Sarasota’s premier volunteer organization
For nearly fifty years, Guild volunteers have championed Sarasota Opera through fellowship, education, and the joy of live music.
Social & Singers · Tuesday, October 20, 2026Prologue: Hansel and Gretel · Friday, October 23, 2026Social & Singers · Tuesday, November 10, 2026Poinsettia Patron Party · Wednesday, November 18, 2026Poinsettia Luncheon & Silent Auction · Wednesday, December 2, 2026Prologue: La traviata · Tuesday, January 5, 2027Prologue: H.M.S. Pinafore · Monday, January 11, 2027Social & Singers · Friday, January 15, 2027Prologue: Ariadne auf Naxos · Tuesday, January 19, 2027Prologue: Jenůfa · Monday, January 25, 2027Special Event with Steven C. Kemp · Wednesday, February 3, 2027Social & Singers · Tuesday, February 16, 2027Social & Singers · Tuesday, March 16, 2027End-of-Season Picnic & Installation of Officers · Wednesday, April 14, 2027Who we are
Founded in 1977, the Sarasota Opera Guild is an all‑volunteer organization that raises funds for Sarasota Opera, introduces audiences to each season’s productions, and brings opera lovers together all year long.
Monthly Social & Singers meetings, luncheons, and celebrations, with live performances by Sarasota Opera artists.
Our Prologue lectures open the door to every production of the season, and our scholarship fund helps young opera singers grow.
From the Poinsettia Luncheon to sponsorships large and small, members provide vital support for the Opera and its Youth Opera.
2026–2027 Season
Date:Tuesday, October 20, 2026 · 10:30 a.m.
Sarasota Opera House, Peterson Room
Member meeting with a program, live music by Sarasota Opera singers, refreshments, and a short business meeting.
The Guild will present a $5,000 check to the Sarasota Youth Opera at this meeting. It is also the last day to bring silent auction donations for the Poinsettia Luncheon.
Date:Friday, October 23, 2026 · 10:30 a.m.
Sarasota Opera House, Peterson Room
Maestro Anthony Barrese, who conducts this production, speaks on Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel in a special joint event with the Manatee Opera Guild.
Date:Tuesday, November 10, 2026 · 10:30 a.m.
Sarasota Opera House, Peterson Room
Member meeting with a program, live music by Sarasota Opera singers, refreshments, and a short business meeting.
Date:Wednesday, November 18, 2026 · 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Private residence
A private party thanking our Patrons. Everyone registering as a Patron for the Poinsettia Luncheon by November 9 is invited. No separate registration is needed.
Date:Wednesday, December 2, 2026 · 11:00 a.m.
Michael’s On East
Our 42nd annual Poinsettia Luncheon, celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the United States of America. Enjoy a delicious lunch, silent auction, gift baskets, and outstanding live performances by members of the Circus Arts Conservatory. Proceeds assist Sarasota Opera, the Youth Opera, and aspiring opera singers.
Patrons ($150 each, $90 tax-deductible) R.S.V.P. by Monday, November 9. Patrons are invited to a private party on November 18 and listed in the program. Guests ($100 each, $50 tax-deductible) R.S.V.P. by Thursday, November 19. Online, you choose your entree (chicken, salmon, or vegan/vegetarian) at checkout. Sponsorships available from $250.
Date:Tuesday, January 5, 2027 · 4:00 p.m.
Church of the Redeemer
A guided introduction to Verdi’s La traviata ahead of the Sarasota Opera production. Presented by Rosanne Martorella.
Date:Monday, January 11, 2027 · 4:00 p.m.
Church of the Redeemer
A guided introduction to Gilbert and Sullivan’s H.M.S. Pinafore ahead of the Sarasota Opera production. Presented by Rosanne Martorella.
Date:Friday, January 15, 2027 · 10:30 a.m.
Selby Library, Auditorium
Member meeting with a program, live music by Sarasota Opera singers, refreshments, and a short business meeting.
Date:Tuesday, January 19, 2027 · 4:00 p.m.
Church of the Redeemer
A guided introduction to Strauss’ Ariadne auf Naxos ahead of the Sarasota Opera production. Presented by Martha Collins, Sarasota Opera Director of Education and stage director of this production.
Date:Monday, January 25, 2027 · 4:00 p.m.
Church of the Redeemer
A guided introduction to Janáček’s Jenůfa ahead of the Sarasota Opera production. Presented by Joy McIntyre, a retired opera singer who sang the role of the Kostelnička during her celebrated career.
This season, the principal role of the Kostelnička will be sung by Finnish superstar soprano Karita Mattila, the first Artist-in-Residence at Sarasota Opera. Watch her signature role: the Kostelnička’s aria (2025) · at the Metropolitan Opera.
Date:Wednesday, February 3, 2027 · 11:00 a.m.
Sarasota Opera House, Selby Lobby (2nd floor)
A special Guild event featuring set designer Steven C. Kemp, who is designing this season’s Sarasota Opera productions of Hansel and Gretel, La traviata, and Jenůfa.
Date:Tuesday, February 16, 2027 · 10:30 a.m.
Selby Library, Auditorium
Member meeting with a program, live music by Sarasota Opera singers, refreshments, and a short business meeting.
Date:Tuesday, March 16, 2027 · 10:30 a.m.
Selby Library, Auditorium
Member meeting with a program, live music by Sarasota Opera singers, refreshments, and a short business meeting.
Date:Wednesday, April 14, 2027 · 3:00 p.m.
Oscar Scherer State Park
We close the season outdoors with a festive picnic and the installation of next year’s officers.
The new season’s events will be posted soon. In the meantime, see what’s on at Sarasota Opera.
Also this season: Sarasota Opera’s productions and signature events. See what’s on at the Opera.
Find your way
The Guild’s season of meetings, lectures, and luncheons.
The Opera’s productions and signature events.
Join or renew online in minutes, or by mail.
Sponsorships, donations, and the silent auction.
Tickets, memberships, and badges, all in one place.
Meet our volunteer leadership.
Scenes from Guild life.
Printable forms and our monthly newsletter.
Our story since 1977, and the Opera House’s.
Questions? We’d love to hear from you.
