Subscription Sales Underway for Opera Santa Barbara's New Season

Subscription sales have begun for Opera Santa Barbara's 2017-18 season, which will open with a sumptuous production of Jules Massenet's sultry Manon on November 3 and 5, followed by a sprightly staging of Gioachino Rossini's enduring comic masterwork The Barber of Seville on March 2 and 4. Prices start at just $55. To purchase subscriptions, visit www.operasb.org/tickets/season-subscription or call 805-898-3890.

"Returning subscribers get to keep their favorite seats, while new subscribers can lock in their seating preferences before single tickets go on sale. Patrons should act now, as we expect robust ticket demand for both productions," said Opera Santa Barbara Board Chair Nancy Golden.

A scandalous tale of love, lust, and greed, Manon caused an instant sensation upon its 1884 premiere in Paris. Directed by Kristine McIntyre and conducted by company Artistic Director Kostis Protopapas, Opera Santa Barbara's production will feature soprano Sarah Coburn in the title role, baritone Alex DeSocio as Lescaut, tenor Harold Meers as Le Chevalier des Grieux, bass-baritone Colin Ramsey as Le Compte des Grieux, and tenor Benjamin Brecher as Guillot Morfontaine. The production's costuming will be the most elaborate in the company's history.

Rossini's iconic opera buffa has been charming audiences for more than 200 years. Opera Santa Barbara's production will feature tenor Andrew Bidlack as Count Almaviva, mezzo-soprano Cassandra Zoe Velasco as Rosina, and bass-baritone Peter Strummer as Bartolo. Josh Shaw will direct; Mr. Protopapas will conduct.

Complete artist biographies are available at www.operasb.org.

Performances will take place at the Granada Theatre, 1214 State Street in downtown Santa Barbara.

Single tickets for Opera Santa Barbara's 2017-18 season will go on sale August 14. Community groups are eligible for a 15 percent discount on single tickets; children ages 7 to 18 accompanied by an adult will be admitted for $14 each. The latter discounted tickets allow for seating with parents in all sections of the Granada except the loge and boxes.

For more information, visit www.operasb.org or call 805-898-3890.

About Opera Santa Barbara

Founded in 1994 by Marilyn Gilbert and Nathan Rundlett, Opera Santa Barbara is committed to presenting productions and educational programs of the highest quality. Over more than two decades the company has staged more than 50 operas and devoted thousands of hours to community outreach. The organization remains dedicated to the core passions that animated its founding: celebrating and championing the breadth and beauty of opera, and contributing to the cultural enrichment of the Santa Barbara community. Additional information is available at www.operasb.org.