SARASOTA – Hundreds of people enjoyed a night full of opera as the Sarasota Opera House held an open house, revealing how the opera house turns the ordinary into magic.
“We’re opening our doors and inviting the public in for free to see what we have to offer here at Sarasota Opera,” said Richard Russell
Russell, Executive Director of the Sarasota Opera House, says whether it’s taking a backstage tour, to seeing the intricate steps of applying hair and makeup, or simply talking one on one with various stage directors; there’s something for everyone to see.
“We want people to know that Sarasota Opera House is their opera house,” said Russell.
Pressley Smith has been a fan of the Sarasota Opera House for since moving to the Suncoast. Smith says after attending several operas he wanted take advantage of the backstage access.
“Just to see how, it’s a little bit different maybe here in Sarasota than what I’ve seen and been backstage in Charlotte, looking forward to it,” said Smith.
Smith has a background in opera, having performed for the Opera Carolina Company in Charlotte, North Carolina. Smith says you don’t have to be a fan of opera to simply enjoy the story being told.
“It’s simply a story that’s told with music. Everybody likes a story right? It’s just told in music,” said Smith.
As people wandered around the opera, Performers captivated the crowd with just a little musical taste of what they can expect this upcoming opera season.
“We also want people in this community know that it’s here, it’s a resource for everybody in the community, and it’s for all of Sarasota,” said Russell.
The start of the opera season is on Feb 8th for tickets and more information go to sarasotaopera.org