If you’re a fan of classical music or theater but have felt unsure about attending an opera, this may be the season you will want to give it a try. The St. Petersburg Opera Co. has been putting on first-class productions since 2007, with singers and musicians coming from all over the world to perform here.
Offering a theme of justice, freedom, and the power of the human spirit, this year’s performances will entertain and enthrall music lovers of all ages. Staged at the 850-seat Palladium Theater with a full orchestra, they feature the struggles of three different women and the price they pay for the freedom of their loved ones. Tosca was presented in October. In Fidelio, written by Beethoven and scheduled for March 24-28, 2023, a wife disguises herself as a man to liberate her husband from prison. This will be sung in German with translations above the stage, along with English dialogue. The heroine of L’Italiana in Algeri is a clever enchantress who must trick her way to free herself, her fiancé, and her people. To be presented June 2-6, 2023, it will be sung in Italian, also with translations.
Each season, the opera stages a production for kids. This year, it was Pinocchio. In November, more than 1,200 third-graders from across Pinellas County were bused to Opera Central to attend special private performances. Before that, St. Pete Opera performers conducted in-school presentations in which students learned about opera and musical theater and participated in a few pieces from Pinocchio.
Maestro Mark Sforzini is an Alabama native who received his music training at Florida State University. He served as principal bassoon of the Florida Orchestra from 1992 to 2007 and composed orchestral and chamber works as well as one-act operas that were performed by orchestras throughout the United States. While working as the artistic director of the Encore Series of chamber music at the Palladium, he was invited to guest conduct Madama Butterfly. He knew then that he was “meant to be doing opera.”
Upcoming Events
St. Pete Opera’s annual holiday extravaganza, “Holiday Sparkle,” runs from Dec. 15-22 and features a fully staged production of Amahl and the Night Visitors along with 16 singers and a 20-piece orchestra performing holiday music from the sacred to the popular. A POPera-style holiday show at North Straub Park will take place at 3 p.m. on Dec. 18 with “pay what you can” seating options. In April 2023, the company will bring the critically acclaimed Opera Cowgirls to three locations in Tampa and St. Pete.
Myths About Opera
Sforzini likes to dispel impressions that might prevent people from attending a performance. “I think people expect heavy-set singers who will be very loud,” he says, “but the truth is they come in all shapes and sizes and vary the dynamic of their voice to different degrees of volume. And if you enjoy watching foreign films with subtitles, an opera will be a similar experience so you will understand all that is going on. Some may also think you have to get dressed up, but this is Florida, and we see everything from T-shirts to tuxes. Come as you are and leave inspired!”
St. Petersburg Opera Company is located at 2145 First Ave S. For more information 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.
