Rehearsals Begin

Everyone at Sarasota Opera is very excited for our first fall production. Rehearsals for The Barber of Sevile began on Monday. The principal artists are busy at work and the apprentices arrive tomorrow.

Here our Figaro, Marco Nisticò rehearses his duet with Rosina under the baton of Maestro DeRenzi (with assistant conductor Kristen Kemp at the piano. One of the perks of my job is the opportunity to peak in at rehearsals and I can tell you that what I heard yesterday got me very excited.

I hope that you're excited. If you haven't purchased your tickets, make sure that you do soon. Visit www.sarasotaopera.org for more information and call (941) 366-8450, ext. 1 for tickets.

Sarasota Opera "Open" House

Do you know someone who has wandered by the Sarasota Opera House, wondered what was inside, but have never come in? Introduce them to the wonderful Sarasota Opera House by bringing them to the Sarasota Opera "Open" House on Monday, October 27 from 5 to 7 p.m.

This free event is the perfect way for the curious to visit the newly renovated historic theater. The building will be open with performances by artists participating in our fall season throughout the theater including the Donna Wolf Steigerwaldt Courtyard, the William G. and Marie Selby Lobby and of course on the stage of the William E. Schmidt Opera Theatre. The director of our first fall opera production The Barber of Seville William Gustafson will chat about the opera. The backstage area will be open for tours. And, oh yes, there will be complimentary refreshments. The first 1,000 attendees will also receive a free gift.

Let us know you are coming by emailing openhouse@sarasotaopera.org just so we know to have enough food (but if you forget, come anyway!).