Director

No one was more “All for Art” than the incredible Mexican surrealist painter Frida Kahlo, and her life story takes Steinmetz Hall by storm this January as Opera Orlando presents Robert Xavier Rodriguez’s operatic celebration of the artist in Frida. This poetic and beautiful retelling of Frida’s life reveals a woman of extreme magnetism and originality, an artist whose sensual vibrancy came straight from her experiences: her childhood during the Mexican Revolution; a devastating accident at age eighteen that left her crippled and unable to bear children; her tempestuous marriage to muralist Diego Rivera and intermittent love affairs; her association with the Communist Party; her absorption in Mexican folklore and culture; and her dramatic love of spectacle.

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Frida

Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts

Dive into the riveting production of "Flesh & Stone," a triad of song cycles that seamlessly intertwines the allure of sculpture and music. From the ethereal musings of Greek gods in Matthew Recio's "Statues in London" to the poignant reflections of Michelangelo in Britten’s "Seven Sonnets," and the haunting journey of sculptress Camille Claudel in Heggie and Scheer’s evocative piece. Curated by Director John de los Santos, inspired by his passion for song cycles and sculpture, this masterpiece brings to the fore pressing issues of appropriation in art and the tumultuous lives of artists. Join esteemed cast members, alongside live art model Pasqualino Beltempo, for a transcendent experience. After the show, immerse yourself further by sketching Beltempo and make your own artistic discoveries.

Flesh & Stone

The Blue Gallery

Ghosts is an evening of three one-act, horror-inspired operas by San Diego composer Nicolas Reveles. Comprised of the works Eden, Dormir and House, San Diego Opera is excited to present the world premiere of these operas. Eden, which features a libretto by director John De Los Santos, explores the boundaries of madness and obsession and is a tribute to Edgar Allan Poe. Dormir is an imaginative exploration of what might happen when Old World spiritual practices meet the Christian belief system, when portals open and unknown, powerful entities appear. House explores the idea that trauma haunts many of us, and that trauma remains in our bodies like ghosts.

Ghosts

Balboa Theatre

Marie is no ordinary canteen girl. Adopted and raised by a squadron of French soldiers and unaware of her aristocratic lineage, this spunky young woman falls for a handsome villager. But when her past comes to whisk her away, will she fall in line or follow her heart? A laugh-out-loud hit, Donizetti’s romantic comedy mixes hilarious hijinks with vocal pyrotechnics in this witty and heartwarming production.

The Daughter of the Regiment has romance, humor, vocal pyrotechnics—and one of the most unique roles in the repertoire, the Duchess of Krakenthorp. This cameo role has a storied history of portrayal by actors and public figures (including late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader-Ginsburg and Golden Girl Bea Arthur). In MN Opera’s production, the role of the Duchess of Krakenthorp will be performed by RuPaul’s Drag Race double crown winner Monét X Change. Don’t miss Monét X Change this February 4–12!

John De Los Santos

Director

Events

26 - 28 Jan, 2024

Frida · Opera Orlando

16 - 19 Nov, 2023

Flesh & Stone · New Camerata Opera

14 - 16 Apr, 2023

Ghosts · San Diego Opera

4 - 12 Feb, 2023

The Daughter of the Regiment · Minnesota Opera

About

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