The following are brief descriptions of the operas with
featured cast members and creative teams:
Manon Lescaut, composed by Giacomo Puccini, directed by
Stephanie Sundine and conducted by Victor DeRenzi with
Sandra Lopez as Manon Lescaut, Matthew Vickers as Cavalier
des Grieux, Filippo Fontana as Lescaut and Costas Tsourakis
as Geronte. Cavalier des Grieux and the enchanting Manon
Lescaut experience love at first sight and flee to Paris, but
when Des Grieux’s money runs out Manon leaves him for a
wealthy man. However, her love continues to burn for des
Grieux in ways they do not foresee.
Carmen, composed by Georges Bizet, directed by Martha
Collins and conducted by John F. Spencer IV with Lisa
Chavez in the title role, Hanna Brammer as Miceaela and
Cody Austin as Don Jose. This ill-fated love story follows the
tumultuous relationship between a gypsy and a corporal.
The opera takes you on a journey through Seville, to the
mountains with smugglers and ultimately to the bullring,
where the story reaches its dramatic conclusion.
Norma, composed by Vincenzo Bellini, directed by Mark
Frieman and conducted by Maestro DeRenzi with Joanna
Parisi in the title role and Cameron Schutza as Pollione. A
Druid priestess and a Roman official defy her sacred vows
and have two children. When he leaves her, she contemplates
his murder.
Tiefland, composed by Eugen d’Albert, directed by Michael
Unger and conducted by David Neely with Kara Shay
Thomson as Marta and Ben Gulley as Pedro. Marta, the
unwilling mistress of a wealthy landowner, is married off to
a shepherd, Pedro. When her awful secret comes to light, he
attempts to free her from her misery.
DeRenzi stressed Sarasota Opera is the ideal place for anyone
to see an opera, from the novice to the most experienced
audience member.
“Everything we do is real,” he said. “The repertoire we do
defines what we are. We give very impassioned performances
that are connected very much to the drama and the words of
an opera, as much as they are to its music. We also supply
simultaneous translations in English to foreign language
operas above the stage, so you can follow the drama of the
piece every moment.”
Sarasota Opera is located at 61 N. Pineapple Ave. in Sarasota.
The opera season begins on Feb. 10 and runs through March
24. Ticket prices range from $19-$139. For more information
about the opera’s season or to order tickets, call the box
office at (941) 328-1300 or log on to www.sarasotaopera.org.
FEBRUARY 2018 | SARASOTA SCENE 59
Sandra Lopez
Lisa Chavez
Joanna Parisi
Kara Shay Thomson
/www.sarasotaopera.org