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!

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!

Cost

FREE for school and homeschool groups

2022-23 Season Opportunities

The Secret Marriage by Domenico Cimarosa
Tuesday, October 25, 11:00-2:00
Sung in Italian with English supertitles

A social-climbing father wants his eldest daughter to marry and aristocrat and is prepared to buy his way in. When the world-be suitor arrives, his eye falls on the younger daughter instead, but she has already secretly married her father's secretary! For a link to the full synopsis, click here.

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Don Giovanni by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Thursday, February 23, 12:00-3:30
Sung in Italian with English supertitles

Mozart’s most famous opera is a comic and tragic masterpiece. Set in 17th century Spain, this tale of obsession, betrayal, crime, and retribution centers around the infamous lover Don Juan, who leaves a path of broken hearts wherever he goes. For a link to the full synopsis, click here.

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Ernani by Giuseppe Verdi
Thursday, March 9, 12:00-3:00
Sung in Italian with English supertitles

The bandit Ernani has lost his land, wealth and title, and faces competing suitors, including the king, as he pursues his true love. One of the greatest of Verdi’s early works, Ernani encompasses love, honor and tragedy with thrilling music full of passionate choruses and emotional arias. For a link to the full synopsis, click here.

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Thérèse by Jules Massenet
Wednesday, March 15, 11:30-1:45
Sung in French with English supertitles

A love triangle during the French Revolution is the setting for this rarely heard work. Thérèse is torn between love for her former lover and her affection and duty toward her husband. Lyrical, beautiful music is punctuated by the drama of the “Reign of Terror”. Thérèse is a Sarasota Opera premiere. For a link to the full synopsis, click here.

Standards & Benchmarks

COMING SOON

Chaperone Guidelines

Schools: 1 adult for every 10 students
Homeschoolers: 1 adult for every 4 students

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

To Sign Up

Click here!

Exploration Grants

COMING SOON

Questions & Inquires

Please email Martha Collins, Director of Education at [email protected] or call (941) 328-1307.

Opera Artists in Schools

A visit to your school or classroom by members of the Sarasota Opera Studio Artists program will introduce your students to the thrill of the world of opera. Through performance and Q&A with a small ensemble of professional opera singers, students will learn about the basics of opera, theater, careers in the arts, music terms and more.

Cost

FREE for all schools

November 2022 Availability

Monday, November 14
Tuesday, November 15
Wednesday, November 16
Thursday, November 17
Friday, November 18

Technical Requirements

A large TV screen with internet access and Zoom capabilities.

Questions and Inquires

Please email Martha Collins, Director of Education at [email protected] or call (941) 328-1307.

Grade Levels

Intended for and adaptable to all grade levels (Kindergarten through 12th Grade)

To Sign Up

Click here!

Standards & Benchmarks

COMING SOON

Opera House Tour & Career Exploration

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 (when possible) visits to the backstage area, the scenic, costume, and prop shops as well as Q&A sessions.

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, over the course of a behind-the-scenes tour of a professional opera company
• 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