The 2016-2017 inaugural season of Opera Orlando has been distinguished by critical and audience acclaim, and sold-out houses. For a myriad of reasons, the 2017-18 season will have an even greater impact in Central Florida.
Here, Opera Orlando announces productions for the 2017-18 season.
“Opera on Park”
The 2017-18 season will kick off in an intimate manner with “Opera on Park,” three vocal recitals featuring nationally renowned artists on Sundays at 2 p.m. on August 6, 20 and 27. This is a mainstay of the company and will once again be held at the University Club of Winter Park (841 N. Park Ave., Winter Park, 32789).
The company then moves into the Alexis and Jim Pugh Theater at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Orlando for the rest of its season where the Orlando Philharmonic will join for each of the three fully staged and costumed productions.
Puccini’s “La Bohème”
Giacomo Puccini’s beloved “La Bohème” opens the main-stage season on November 15-19. The original story’s 1830 setting for the colorful ensemble of struggling artists will be transported to the Roaring 20s of Paris, the “City of Lights.”
Metropolitan Opera Roster Artist Cecilia Violetta Lopez will make her Opera Orlando debut in the iconic soprano role of the doomed Mimi (love lost).
Gabriel Preisser, Opera Orlando’s Executive and Artistic Director, will take the stage and perform the key baritone role of Marcello. Other confirmed principals include bass-baritone Nathan Stark as Colline and baritone Brian James Myer as Schaunard. All three men were featured in an August 2016 “Opera on Park” recital.
A new holiday tradition set?
Opera Orlando set out to create a holiday tradition through performances of Gian Carlo Menotti’s Christmas opera “Amahl and the Night Visitors” in December 2016. Audiences, young and old alike, were delighted by a series of performances throughout Orlando.
The same formula will be put to work in 2017 and Jensen will once again be music director and conductor while the Orlando Ballet will add dance. Three Pugh Theater performances are slated for December 9-10.
Rossini’s “Cinderella”
Then for March 21-25, 2018, a fantastical production of Gioachino Rossini’s “Cinderella” (“La Cenerentola” in Italian) will conclude the 2017-18 season with a happy ending when the well-known heroine is reunited with Prince Ramiro in this cartoon-like comedy.
Conductor Jacobsen will make his Opera Orlando debut and the company welcomes back mezzo soprano Amanda Crider in the title role. Crider sang for the company’s first annual gala and gave a recital for “Opera on Park.”
Internationally renowned stage director Ophelie Wolf will make her Opera Orlando debut for this production as well.
Opera Orlando will also be heard throughout Central Florida in the 2017-18 with ongoing presentations including a series of special lead-up events for “La Bohème” and “Cinderella.”
Season tickets for the 2017-18 Opera Orlando will go on sale March 31 and are available by visiting the Dr. Phillips Center Box Office at 445 S. Magnolia Ave., Orlando, or calling 844-513-2014.
