Edhat StaffSingle tickets are on sale for Opera Santa Barbara’s 2017-18 season, which will open with a sumptuous production of Jules Massenet’s sultry Manon starring celebrated soprano Sarah Coburn on November 3 and 5, followed by a frolicsome staging of Gioachino Rossini’s enduring comic masterwork The Barber of Seville on March 2 and 4. Ranging in price from $29 to $204, tickets can be purchased at www.granadasb.org or by calling 805-899-2222. Performances will take place at the Granada Theatre, 1214 State Street in downtown Santa Barbara.
“Our costuming for Manon is by far the most elaborate in Opera Santa Barbara history, and the production’s cast is wonderful from top to bottom, beginning with the stellar soprano Sarah Coburn, who’ll make her company debut in the title role. And of course, The Barber of Seville promises a rollicking good time. Get your tickets while they last,” said Opera Santa Barbara Board Chair Nancy Golden.
A scandalous tale of love, lust, and greed, Manon caused an instant sensation upon its 1884 premiere in Paris. Directed by Kristine McIntyre and conducted by company Artistic Director Kostis Protopapas, Opera Santa Barbara’s production also will feature baritone Alex DeSocio as Lescaut, tenor Harold Meers as Le Chevalier des Grieux, bass-baritone Colin Ramsey as Le Compte des Grieux, and tenor Benjamin Brecher as Guillot Morfontaine. Described by The Baltimore Sun as “a riveting presence … [with] a voice of admirable purity and security,” Ms. Coburn has garnered dozens of similarly adoring plaudits from critics across the United States and Europe. Following her turn as Gilda in Rigoletto with Los Angeles Opera, Opera News’ Simon Williams marveled at her “striking” appearance and “superlatively agile” voice. Writing in the HuffPost, Donna Perlmutter declared her performance as Asteria in LA Opera’s production of Tamerlano “nothing less than stunning.”
Rossini’s iconic opera buffa The Barber of Seville has been charming audiences for more than 200 years. Opera Santa Barbara’s production will feature tenor Andrew Bidlack as Count Almaviva, mezzo-soprano Cassandra Zoe Velasco as Rosina, and bass-baritone Peter Strummer as Bartolo. Josh Shaw will direct; Mr. Protopapas will conduct.
Complete artist biographies are available at www.operasb.org.
Community groups are eligible for a 15 percent discount on single tickets; children ages 7 to 18 accompanied by an adult will be admitted for $14 each. The latter discounted tickets allow for seating with parents in all sections of the Granada except the loge and boxes.
For more information, visit www.operasb.org or call 805-898-3890.
Related Programming
The November 3 performance of Manon will be preceded by a French-themed celebration in the McCune Founders Room of the Granada Theatre beginning at 5 pm. Participants will enjoy valet parking, a gourmet dinner, private intermission, and a post-performance reception. Tickets cost $300. For tickets or additional information, call 805-893-3890.
About Opera Santa Barbara
Founded in 1994 by Marilyn Gilbert and Nathan Rundlett, Opera Santa Barbara is committed to presenting productions and educational programs of the highest quality. Over more than two decades the company has staged more than 50 operas and devoted thousands of hours to community outreach. The organization remains dedicated to the core passions that animated its founding: celebrating and championing the breadth and beauty of opera, and contributing to the cultural enrichment of the Santa Barbara community. Additional information is available at www.operasb.org.
