 am–4 pm January 4–16: MONDAY–SATURDAY, 10:00 am–4 pm February 18–March 20: DAILY 10:00 am–4 pm On all performance dates, the Box Office will be open 10:00 am until the end of the first intermission.

(941) 328-1300 | SARASOTAOPERA.ORG | 23 NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID MANASOTA, FL Permit #176 61 N. Pineapple Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34236 Box Office: (941) 328-1300 SARASOTAOPERA.ORG

OPERA SEASON SPONSOR Paid for in part by Sarasota County Tourist Development Tax revenues. Sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture.

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FALL 2015: La bohème | Brundibár WINTER 2016: Aida | Così fan tutte | Fidelio | The Battle of Legnano