Opera NEO, San Diego’s alternative opera company, opens its fifth summer season Sunday with a free aria marathon.
Young opera artists from around the country come to San Diego each summer to study with the company’s international opera professionals and perform in fully staged productions.
The 2016 season includes four shows:
- Aria Marathon — Sunday, July 17, 6 p.m., at Palisades Presbyterian Church Sanctuary, 6301 Birchwood Street, San Diego. Each on the new artists will perform an aria at this free performance.
- Cabaret — Friday and Saturday, July 29-30, 7:30 p.m., at the Encinitas Library, 540 Cornish Drive. This event features performances of opera, operetta, and musical theater scenes served with hors d’oeuvres, desserts, and wine.
- The Fairy Queen — Friday and Saturday, Aug. 5-6, 7:30 p.m., at Palisades Presbyterian Church Sanctuary, 6301 Birchwood Street, San Diego. This semi-staged production of Henry Purcell’s opera commemorates the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death.
- Don Giovanni — Friday and Saturday, Aug. 12-13, 8 p.m., Palisades Amphitheater, 6301 Birchwood Street, San Diego. The season concludes with Mozart’s famous opera about the legendary libertine.
“There are thousands of young singers graduating each year from university and college opera programs, many of them with graduate degrees,” said Opera NEO founder and artistic director Peter Kozma. “But very few are able to bridge the gap between their academic experience and the expectations of professional opera companies.”
“Opera NEO helps the most talented singers bridge this gap by providing experience, knowledge and networking while building their confidence and providing fresh new productions to the San Diego community,” he added.
Tickets for the cabaret and operas are $20 to $45, with student tickets at $12, and available online at www.operaneo.com. Admission to the Aria Marathon is free, with a suggested donation of $25.
