First Coast Opera has announced its 2026-27 season, featuring productions that celebrate the moments that connect us. Through humor, conflict, love and hope, each production explores the relationships that challenge us, change us and ultimately bring us together.
The season features comic classics by Bach and Donizetti, the company’s annual New Year’s Eve champagne tradition with “The Elixir of Love” and a production of Aaron Copland’s “The Tender Land,” presented in partnership with Ancient City Farmstead.
Curtis Tucker, general and artistic director of First Coast Opera, shared his enthusiasm for the upcoming season.
“Incredible singing and lively characters make this one of our most engaging seasons, and I can’t wait to perform an opera set on a farm at an actual farm!” he said.
First Coast Opera's 27th season includes three productions, each offering audiences a different operatic experience.
“Something’s Brewing”
Sept. 10 and 12
The season opens with “Something’s Brewing,” a comic double bill featuring J.S. Bach’s “Coffee Cantata” and Gaetano Donizetti’s “Rita.” Filled with humor, unforgettable characters and sparkling music, the pairing offers an evening of comic opera at its finest.
Audiences may choose the company’s dinner and opera experience on Sept. 10 at 6 p.m., including an optional VIP pre-show reception, or attend a Sept. 12, 2 p.m. matinee at Celebration Hall at St. Anastasia in St. Augustine.
“The Elixir of Love”
Dec. 31 and Jan. 2, 2027
First Coast Opera continues its popular New Year’s Eve tradition with Donizetti's beloved romantic comedy “The Elixir of Love.”
The festive 7:30 p.m. New Year's Eve performance includes a champagne celebration, followed by a 2 p.m. Saturday matinee on Jan. 2. Featuring the famous aria “Una furtiva lagrima,” the opera follows the earnest Nemorino as he attempts to win Adina’s heart with the help of a dubious “magic” potion.
“The Tender Land”
Feb. 27-28, 2027
The season concludes with Aaron Copland’s “The Tender Land,” an American opera presented in partnership with Ancient City Farmstead. Instead of in a traditional theatre, audiences can experience the production in the Grand Cypress Barn during a 7:30 p.m. Saturday evening performance on Feb. 27 or a 2 p.m. Sunday matinee on Feb. 28. Copland’s lyrical score and themes of family, hope and new beginnings make this an especially fitting collaboration.
Expanding Access Through Youth Ticketing
Beginning this season, First Coast Opera is introducing free tickets for anyone younger than 18 with the purchase of an adult ticket, and $30 tickets for adults younger than 30, making live opera more accessible to younger audiences.
The initiative reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to cultivating the next generation of opera lovers and is supported through charitable contributions from donors who believe that the performing arts should be accessible to all.
Ticket Information
Tickets for “Something’s Brewing” are on sale now. Tickets for “The Elixir of Love” and “The Tender Land” go on sale to the public Aug. 1, with advance access available to qualifying donors. Learn more at firstcoastopera.org.
About First Coast Opera
Founded in 2000, First Coast Opera is a professional opera company that presents high-quality performances that inspire, entertain and enrich the cultural life of Northeast Florida. Through mainstage productions, concerts, educational outreach and community partnerships, First Coast Opera is committed to making opera accessible to audiences of all ages.
