Opera Modesto

September 11 and 13, 2026 – Bribery, Bel Canto, Disguise, Comedy and Love: The Barber of Seville is a sparkling, chaotic comedy which tells the story of two young lovers and their quest to be together. The iconic Figaro, Figaro, Figaro! has made its way into modern culture in so many ways! From Bugs Bunny famously giving Elmer Fudd a shave, to Robin Williams singing “Largo al factotum” at the beginning of Mrs. Doubtfire. With memorable arias, breathtaking bel canto music and a delightful blend of romance with hijinks and humor, the effervescent music of The Barber of Seville remains a perennial favorite for audiences of all ages.

The Barber of Seville

Gallo Center for the Arts

January 16 and 17, 2027 – The Little Prince is a magical, imaginative opera based on the 1943 book of the same name by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry.  With music by Rachel Portman, the opera is an adaption of the one of the best-selling and most translated books in history. It tells the story of a young prince from another planet who meets a pilot stranded in the Sahara Desert. The story follows the Little Prince as he journeys across different worlds, meeting eccentric characters who reveal the absurdities of adult behavior before arriving on Earth, where he learns profound lessons about friendship. Blending whimsical fantasy with emotional depth, the work captures the innocence, wonder, and wisdom of childhood and is perfect for all ages.

The Little Prince

State Theatre of Modesto Inc

April 23 and 25, 2027 – Inspired by Alexandre Dumas Fils’s play, The Lady of the Camellias, it is the most performed opera worldwide. La Traviata is Verdi’s twisting love story that explores class, fate and sacrifice, with heartbreaking consequences. Elegant. Emotional. Unforgettable. Violetta holds court at every party in Paris, but beneath the grandeur lies a fatal disease. Will her time run out before she knows true love? Verdi’s timeless story renowned for its soaring arias and heart-wrenching ending, proves how “love is the heartbeat of the universe.”

La Traviata

Join us for an evening of fun as we kick-off our 2023 Story Into Song Literacy Initiative Production: Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Fallen Giant.

Enjoy a delicous spread of appetizers and desserts provided the the Townsend Opera. Come in your best Sherlockian outfit and revel in special guest appearances by the performers from the opera. 

Murder is Afoot! An Opera Modesto Original Mystery Game