Sarasota Opera

THE 2024-25 SARASOTA OPERA SEASON  Sarasota has become one of the most vibrant Florida communities. Our city has grown from a sleepy beach getaway to an international Arts destination. At the center of this community is Sarasota Opera—as unique as our Florida home. When you step into our theater—with the perfect size and acoustics for live opera—you’ll leave the outside world behind for an unforgettable experience of music, lights, costumes, sets, and vocals. Welcome to our world of kings and queens, heroes and villains, passionate love, intense drama, and the inextinguishable power of the human spirit. 
This is Sarasota Opera. Described by Musical America as 'one of the finest venues for opera in the United States.'

THE 2024 FALL SEASON NOVEMBER 9 - 17, 2024 

THE HOBBIT™ by Dean Burry         - November 9, 10 

Sarasota Youth Opera will present its acclaimed production of The Hobbit™ by Dean Burry. This prelude to Tolkien's classic, The Lord of The Rings, recounts how a comfort-loving hobbit, unwillingly dragged into a heroic quest, accidentally acquires the golden ring of power.  

THE MUSIC OF GIUSEPPE VERDI          - November 15, 17 

The operas of Giuseppe Verdi have been an important part of the history of Sarasota Opera, the only company to have presented all his works. Principal Artists from the Sarasota Opera with the Sarasota Orchestra, conducted by Victor DeRenzi, will present selections from these great works in concert. 

THE 2025 WINTER OPERA FESTIVAL  FEBRUARY 15 – MARCH 30, 2023 

CAVALLERIA RUSTICANA by Pietro Mascagni / PAGLIACCI by Ruggero Leoncavallo         - February 15, 20, 23m, 26
        - March 1m, 7, 11, 19m, 22m, 29m

Two operas, two betrayed husbands, two tragic ends. In Cavalleria rusticana the calm of a Sicilian Easter morning is broken by a betrayed lover who sets off a chain of events ending in violent tragedy. In true theatrical tradition Pagliacci's clown tries to go on with the show, but his real-life humiliation and despair lead to a grim climax. The violent passions and raw emotions of these two works changed the direction of Italian opera forever. 

THE BARBER OF SEVILLE by Gioachino Rossini         - February 22, 25, 27
        - March 2m, 5, 9m, 14, 21, 27m, 29 

Determined to win the heart of the beautiful Rosina, Count Almaviva enlists the help of Figaro, the barber of Seville, to steal her away from her guardian, Dr. Bartolo. Hilarious complications ensue to some of opera's most delightful music. The Barber of Seville is one of the most beloved comedic works in the operatic repertory. 

THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart          - March 8, 13, 16m, 19, 22m, 25, 28 

Continuing on the story of The Barber of Seville, Count Almaviva's eye has now wandered and his current objective is Susanna, Figaro's fiancée. The distressed couple, along with Rosina (now the Countess Almaviva) conspire to reveal the count's lechery, despite the many obstacles thrown in their way. Mozart's musical genius, along with Lorenzo DaPonte's witty libretto make The Marriage if Figaro one of opera's materpieces.

STIFFELIO by Giuseppe Verdi         - March 15, 18, 20, 23m, 26, 30m 

A Protestant minister returns from a mission abroad to be confronted by his wife's infidelity. Stiffelio faces his wife's transgression, battling his all-too human emotions with his religious faith. Written just before Rigoletto, this long neglected, emotionally charged work is now recognized as an important opera by the great Giuseppe Verdi. 

Check out our full calendar at sarasotaopera.org