St. Pete upholds its reputation as a center for the arts with one of its crown jewels being St. Pete Opera. The company has been putting on first-class operas since 2007, with singers and musicians coming from all over the world to perform here.
In addition to a variety of operas, several other performances will be presented in order to attract an even broader audience that appreciates great music.
Famous Operas with the Theme of Love
There are two remaining opera performances that you won’t want to miss. From March 15-19, Puccini’s “Turandot” will be presented at the Palladium Theatre with a full orchestra. It takes place in ancient China and features a woman named Turandot who hates men and is determined not to get married. She devises three riddles for potential suitors.Wrong answers lead to a death penalty. A mysterious stranger answers all the riddles correctly and offers Turandot a challenge of his own: If she can learn his identity by dawn, he will forfeit his life. By the end of the opera, the man reveals his identity. At the emperor’s throne, Turandot declares she knows the stranger’s name: Love.
Another wonderful story, Donizetti’s “Lucia di Lammermoor,” runs June 7-11. “This will be presented in a “Game of Thrones” style in another opera about marriage,” says Maestro Mark Sforzini. The Ashton family fortune is in danger and only the arranged marriage of Lucia to Arturo can save them. But Lucia is in love with another man, Edgardo, the leader of the family’s enemies. With twists and turns in the plot, Lucia goes mad, stabs Arturo and later dies. When Edgardo learns of her death he stabs himself in order to join her in heaven.
Both operas will be sung in Italian with English translations projected above the stage.
Broadway Cabaret
The September Broadway Cabaret was sold out, so be sure to get your tickets soon for the next one, to be presented on March 2. “Here you can enjoy the captivating fusion of opera and musical theater in our intimate setting held at Opera Central,” Sforzini promises. “You will experience exhilarating interpretations of cherished Broadway hits, ranging from iconic showstoppers, heartfelt ballads, and classical character studies to the most contemporary gems from musical theater, all performed by ‘Turandot’ cast members.”
Opera Scenes
“Opera Scenes” will be presented at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 8 and 2 p.m. on Feb. 10 at Opera Central, 2145 First Ave. S. Resident artists will perform excerpts from famous works such as Act 3 from Puccini’s “La Bohème” as well as several scenes from Gounod’s “Romeo and Juliet,” and Samuel Barber’s nine-minute opera, “A Hand of Bridge.”. Presented as part of the St. Petersburg Celebration of the Arts Shakespeare Festival, the performances are appropriate for novices and opera aficionados.
Mornings with the Maestro
Sforzini is excited to bring back “Mornings with the Maestro,” a 90-minute preview for upcoming operas, also at Opera Central. At 11 a.m. on March 1, you can learn all about “Turandot’s” music, characters, composer and historical background along with performances from members of the cast. The same opportunity will take place on May 31 for a preview of “Lucia di Lammermoor.”
To enjoy a fun evening and to help support local opera, mark your calendar for “Bella Voce,” its annual gala, on April 20. St. Petersburg Opera Company and Opera Central are at 2145 1st Ave S in St. Pete. For information about upcoming performances or to purchase tickets, please visit www.stpeteopera.org or call (727) 823-2040. Donations are always welcome to make education programs and productions possible, and sponsorships are available at all levels.
