Discover a World Behind the Blue Curtain During a Historic Season at Sarasota Opera

Serenading its way into its 67^th season of bringing world-class opera to the Gulf Coast—also known fondly as Florida's Cultural Coast®—Sarasota Opera continues to bring passionate opera lovers from all over the world to witness the international talent brought to the stage of the historic Sarasota Opera House, which celebrates its centennial in 2026.

While many may be new to opera, General Director Richard Russell, who’s been the administrative leader of the company since 2012, encourages everyone to experience it. Russell believes most people would be surprised if they immersed themselves in the age-old art of live opera—an all-encompassing sensual experience that includes not only live orchestral music, and powerful, unamplified operatic singing, but also painstakingly-embellished period costumes, dramatic lighting, and elaborate set designs that take the audience directly into the world of the production.

And that world is often one that can only be found now in period dramas on television—impassioned performances and compelling stories of kings and queens, heroes and villains, passionate love, intense power and poetry. These productions have stood the test of time for a reason—classic titles like Carmen, The Barber of Seville, and La bohème (which opens the 2026 Winter Festival) have filled theatres for hundreds of years because of their beautiful, rich human stories and iconic music. 

An International Legacy

The company has gained an international reputation as one of the leading regional opera companies in the U.S. The Sarasota Opera has been called “one of America’s finest venues for opera” by Musical America. The company’s Artistic Director and Principal Conductor Victor DeRenzi’s Masterworks Revival Series presented neglected works of artistic merit. In 2016, Sarasota Opera made history by completing The Verdi Cycle, a 28-season effort to produce every work written by Giuseppe Verdi.

Sarasota Opera is now the only opera company in the world to have presented every work of Verdi, in every version, and Maestro DeRenzi is the only conductor to have conducted all the composer’s works. Entering his 44th season as artistic director, DeRenzi has overseen over 1,500 opera performances, and 216 productions of 122 different operas. He is currently the longest-serving Artistic Director in America. 

Education & Outreach

Sarasota Opera also maintains a commitment to educational outreach through its performances for local schools and the unique Sarasota Youth Opera program—currently the most comprehensive youth opera program in the nation. In addition, Maestro DeRenzi founded the Apprentice Artist and Studio Artist programs which trains singers in the important transition from student to professional life. The program functions within the aesthetic of Sarasota Opera by focusing on the standard operatic repertoire from Mozart to Puccini.

House of History & Harmony

The Sarasota Opera House itself is as much a part of the experience of going to the opera as seeing a production. The theater’s ideal acoustics and the architecture’s charming Mediterranean Revival style that make it a landmark of downtown create an intimate setting similar to European opera houses. The Sarasota Opera House, originally built in 1926 by local businessman A.B. Edwards, turns 100 in 2026. In 1984, the company moved into its current home and in 2007, the building underwent a $20 million renovation and rehabilitation.

The company will celebrate that centennial milestone with guided tours, exhibits and behind-the-scenes access during an Open House on April 10, as well as a special concert onstage at Opera House on April 11, followed by a gala dinner at Michael’s on the Bay at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. 

Visitors can book public tours of the Opera House, where they will get a guided tour of the theatre and backstage while learning interesting facts about the theater’s fascinating past, and getting insider information on the company’s world-class productions. Tours last an hour and a half and take place on Monday mornings at 10:30 AM February 23 through March 30. 

Ready to Experience Opera?

Are you ready to discover the world behind the blue curtain? The Fall Season kicks off October 31 with five performances of Mozart’s Così fan tutte through November 15. The Winter Festival kicks off February 14 and runs through March 29. You can experience five different productions with multiple performance dates to choose from. Sarasota is an extraordinary place to experience your very first opera, or your 100th!

Upcoming Performances

Così fan tutte by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (October 31 – November 15)

Duplicity, disguises, and delightful deception in 18th century Naples. Così fan tutte, or The School for Lovers, follows the story of two naive young soldiers who prank their brides-to-be to test their faithfulness. But the sisters to whom they are betrothed have plans of their own. Find out who ends up schooling whom in Mozart's delightful comedy with a masterful score. Book tickets today

Brundibár by Hans Krása (Sarasota Youth Opera Production, November 8 & 9)

Resilience, friendship and justice in this 1930s tale. Written in the 1930s by Jewish Czech composer Hans Krása and originally performed by children at the Theresienstadt concentration camp during WWII, Brundibár is a tale about a sparrow, a cat and a wise dog who help Annette and Little Joe raise money to save their ailing mother, despite the evil plans of the wicked organ grinder Brundibár. A story of resilience, this opera has a history as moving as its story. Book tickets today

La bohème by Giacomo Puccini (February 14 – March 28)

Poetry, poverty, and passion in 1830s Bohemian Paris. Puccini's most beloved opera and one of the most performed in the repertoire, La bohème takes us through the streets of the Latin Quarter in 19th century Paris when the poor embroideress Mimì has a fateful chance encounter with the poet Rodolfo. Laugh and cry as a group of friends struggle and celebrate through the Bohemian lifestyle and experience the heartbreak of a lover's impending demise. Book tickets today

The Merry Widow by Franz Lehár (February 21 – March 27)

Money, mischief and matchmaking in the 1905 Parisian society. Wealthy widow Hanna Glawari is descended upon by an array of willing suitors from Parisian society. But plans go awry when Hanna's past paramour enters the ballroom. One of the most successful romantic operettas, The Merry Widow is the perfect blend of comedy, dance and unforgettable music. Book tickets today

Il trovatore by Giuseppe Verdi (March 7 - 29)

Serenades, sieges, and family secrets in 15th century Spain. One of Verdi's most popular works, Il trovatore unfolds with the telling of a fiery execution that takes place during Count de Luna's childhood, an event that sets him in vengeful pursuit of the gypsy woman, Azucena. Unrequited love for the noblewoman Leonora and hatred for her lover, the troubadour Manrico, drive him to murderous passions. The story comes full circle, ending with another tragic execution, in this sprawling medieval melodrama. Book tickets today

Susannah by Carlisle Floyd (March 14 - 28)

Sin, a loss of innocence, and repentance in the 1950s rural Tennessee. A re-telling of the Book of Susannah, the story follows a pretty, innocent young woman as she falls under the jealous scrutiny of her rural Appalachian community. When the Reverend Blitch appears at her door offering redemption, tragic events unfold that force Susannah to take a stand for her dignity. Honoring the 100th anniversary of Carlisle Floyd's birth and in the state of its premiere, Susannah is a timeless, gripping tale and one of the most popular American operas. Book tickets today

Check out the full calendar of events here.

For more information, visit SarasotaOpera.org