Your opera subscription could be free

All subscription orders placed by May 1 will be automatically entered in a free drawing. The winner will get up to two subscriptions for free! Call (941) 366-8450, ext. 1 or visit the box office to place your order now. Subscription information (including a downloadable order form) can be found on our website at www.sarasotaopera.org.

The Arts Whisperer Previews Sarasota Opera's Winter Festival

He'll take you through all the operas this season. Hope to see you there!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2j1I4PuOxUQ&feature=player_embedded

Catch Our Spot on Comcast Cable TV

A sampling of what we are offering during the 2010 Winter Opera Festival

http://www.facebook.com/#/video/video.php?v=1337545715556&ref=mf

Opening Night is Less than Two Weeks Away!

Our Company has been busy rehearsing for the February 6 Opening Night performances of Cavalleria rusticana/Pagliacci by Mascagni and Leoncavallo respectively. Here is a preview of our principal singers in full costume and makeup. Performances run through March 21. Tickets are still available at the Box Office or online at www.sarasotaopera.org.



Cavalleria rusticana: Michael Corvino as Alfio, left, with Kara Shay Thomson as Santuzza





Cavalleria rusticana: Kara Shay Thomson as Santuzza.






Finally in Pagliacci: Gustavo Lòpez Manzitti as Canio. left, and Aundi Marie Moore as Nedda.

Were You There?

Were you part of the 800 people of all ages who came out Sunday, January 17 for the free Open House at Sarasota Opera House? There were several performances, backstage tours, wig, makeup, and costume displays, food from area restaurants, ticket giveaways, special ticket deals - even activities for the youngsters. Hope you had a great time. We certainly did!

Marco Nisticò in the NY Times

Sarasota Opera favorite Marco Nisticò is featured in the NY Times Arts & Leisure section today.

The article talks about his upcoming performances in Haydn's Il mondo della luna. In speculating who will deliver a star turn during the production the author says that "Marco Nisticò, the Buonafede, delivered a winning comic turn in the title role of Rossini’s “Signor Bruschino” with Gotham in 2007."

Sarasota Opera audiences certainly are aware of his ability to dominate the stage. He has performed roles as diverse as the aged Francesco Foscari in Verdi's I due Foscari, Rossini's ebullient Figaro in The Barber of Seville, the idealistic Rodrigue in Verdi's Don Carlos, and the stoic Germont in La traviata on our stage.

Marco Nisticò returns to Sarasota Opera in March as Joan of Arc's father Giacomo in Verdi's Giovanna d'Arco. There are six performances through March 20 and tickets are going quickly.

We are busy getting ready for season!

Soprano Lindsay Ohse, who will play the Queen of the Night in The Magic Flute, is being fitted by Costume Designer Howard Tsvi Kaplan and staff. Fittings are currently taking place nonstop in our busy Costume Shop. It won't be long now. Our Winter Festival season opens on February 6 with Cavalleria rusticana and Pagliacci. Other offerings this season are The Magic Flute, Hansel and Gretel, and Giovanna d'Arco (Joan of Arc).