School Programs
Opera combines thrilling music with compelling stories that are told with deep emotional commitment! We look forward to sharing the wonder of opera with all ages. Explore the programs and performances offered below. See you at the opera!
OPERA ARTISTS IN SCHOOLS
A visit to your school or classroom by the Sarasota Opera Resident Artists will introduce your students to the thrilling world of opera. Through a performance of opera excerpts and Q&A, students will learn about the basics of opera, theater, careers in the arts, music terms and more.
Cost
FREE for all schools
Available Dates
September 30 to November 14
Technical Requirements
A piano is an asset, but Sarasota Opera can provide one if necessary.
Grade Levels
Intended for and adaptable to all grade levels (Kindergarten through 12th Grade)
To Sign Up
Standards & Benchmarks
COMING SOON
Questions and Inquiries
Please email Martha Collins, Director of Education at [email protected] or call (941) 328-1307.
OPERA HOUSE TOUR AND PERFORMANCE
BY RESIDENT ARTISTS
Experience the thrill of standing on the opera stage! Explore the Opera House through interactive tours highlighting the history of the Opera House, its connection to Sarasota, and careers in the arts. Tours include visits to the backstage area, the scenic, costume, and prop shops as well as Q&A sessions. When available, the tour will culminate with a short performance of opera excerpts by our Professional Resident Artists.
Students will:
• Explore connections to social studies, visual arts, theatre arts, and music
• Learn about the many careers within the arts, both on and off the stage
• Identify the duties of some of backstage careers at the Opera House
• Examine the history of the Sarasota Opera House
• Gain an understanding of the economic and civic importance of the arts in the Sarasota region
Cost
Free
Availability
September 30 to November 14
Grade Levels
Available for grades 4 and up
Group Size
Maximum of 60 per group tour.
To Sign Up
Please contact Martha Collins, Director of Education at [email protected] or call (941) 328-1307.
Standards & Benchmarks
COMING SOON.
Questions and Inquiries
Please email Martha Collins, Director of Education at [email protected] or call (941) 328-1307.
INVITATION TO OPERA
Students and teachers are invited to attend orchestra dress rehearsals for free!
Come experience the uniqueness of live opera and interact with performers during intermissions!
The English text is projected above the stage, so all the action is easy to follow!
Cost
FREE for school and homeschool groups
2024-25 Season Opportunities
Così fan tutte by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Tuesday, October 28, 2:00 pm
Sung in Italian with English supertitles projected above the stage
Duplicity, disguises, and delightful deception in 18th century Naples.
Così fan tutte, or The School for Lovers, follows the story of two naive young soldiers who prank their brides-to-be to test their faithfulness. But the sisters to whom they are betrothed have plans of their own. Find out who ends up schooling whom in Mozart's delightful comedy with a masterful score.
Read the story opera: https://www.glyndebourne.com/opera-archive/explore-our-operas/explore-cosi-fan-tutte/cosi-fan-tutte-synopsis/
The Merry Widow by Franz Lehár
Thursday, February 19, 12:00 - 3:00
Sung in English with supertitles projected above the stage
Money, mischief and matchmaking in the 1860s Parisian aristocracy.
Wealthy widow Hanna Glawari is descended upon by an array of willing suitors from Parisian society. But plans go awry when Hanna's past paramour enters the ballroom. One of the most successful romantic operettas, The Merry Widow is the perfect blend of comedy, dance and unforgettable music.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Merry_Widow
Il Trovatore by Giuseppe Verdi
Thursday, March 5, 12:00 - 3:00 pm
Sung in Italian with English supertitles projected above the stage
Serenades, sieges, and family secrets in 15th century Spain.
One of Verdi's most popular works, Il trovatore unfolds with the telling of a fiery execution that takes place during Count de Luna's childhood, an event that sets him in vengeful pursuit of the gypsy woman, Azucena. Unrequited love for the noblewoman Leonora and hatred for her lover, the troubadour Manrico, drive him to murderous passions. The story comes full circle, ending with another tragic execution, in this sprawling medieval melodrama.
For more information and the story of the opera: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Il_trovatore
Susannah by Carlisle Floyd
Thursday, March 12, 12:00 - 3:00 pm
Sung in English with supertitles projected above the stage.
Sin, a loss of innocence, and repentance in the 1950s rural Tennessee.
A re-telling of the Book of Susannah, the story follows a pretty, innocent young woman as she falls under the jealous scrutiny of her rural Appalachian community. When the Reverend Blitch appears at her door offering redemption, tragic events unfold that force Susannah to take a stand for her dignity. Honoring the 100th anniversary of Carlisle Floyd's birth and in the state of its premiere, Susannah is a timeless, gripping tale and one of the most popular American operas.
Grade Levels
We encourage teachers to review the synopsis of the opera or speak with our Director of Education to discuss appropriateness of content for specific age groups.
Contact Martha Collins / [email protected] / 941-328-1307
Standards & Benchmarks
COMING SOON
To Sign Up
Chaperone Guidelines
Schools: 1 adult for every 10 students
Homeschoolers: 1 adult for every 4 students
Questions & Inquiries
Please email Martha Collins, Director of Education at [email protected] or call (941) 328-1307.
Youth Opera Alumni
Youth Opera Alumni
It was wonderful to welcome so many past members to our Fall 2024 Alumni Event at the YO Production of The Hobbit!
This fall we invite you to attend our YO Production of Brundibár and its accompanying Intolerance Through the Voices of Children followed by a reception. To sign up for your free tickets go to:
