Sarasota Opera is set to celebrate 100 years of the Sarasota Opera House with two special days of celebration.

The historic occasion will include a Centennial Concert at the Opera House on April 11, and a Community Open House on April 12, as well as special documentary and book projects.

The April 11 gala will pay tribute to the theater’s 100 year history and feature the Sarasota Orchestra, West Coast Black Theatre Troupe, the Circus Arts Conservatory, and the Sarasota Ballet as well as performances by soloists of Sarasota Opera including soprano Virginia Mims, mezzo-soprano Lisa Chavez, tenor Rafael Dávila, and baritone Jake Stamatis.

The evening will be followed by cocktails and a gala dinner at Michael’s On the Bay at Selby Gardens.

The April 12 Centennial Community Open House will allow visitors to learn more about the history of the building through talks and exhibits. The event will end with a screening of the documentary about the Sarasota Opera.

Also in April, a new documentary will air on PBS/WEDU that chronicles the landmark’s remarkable evolution—from its origins as a 1920’s vaudeville and movie palace to its status today as one of Florida’s cultural treasures. The documentary will be accompanied by a forthcoming book on the Opera House’s rich history, authored by renowned Sarasota historian Jeffery LaHurd.

In a statement, Sarasota Opera General Director Richard Russell said, “The Sarasota Opera House is far more than the home of Sarasota Opera—it is a cultural anchor for our entire community. For a century, this historic theater has welcomed opera, orchestra, ballet, film, and countless artistic endeavors that have shaped Sarasota’s identity as a world‑class arts destination. Its stage has nurtured generations of performers, inspired audiences, and contributed immeasurably to the vitality of our downtown. As we celebrate its 100th anniversary, we are not only honoring its storied past but also reaffirming our commitment to preserving and advancing this remarkable space for the next century of creativity and community.”

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