Manatee Opera Guild
Contact Info
President Elizabeth Aversa
Phone: (205)-394-0055
Email: [email protected]
Website: manateeoperaguild.org
Manatee Opera Guild fosters the appreciation of opera in Manatee County. Our objectives are:
- To raise funds for the Sarasota Opera Association.
- To promote knowledge and appreciation of opera in the community.
- To encourage and assist aspiring young opera singers.
- To present programs, open to the public, and to foster appreciation of music, especially opera.
General Meetings
Meetings are generally on third Wednesday of the month (September - April) and begin at 10:30 a.m. at the Palm Aire Country Club. We enjoy coffee and social conversation beginning at 10 a.m. Meetings are free and open to the public; an optional luncheon, requiring a reservation, follows each meeting. Each meeting showcases talent from Sarasota Opera. Please join us! We welcome both interested visitors and new members!
Bel Canto
Bel Canto, our newsletter, is published monthly (September through April) to keep members informed of news about the Guild, events at Sarasota Opera and in the community. Here is the latest issue (April 2025). For the latest and past issues, check out the website members page here
Awards
Manatee Opera Guild is proud to support young singers from the Sarasota Opera Studio Artists Program and the Sarasota Youth Opera members from Manatee County with awards to help them advance their operatic careers.
Preludes
Learn more about Sarasota Opera productions at our Prelude Series, given by opera experts starting at 10 a.m. $5.00 at the door. No reservations needed. Light refreshments at 9:30 a.m. Location: Westminster Manor Auditorium, 1700 21st Avenue West, Bradenton, FL 34205
Così fan tutte: October 17, 2025
La bohème: December 5, 2025
The Merry Widow: December 12, 2025
Susannah: January 23, 2026
Il trovotare: February 20, 2026
Special Events
On-Stage Concert
Cocktails, dinner and a concert held on-stage at the Sarasota Opera House from 5:00 - 8:30 PM on November 12.
Stars of Tomorrow Concert
The Stars of Tomorrow concert features Sarasota Opera's Apprentice Artists performing a collection of ensembles and arias. The concert takes place on Sunday, February 8 at 1 PM. $30. Location TBD.
Fashion Show
Our annual fashion show luncheon to benefit Sarasota Opera, held at Lakewood Ranch Country Club at 11:00 AM on February 26, 2026.
Why Join the Manatee Opera Guild?
We love opera and enjoy supporting Sarasota Opera. Our monthly meetings give us the opportunity to hear the wonderful singers of Sarasota Opera in a more intimate space, and to get to know the singers personally. In opera we hear the power and glory of the human voice, singing memorable melodies, and whenever members of Manatee Opera Guild get together, we have fun. Membership Year: June through May.
Regular Member
Individual: $40.00
Couple: $60.00
Sustaining Member
Individual: $50.00
Couple: $70.00