Ring in the New Year with Bizet's “Carmen,” on stage Dec. 31 and Jan. 2 and 4 in St. Augustine. Three performances will take place in Lewis Auditorium at Flagler College, 14 Granada St. Tickets and details can be found at firstcoastopera.com, or call the box office at 904-417-5555.
A favorite of opera fans worldwide, “Carmen” is First Coast Opera’s (FCO) most ambitious production in its 26-year history. General and Artistic Director Curtis Tucker conducts, and Mark Freiman directs as more than 80 artists unite in this fully-staged production with orchestra, chorus and children’s chorus.
From the allure of the “Habanera” to the triumphant “Toreador Song,” the drama and unforgettable melodies have captivated audiences for generations as “Carmen” celebrates its 150th anniversary. The opera will be sung in French, with English supertitles.
The production will feature company favorites Sarah Nordin as the gypsy Carmen, Matt Morgan as the soldier Don José and, in his FCO debut, Luis Alejandro Orozco as the bullfighter Escamillo.
Rounding out the principal cast are McKenna Slack as Micaëla, Mark Freiman as Zuniga, Elena Galván as Frasquita, Katherine Kincaid as Mercédès, Daniel Bates as Le Remendado, John Daugherty as Le Dancaïre and Jacob Pence as Moralès.
Every performance pairs this timeless opera with the glow of St. Augustine's Nights of Lights on Dec. 31 at 7:30 p.m., and 2 p.m. matinees on Jan. 2 and 4. On New Year's Eve, operagoers are invited to enjoy complimentary champagne as part of the evening's celebration.
“Our New Year’s offerings are popular for our loyal audience members and for visitors to historic St. Augustine — held during the city’s Nights of Lights,” Tucker said. “Guests love dining at their favorite restaurants and enjoying the beautiful lights … with the added bonus of a world class opera performance!”
Tickets and details are available at firstcoastopera.com or by calling the box office at 904-417-5555. Group rates are available, and student tickets are only $20.
First Coast Opera events are sponsored in part by the St. Johns County Tourist Development Council and the St. Johns Cultural Council.
