Sarasota Opera has received a major grant from the Gulf Coast Community Foundation.

As a recipient of the $60,000 Arts Appreciation Grant, Sarasota Opera is allowed flexibility with the funding in order to develop its upcoming projects.

“We are so appreciative of the loyal support from Gulf Coast Community Foundation and their commitment to the arts in Sarasota. They are enthusiastic partners in our mission and through their unwavering support they are assisting in our efforts to build and maintain a culturally vibrant community,” said Richard Russell, Sarasota Opera General Director, in an official statement.

Gulf Coast Community Foundation has been a major supporter of the opera company and is the underwriter of the 2022-23 season; Sarasota Opera will recognize the Gulf Coast Community Foundation’s contributions during the presentation of its production of “Madama Butterfly.”

“Our relationship with the Sarasota Opera is long and valued.  We know how much arts organizations mean to our community, our own family of donors, and our local economy.  We are proud to continually invest in these cultural institutions that play a vital role in our region.  When we work together with these exceptional arts organizations, we reaffirm and strengthen a shared regional identity and cultural life, in other words, we transform, together,” added Mark Pritchett, President / CEO of Gulf Coast Community Foundation.

In addition to “Madama Butterfly,” which opens in February 2023, Sarasota Opera will present “Don Giovanni,” “Ernani,” and “Thérèse as part of its 2023 season.