Announcing the 2026/27 Season
A New Era. A Tradition of Excellence.
Our 68th season marks an exciting new chapter for Sarasota Opera. We are embracing a new era while preserving our tradition of artistic excellence. Next season brings the company debut of Gilbert & Sullivan’s H.M.S. Pinafore, brand‑new productions of Verdi’s La traviata and Janáček’s Jenůfa, and a revitalized artistic vision for the company. Subscription renewals open March 16, with single tickets opening August 1 online only and September 1 via phone and in person at the Box Office. For more information, contact the Box Office at 941-328-1300.
Art for next season was created by artist and illustrator Tori Abramov.
Fall 2026
Hansel and Gretel
Music by Engelbert Humperdinck, Libretto by Adelheid Wette
Youthful wonder, courage, and strength in an enchanted forest.
October 30 – November 14, 2026
Inspired by the Brothers Grimm fable, the story follows two siblings who stray into the forest, encounter a beguiling Gingerbread Witch, and find courage in the face of peril. Musically sophisticated but accessible for all ages, Hansel and Gretel blends rich orchestration with folk‑like melodies. The opera conveys a journey from hardship and temptation to wonder and homecoming, offering a timeless reflection on innocence, resourcefulness, and the power of family.
Rootabaga Country (Sarasota Youth Opera)
Music and Libretto by Rachel J. Peters
A whimsical journey of imagination, family, and self‑discovery.
November 7 & 8, 2026
Inspired by Carl Sandburg’s Rootabaga Stories, this whimsical adventure follows Gimme the Ax and his children, Please Gimme and Ax Me No Questions, as they journey through the imaginative—but not magical—landscape of Rootabaga Country to learn more about the mother they never knew. Musically crafted for young voices yet rich in character, Rootabaga Country blends playful storytelling with heartfelt themes. Along the way, the family discovers that love and belonging come in many forms, offering a gentle, resonant reflection on curiosity, courage, and the shape of family.
2027 Winter Opera Festival
La traviata
Music by Giuseppe Verdi, Libretto by Francesco Maria Piave
February 6 – March 20, 2027
Elegance, sacrifice, and poignant romance in 19th‑century Paris.
One of the most enduring works in the repertoire, this is the moving story of Violetta Valéry, a celebrated courtesan whose unexpected love for Alfredo Germont conflicts with her world of parties and pleasure and forces her to make the ultimate sacrifice. Verdi’s music seamlessly weaves elegance and drama, underscoring the timeless tale of Violetta’s love and selfless devotion.
H.M.S. Pinafore
Music by Arthur Sullivan, Libretto by W.S. Gilbert
February 13 – March 19, 2027
Spirited satire, romance, and mischief aboard a Royal Navy ship.
Sarasota Opera's inaugural staging of a Gilbert and Sullivan work, H.M.S. Pinafore is a cornerstone of Victorian comic operetta, where questions of love and social rank spark humor and delight. At the center of this story, set aboard a British Navy ship, is the earnest sailor Ralph Rackstraw and Josephine, the captain's daughter, whose affection challenges the strict hierarchies of their world. The uproarious satire includes witty patter songs and memorable melodies that make it a perennial favorite for audiences of all ages.
Ariadne auf Naxos
Music by Richard Strauss, Libretto by Hugo von Hofmannsthal
February 27 – March 13, 2027
Rivalry, comedy, and mythical reinvention in Vienna.
A dazzling operatic fusion of myth and comedy, the story begins with a lively backstage prologue in which an opera troupe and a comedy ensemble are forced to perform together. The resulting spectacle sets the mythical, mournful Ariadne alongside the playful Zerbinetta and her band of comedians. The opera showcases Strauss’s gift for intertwining emotional depth with theatrical spectacle, masterfully balancing lush lyricism and clever playfulness.
Jenůfa
Music and Libretto by Leoš Janáček
March 6 – March 21, 2027
Tradition, tragedy, and hidden truths in a Moravian village.
This landmark Czech opera is a captivating work of realism and emotional depth, following young Jenůfa as she endures hardship, love, and the unyielding expectations of her village. Central to the drama is the Kostelnička, Jenůfa’s stepmother – played by world renowned soprano Karita Mattila in her Sarasota Opera debut – whose desperate attempt to protect her stepdaughter leads to tragic consequences.