The Sarasota Opera

We all know that Sarasota has gorgeous beaches, fabulous luxury hotels and scrumptious restaurants, but did you know that Sarasota also has an award-winning opera house with a full season of operatic masterpieces? Check this out:
Now fully restored to its original beauty, the Sarasota Opera House has become the cornerstone of Sarasota's Theater Arts District. The Sarasota Opera has come to merit accolades from all over the world. Thanks in no small part to the generosity of the community of Sarasota, the Sarasota Opera House, once shabby and neglected, now stands like a proud beauty. The original chandelier from the movie "Gone With the Wind" hangs brilliantly in its lobby. Meticulously and lovingly renovated, FLORIDA HERITAGE Magazine, the official magazine of the Division of Historical Resources in Tallahassee, lauded it as "one of the most successful renovations of a historic building in Florida." Complete with an added education wing, and library complex at her side, the Opera House has earned its own accolades:
"In the winter, it would be hard to beat the pleasantly laid-back resort town of Sarasota on Florida's west coast, with its warm and sunny weather, excellent restaurants, and a delightful 1000 seat art deco Opera House, whose acoustics are superb." OPERA, London
"With the dimensions of the Opera House, which almost guarantee an engaging experience between audience and singers, and DeRenzi's full throttle approach to each work, whether he's conducting it or not, a dull performance at the Sarasota Opera is hard to come by." OPERA NEWS, New York
"Sarasota Opera - A Gem on Florida's Gulf Coast...The theater's interior configuration and acoustics make audience members feel they are sitting in the center of the sound..." THE BLADE, Toledo
"Over the last decade, the output has been first-rate, blending traditional with adventurous programming...an acoustical jewel." BOSTON SUNDAY GLOBE
Today the Sarasota Opera House plays host to everything from opera, symphony and classical ballet to film festivals, popular music concerts, comedy shows and clowns. The Opera Complex features a new Pavilion with a spacious, multi-purpose banquet/performance facility; the Peterson Great Room, which can seat up to 390 people. Private meeting space, as well as private rehearsal rooms are part of the pavilion. The Opera House theater seats 1033, with 740 on the first floor and 293 in the balcony.
Let's go!!

Sarasota: City of Art Lovers

Did you know that Sarasota has "Art Walks" On the first Friday of each month? Here's the scoop:

Art Walks on Palm Avenue First Friday of the Month 6:00 - 9:00 PM

Palm Avenue hosts a monthly Art Walk on the First Friday of each month. Browse the fine art galleries, jewelers, and restaurants of Palm Avenue while enjoying dancing, live music, and refreshments. A mainstay in Sarasota for many years, monthly special events make this a must-do.Location: Palm Avenue in Downtown Sarasota

Beaches of Sarasota

Anyone who knows me at all knows that I love the beach at Siesta Key! I was there last month and already I'm missing it and trying to think of how I could get back there. The beach is so white and powdery and the water is clear and tropical blue. There are so many fun things to do there and you see lots of kids skim-boarding and building sand castles. It's a real family beach and on many Sunday nights (if not every Sunday night) there's a big community drum circle that anyone can participate in! Check it out at the main public beach!

Top Two Luxury Hotels in Sarasota

Ritz Carlton Sarasota
Sarasota, FL, United States
Style: Classic Luxury
Experience Hospitality As Refreshing As A Bayside Breeze At A Hotel As Charming As The Destination Itself: the Ritz-Carlton Sarasota....

Longboat Key, FL, United States of America
Style: Classic Luxury
Longboat Key Club and Resort is set like a jewel on a barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico, just...

Back from another fabulous trip to Sarasota

I spent most of this past week in my favorite Florida location...Sarasota! While there I visited with friends old and new and had just a wonderful time! I also checked out some homes and condos and seriously began to look into whether I might be able to move there! Who wouldn't want to live in Paradise?? I even came back with a little suntan and a little sunburn! Of course coming back to a virtual blizzard made the memories of Sarasota all the sweeter!!

Music Opportunities in Sarasota

Sarasota is fantastic community for music! What is today known as the Artist Series of Sarasota was conceived in 1996 by Co-Founders Jerold Ross and Lee Dougherty Ross.
Jerold enjoyed a business career that included top management positions. His background in arts management includes service as a key member of the Board of an opera company and ownership of a classical music radio station.
Lee Dougherty debuted at age twelve as a piano soloist with the Norfolk, Virginia Symphony Orchestra and later performed the Rachmaninoff 2nd Piano Concerto with the Eastman Rochester Symphony. She graduated from Eastman School of Music with a double major in both piano and voice. She often accompanies guest artists on the Artist Series.

Going to Sarasota!!

Next week I'll be in Sarasota and I am so excited!! I've just always loved the tropical (or sub-tropical) climates...ever since my parents took us to the Bahamas for 3 weeks in 1961. To me, palm trees, the beach, the ocean, flowers year round and warm sunshine are just magical! I'll be visiting several friends while down there, including one that I've never met so it should be lots of fun.

Of course I'll take my digital camera and send lots of pictures with my daily blog posts so let me know what you'd like to see! Meanwhile, I'm trying to lose a few pounds before I slip into my bathing suit!! ;-)

Alice