Opera Naples Announces #30DaysofOpera

To further its mission of presenting quality opera, musical performances, education, and community engagement programs, Opera Naples, led by Artistic Director Ramón Tebar, is pleased to announce #30DaysofOpera, featuring accessible opera including free performances, in-school programming, educational workshops, and the fully staged “Iolanthe,” the whimsical comic opera by W. S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan.

#30DaysofOpera features performances by the Opera Naples Resident Artists, four emerging young opera singers selected through a highly competitive national search. In addition to a free performance on January 20 at the Wang Opera Center, the Resident Artists perform “Stop, Bully!” in local elementary schools, after-school programs, and community senior centers, impacting upwards of 3,000 students and adults each year.

Commenting on today’s announcement, Robin Shuford Frank, Chorus Master and Director of Education and Community Outreach said: “Our Resident Artists Program allows us to bring music directly into our local elementary schools and after-school programs, with music enrichment that addresses head on the growing bullying crisis in our schools. We are proud of our Opera Naples Youth Company outreach to our local Senior Centers and free community events. Our education and community programs also benefit from our strong relationship with the Bower School of Music & the Arts at Florida Gulf Coast University and Director Dr. Krzysztof Biernacki, which allows collaborative performances and events.”

#30daysofopera events lead up to the 2024 Festival Under the Stars, a spectacular multi-day outdoor opera festival, conducted by Opera Naples Artistic Director Ramón Tebar, that will feature international opera stars in famed staged production.

#30DaysofOpera:

Community Outreach

January to February 2024. Follow our community impact on social media using #30daysofopera or check operanaples.org for community performances and ticketed events.

Opera Night: Shining Stars, Wang Opera Center

January 20, 2024, 6:00 PM

You are invited to meet the 2024 Opera Naples Resident Artists—emerging opera talents selected through a national search--and see up close the newly renovated Wang Opera Center. This informal evening event will feature a Q&A with the artists and Director of Education Robin Shuford Frank, Artistic Director Ramón Tebar, plus selected arias with piano. January 20, 2024, 6pm. Wang Opera Center. Cost: Complimentary. Space is limited. Please register in advance at operanaples.org or by calling (239) 963- 9050.

“Iolanthe,” Wang Opera Center

February 3, 2024 @ 7:00 PM and February 4, 2024 @ 2:00 PM

Gilbert and Sullivan’s “Iolanthe” boasts a clever combination of romance, humor, political satire, and the memorable musical numbers that have made Gilbert and Sullivan household names. “Iolanthe” features the Opera Naples Resident Artists in the lead roles. For tickets, which start at $39, visit operanaples.org.

2024 Festival Under the Stars, Cambier Park, Wang Opera Center and St. Leo Catholic Church

February 29 to March 10, 2024

The festival takes place primarily in the Wang Opera Center, St. Leo Catholic Church, and the fully transformed Cambier Park softball field, with an elevated stage, reserved seating, and VIP tables. The festival includes two evenings with the Luciano Pavarotti Foundation, personally hosted by Nicoletta Pavarotti, which celebrate the legacy of Luciano Pavarotti. Expect to be mesmerized by world-renowned opera artists, such as Marcelo Álvarez, Gregory Kunde, Jennifer Rowley in “Madama Butterfly,” and local favorite Jeanette Donatti. We pay tribute to the great Italian opera composer Giacomo Puccini on the 100th anniversary of his passing with our fully staged “Madama Butterfly.” Several performances will have a Latin flair as part of the ¡ARTE VIVA! Festival Celebration of Hispanic Arts and Culture, including the ballet “Carmen” with partner Gulfshore Ballet, as well as an evening of Zarzuela and Flamenco dancing. We are especially excited to partner with Grand Piano Series with pianist Konstantin Soukhovetski.

The 2024 Festival Under the Stars will include a free Family & Community Day, featuring a performance of “Stop, Bully!” by the Opera Naples Resident Artists, the Opera Naples Youth Company, and a variety of activities to educate and inspire the children in our community.

2024 Festival Under the Stars Schedule (subject to change):

Feb 29: Konstantin Soukhovetski: Grand Piano Series

March 1:Pavarotti Forever, Marcelo Álvarez

March 2:Free Family and Community Day (daytime)

March 2:Zarzuela & Flamenco (evening)

March 3:Jeanette Donatti, Opera Stars Concert

March 6:Luciano Pavarotti: His Life, presented by Nicoletta Pavarotti

March 7:“Carmen,” presented by Gulfshore Ballet

March 8:“Madama Butterfly,” by Giacomo Puccini with Jennifer Rowley

March 9:Gregory Kunde, Opera Stars Concert

March 10:“Madama Butterfly,” by Giacomo Puccini with Jennifer Rowley

For tickets to all events, please visit OperaNaples.org. For Millennium Club members, VIP Table reservations, or group sales please contact Concierge Ticketing by calling Rita Albaugh at 239-963-9050 or ralbaugh@operanaples.org.