Pictured: Consul General Dr. Gloria Marina Bellelli (far left), Maestro Victor DeRenzi (center-right) and supporters at the Miami ceremony. Photo courtesy of Sarasota Opera.

In recognition of his instrumental role in bringing the Sarasota Opera’s Verdi Cycle to completion and contributing to the celebration of Italian culture around the world, Sarasota Opera Artistic Director and Principal Conductor Maestro Victor DeRenzi has been awarded the title of Cavaliere dell’ordine della Stella d’Italia (Knight of the Order of the Star of Italy) by the government of Italy. The title was officially bestowed by Italian Consul General Dr. Gloria Marina Bellelli during the Italian National Day Celebration in Miami, marking the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the Italian Republic.

“As a musician, and a citizen of Italy and the United States, it means a great deal to me to have been invested as a ‘Cavaliere dell’ordine della Stella d'Italia,’ which acknowledges my devotion to Italian music and the completion of Sarasota Opera’s Verdi Cycle,” says DeRenzi. “I have loved Italy since I was a child, and its arts have been at the center of my life and have given me constant enjoyment. I want to thank my family and friends, as well as everyone who has worked with me over the years and shared my passion for Italy and Italian art. It is especially meaningful to me to receive this honor that recognizes the promotion of culture beyond Italy’s national boundaries.”

Begun in 1989 and reaching completion this past March, the Verdi Cycle saw Sarasota Opera performing every note that Verdi wrote, including operas, chamber music and rare religious compositions from the artist’s pre-opera period. After 28 seasons, the Cycle came to a close this past March, culminating with Verdi Festival Week, which brought global experts and audiences to Sarasota for the final productions of Aida and The Battle of Legnano, a pair of concerts, a retrospective exhibit and an international Verdi Conference. As principal conductor, the Cycle’s completion also marked DeRenzi as the only person in the world to conduct all of Verdi’s works.

Pictured: Consul General Dr. Gloria Marina Bellelli (far left), Maestro Victor DeRenzi (center-right) and supporters at the Miami ceremony. Photo courtesy of Sarasota Opera.