Singer

The world’s most beloved opera returns to the Granada for the first time since 2016, in a sumptuous fully-staged production starring Sarah Saturnino as Carmen, Nathan Granner as Don José, Anya Matanovic as Micaëla, and Colin Ramsey as Escamillo. The production will be directed by Fenlon Lamb. Opera Santa Barbara’s Artistic and General Director Kostis Protopapas conducts the full forces of the Opera Santa Barbara Orchestra and Chorus, in the opera with which he made his 2016 company debut.

EPSG:4326

Carmen

Granada Theatre

The official opera season will open at the Granada Theatre with Bizet’s Carmen on Friday, September 29th, 2023, at 7:30pm and Sunday, October 1st, at 2:30pm. Mezzo-soprano Sarah Saturnino, who recently was announced a Grand Finalist Winner in the Metropolitan Opera’s Laffont Competition, makes her OSB debut in the title role, surrounded by a host of company favorite artists. Tenor Nathan Granner and bass-baritone Colin Ramsey make their role debuts as Don José and Escamillo, and soprano Anya Matanovic returns as Micaëla. This production, which will feature dancers from State Street Ballet, will be directed by Fenlon Lamb and conducted by Opera Santa Barbara Artistic and General Director, Kostis Protopapas. This production of Carmen is made possible through generous support from the Granada Theatre. 

Set in a time of speakeasies and extravagance, Verdi’s most popular and intimate opera is transported to the Roaring 1920s. At the center of the glitz and glamour is one of opera’s foremost leading ladies, Violetta Valéry.  Known for her legendary parties, the famous courtesan is accustomed to the affection of others, but the young and passionate Alfredo stirs new emotions and a desire to be truly loved. Will Violetta risk it all for this new love?   From high flying melodies, and raucous drinking songs, to soul-baring duets and emotional ensembles, the music of Verdi’s La Traviata perfectly underscores the heights of love and the depths of sacrifice. Experience one of opera’s greatest stories and scores live at the Granada Theatre.  Kostis Protopapas conducts Verdi for the first time at Opera Santa Barbara.  Tara Faircloth (La Rondine, ‘17) directs this new production with scenic & projection design by François-Pierre Couture (Das Rheingold, ’21). Returning to OSB as Violetta is Anya Matanovic, last seen as Abigail Williams in The Crucible. Nathan Granner (Rodolfo, La bohème ’18) plays Alfredo, and baritone Joel Balzun makes his OSB debut as Alfredo’s father, Giorgio Germont. The production will feature dancers from State Street Ballet.

Anya Matanovic

Soprano

Events

Oct 1, 2023

Carmen · Lobero Theatre

Sep 29 - Oct 1, 2023

Carmen · Opera Santa Barbara

10 - 12 Jun, 2022

La Traviata · Opera Santa Barbara

About

Anya Matanovic hasn't added a bio