Immerse yourself in the full operatic season at Park City Opera

PARK CITY, Utah — Park City Opera is presenting a full season of operatic events in Park City. The three young co-founders tested the waters last year and are now ready to commit to years of classical music in Park City. The season culminates with the full performance of The Barber of Seville at the Jim Santy Auditorium and Park City Premiere.

Park City Opera plans to fill a void now and into the future

Even though Park City featured the Park Opera House as early as 1889 and a second Grand Opera House in May 1897, due to the loss of both of those opera houses to fire before 1900, opera has not been consistently present in Park City for a long time. Park City Opera plans to change this. Last season the Executive Director Lena Goldstein, Artistic Director Benjamin Beckman and Development Director Lisl Wangermann tested Park City’s appetite for classical music and found enthusiastic audiences. They worked diligently to partner with local groups and are now ready for a fun-filled season. They plan to include everyone with a mix of free and ticketed performances.

Get a taste of opera at one of Park City Opera’s 14 events 

After last year’s success Opera on the Patio returns for two free performances at the Park City Library. Bring chairs, a picnic and relax on the lawn to great operatic music June 24 and July 23 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

If you prefer City Park, they are performing Opera in the Park in cooperation with Mountain Town Music from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on July 28 and Aug. 11. Both performances are also free.

For a more intimate setting buy tickets to Summer Songs in the Greenhouse on July 31 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Park City Gardens, 4459 UT 224. Light appetizers and bubbly beverages are included.

The Barber of Seville features 5 nationally acclaimed singers

They just completed a national call for opera singers and chose five nationally acclaimed singers for the principal roles, reported Lena Goldstein. Not only are they adding national talent to their local singers, but they are also building their own custom set to fit both the Jim Santy Auditorium and Premiere Park City. Premiere Park City, a cocktail lounge on historic Main Street, is a 21+ venue. This will be a truly unique setting for the opera performances on Aug. 29 and 30, perhaps as unique as the Globe Theatre in London.

Everyone is welcome at the performance on Aug. 24 from 2 to 4:15 p.m. at the Park City Library. Il barbiere di Siviglia (The Barber of Seville) will be performed in Italian with projected English supertitles. In a talk before the opera, Artistic Director Benjamin Beckman plans to fill you in on the history of the opera, Rossini’s life and offer an artist interview. The Barber of Seville is a comic masterpiece, known for its catchy melodies (think: “Figaro, Figaro, Figaroooo”), mischievous characters, and infectious humor that transcends time. Expect laughter, stunning voices, and a thrilling performance that will introduce you to the timeless characters of Figaro, Rosina, and Count Almaviva in all their mischievous glory. In partnership with other community groups, discounted tickets and some free tickets are available to seniors, students and some other groups.

All three co-founders plan to spend their summers in Park City for years to come. Lena Goldstein’s family already lives here and Lisl Wangermann is joining them from Cleveland where the soprano is completing an Artist’s Diploma program. Benjamin Beckman plans to complete his Master’s Degree in Composition next year.