First Coast Opera’s upcoming season will transport the nonprofit organization’s fanbase to international destinations through two classic 19th-century masterpieces — Bizet’s “Carmen” and Gilbert and Sullivan’s “The Mikado.” Find details and tickets at firstcoastopera.com or call 904-417-5555.
The season starts with “Fanfare!” — a newly-designed festive season launch event and fundraiser on Oct. 10. Held in Celebration Hall at St. Anastasia Catholic Church, this one-night-only event will be hosted by General Director Curtis Tucker, highlight the season’s upcoming operas and feature a multi-course catered dinner by Chef Norberto Jaramillo of La Cocina at the Cellar Upstairs.
Musical excerpts will be performed by members of the University of Florida Opera Department from Gainesville.
“We are thrilled to offer our fanbase these exciting performances and celebrations of opera, live music and talented performing artists who hail from throughout the United States,” Tucker said.
“CARMEN”
A favorite of opera fans worldwide, “Carmen” features some of opera’s most well-known music and characters. First Coast Opera’s most ambitious production to date, this fully-staged-with-orchestra company premiere will be led by conductor Curtis Tucker and stage director Mark Freiman (“The Barber of Seville”).
Journey to a land of Spanish gypsies, soldiers, smugglers and bullfighters as they fan the flames of passion in this dramatic and tragic love story full of gorgeous melodies and fiery choruses.
The production will feature company favorites Sarah Nordin as the gypsy Carmen, Matt Morgan as the soldier Don José, and in his FCO debut, Luis Orozco as the bullfighter Escamillo.
Rounding out the cast are McKenna Slack as Micaëla, Tyler Putnam as Zuniga, Elena Galvan as Frasquita, Katherine Kincaid as Mercedes, Daniel Bates as Remendado, John Daugherty as Dancairo, and Jacob Pence as Morales, as well as adult and children’s choruses.
Sung in French with projected English supertitles, “Carmen” will be performed three times at Lewis Auditorium in St. Augustine. The annual New Year’s Eve performance at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 31 will be followed by 2 p.m. matinee performances on Jan. 2 and 4.
“Our New Year’s offerings are popular for our loyal audience members and for visitors to historic St. Augustine — held during the city’s Night of Lights,” Tucker said.
“Guests love dining at their favorite restaurants and enjoying the beautiful lights … with the added bonus of a world-class opera performance!”
“THE MIKADO”
“The flowers that bloom in the spring” in March will bring the beloved British operetta, “The Mikado.” Performed as originally produced, complete with Japanese fans and kimonos, this timeless comedy features Sir William Gilbert’s not-so-subtle lyrics and dialogue poking fun at England’s politics, while Sir Arthur Sullivan provides one hummable tune after another.
Nelson Sheeley returns to direct with longtime company baritone Sean Stork leading the FCO Orchestra in his conducting debut.
Mainstage newcomers Rachel Querreveldas as Yum Yum, Angela Smith as Katisha, John Tibbetts as Pish Tush, and Victoria Isernia as Pitti Sing, will perform with returning artists Jason Whitfield as The Mikado, Fran Daniel Laucerica as Nanki Poo, Curtis Tucker as Ko Ko, Anthony Offerle as Pooh Bah, and Katherine Kincaid as Peep Bo.
The FCO Chorus will also be featured in this topsy-turvy favorite.
Performed in English, “The Mikado” will be performed twice in March at a St. Augustine venue that will be announced in the coming months.
“These works are loved by both experienced opera fanatics and first-time infantile opera-goers,” said Tucker. “Come as you are or get a little fancy.”
Ticket and details are available at firstcoastopera.com or by calling the box office at 904-417-5555.
First Coast Opera events are sponsored in part by the St. Johns County Tourist Development Council and the St. Johns Cultural Council.
