First Coast Opera marked its 25th anniversary with a dazzling black-tie gala held Feb. 1 at the Embassy Suites in St. Augustine Beach. With an ocean backdrop, the event brought together patrons and guests of the First Coast for a night of extraordinary music and celebration.
The evening's highlight featured world-renowned Spanish composer and musician Juan Antonio Simarro, who dazzled guests with his performance. Accompanied by a small instrumental ensemble, Simarro took the audience on a journey through his compositions, sharing the unique stories behind each piece. His performance included selections from his critically acclaimed “Symphony for a Better World,” as well as works that have garnered international praise, including his recent compositions for the 75th anniversary of UNESCO in Spain.
“I’m absolutely thrilled with how this extraordinary event came together,” said Kerry Fradley, president of First Coast Opera. “Bringing in a world-renowned artist for such a festive evening exceeded everyone’s expectations. It’s the kind of performance that sets the bar for what we can achieve, and the team behind this event deserves all the credit for making it happen.”
In addition to Simarro’s performance, guests were treated to the fiery and dynamic sounds of St. Augustine’s own ZaZa Flamenco. The group, known for its unique fusion of jazz, rumba, flamenco and contemporary music, provided entertainment that had attendees dancing late into the evening.
Maria Montoya, board member of First Coast Opera and event organizer, said, “This gala was a unique opportunity to bring world-class cultural experiences to the First Coast, and it’s been incredibly rewarding to see such enthusiastic support for the arts in our community. We are so grateful for everyone who helped make this night possible.”
First Coast Opera has become a popular cultural institution in St. Augustine and is known for its fully staged operatic performances and dedication to bringing world-class talent to the region. Fresh off the success of its recent “The Barber of Seville” production, the opera’s next offering, “The Magic Flute,” will begin rehearsals for performances in March.
For more information on First Coast Opera and upcoming performances, go to FirstCoastOpera.com.
