Ben Gulley News

Amidst a setting of ancient times, Nabucco-king of Babylon-conquers the Hebrews, destroys their holy temple of Solomon and takes them into captivity. Meanwhile, his daughters Fenena and Abigaille both yearn for the forbidden affection of the Israelite Ismael. Her love unrequited, Abigaille is obsessed with vengeance. In the ultimate act of hubris, Nabucco declares that he is God and is struck mad by a thunderbolt. Will he regain his reason, repent, and return the Jews to their homeland?

Executive Director Richard Russell and Artistic Director Victor DeRenzi have announced that bass baritone Kevin Short will return to Sarasota Opera this season to sing the role of Zaccaria in Sarasota Opera's production of Giuseppe Verdi's Nabucco, opening Saturday, March 2, 2019.

Amidst a setting of ancient times, Nabucco-king of Babylon-conquers the Hebrews, destroys their holy temple of Solomon and takes them into captivity. Meanwhile, his daughters Fenena and Abigaille both yearn for the forbidden affection of the Israelite Ismael. Her love unrequited, Abigaille is obsessed with vengeance. In the ultimate act of hubris, Nabucco declares that he is God and is struck mad by a thunderbolt. Will he regain his reason, repent, and return the Jews to their homeland?

Sarasota Opera will celebrate its 60th Season when the 2019 Winter Opera Festival opens on February 9th with Puccini's Turandot. The festival will continue with Mozart's The Magic Flute, Verdi's Nabucco, and the premiere of a rare and delightful comic double bill: Donizetti's Rita (Two Men and a Woman) and Wolf-Ferrari's Susanna's Secret. Special events, lectures, recitals, and concerts continue through the season. Capping off the festivities will be the Diamond Anniversary recital and dinner on April 5th.

Just in time for the holidays, Sarasota Opera's "An Evening of Operetta" will light up the Sarasota Opera House with sparkling musical gems to enchant and delight. You'll find yourself in the "The Land of Smiles" as opera singers present a showcase of beautiful melodies such as "The Merry Widow Waltz," "Thine Alone," "Wanting You," and "A Toast to Champagne." Tickets start at just $10 for the performance on Friday, December 14, 2018 at 7:30pm.

Victor DeRenzi, Artistic Director, and Richard Russell, Executive Director, are pleased to announce the casting for Sarasota Opera's new Recital Series. The new series, which was inspired by the rich operetta and song traditions from around the world, will feature favorite artists performing opera, operetta, and art songs with piano accompaniment.

The Verdi Chorus will present its Fall 2017 concert 'Love's Passions and Potions' for two performances only at the First United Methodist Church in Santa Monica on November 18th and 19th led by Founding Artistic Director Anne Marie Ketchum.

Opera Orlando has chosen Boh me to open their 2017-2018 main-stage season-Love Lost and Found-on November 15, 17, and 18 at 7:30 p.m. and November 19 at 2 p.m. in the Alexis and Jim Pugh Theater at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 445 S. Magnolia Ave., Orlando, Florida.

The Verdi Chorus will present its Fall 2017 concert 'Love's Passions and Potions' for two performances only at the First United Methodist Church in Santa Monica on November 18th and 19th led by Founding Artistic Director Anne Marie Ketchum.

Opera Orlando has chosen Boh me to open their 2017-2018 main-stage season-Love Lost and Found-on November 15, 17, and 18 at 7:30 p.m. and November 19 at 2 p.m. in the Alexis and Jim Pugh Theater at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 445 S. Magnolia Ave., Orlando, Florida.

The Verdi Chorus will present its Fall 2017 concert 'Love's Passions and Potions' for two performances only at the First United Methodist Church in Santa Monica on November 18th and 19th led by Founding Artistic Director Anne Marie Ketchum.

World premieres, new productions, and exciting artist debuts will make the 59th season at Sarasota Opera a season not to miss. Highlights of the upcoming year include the return of Giuseppe Verdi, the 6th Sarasota Youth Opera world premiere, and operas by composers such as Vincenzo Bellini and Eugen D'Albert whose operas have not been heard on our stage.

Journey deep into the mind of a suburban family

Next to Normal is best described as a "feel everything" rock musical. Playwright and lyricist Brian Yorkey employs humor through funny lines and situations to balance and lighten the play's serious and painful situations of human life. The music by Tom Kitt provides pleasure in itself, and connects the audience's emotions to the lyrics in ways that simple spoken words cannot.

Enjoyable show with fine singers

This year's original show from Musical Theater Heritage will be "AN EVENING WITH COLE PORTER" March 3-13, written by MTH Executive Director & Founder, George Harter. The program will feature an all local cast including the internationally famous tenor, Ben Gulley and Kansas City favorite Lauren Braton.

Nineteen of the best young opera singers in the country will be competing in The Dallas Opera Guild Vocal Competition presented by The Dallas Opera and The Dallas Opera Guild. The talented performers are competing for thousands of dollars in prize money and prestigious honors including the “People's Choice” award selected by audience ballot.