News & Features

First Coast Opera invites the community to experience a one-of-a-kind musical celebration of America's national pastime on Friday, May 8, 2026 at 12:00 PM at The Waterworks (184 San Marco Ave., St. Augustine, FL 32084) as part of the Romanza Festivale of Music & The Arts.

Edward joins First Coast Opera with 15 years of stage experience as a tenor with six years in arts stewardship. He is eager to grow the company and connect with the community.

https://www.firstcoastopera.org/FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 4, 2026 Contact: Curtis Tucker, ctuckermusic@gmail.com St. Augustine, FL — First Coast Opera continues its season with two events — a Valentine's Day fundraiser and Gilbert and Sullivan's The Mikado. Find details and tickets at firstcoastopera.org or call 904-417-5555. Sips & Serenades Join First Coast Opera on Saturday, February 14 for an intimate and elegant evening in support of the opera at the stunning home o

We're thrilled to share that FCO has been named a 2026 Arts For All Grant recipient. This project is sponsored in part by the St. Johns Cultural Council and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Stage Director Mark Freiman reflects on his personal connection with 'Carmen' and why it's endured for 150 years.

Over the decades, this melody has been adapted and reused across countless forms of media, often without the audience even realizing its operatic origins.

Make it a night to remember. Stroll beneath the glowing lights before the performance, experience the passion of CARMEN live on stage, and toast the New Year in America's oldest city.

Putting a spotlight on the FCO chorus and the chorister who has been with us the longest. Plus, an opportunity to join us onstage next season.

Opera meets America’s favorite pastime on Friday, June 27 at the Jumbo Shrimp game - and we want you in the stands.

A preview of what Development Director, Torlef Borsting will be diving into at Opera Conference 2025.

Meet Gina Makarova, the Costume and Makeup Designer for The Magic Flute and learn her process for creating the entire look for each character from head to toe.

A Singspiel is a type of German opera that masterfully blends spoken dialogue with musical numbers, creating a unique theatrical experience.

In Mozart's The Magic Flute, Masonic symbolism plays a significant role, deeply intertwined with the themes of enlightenment and moral instruction that reflect the principles of Freemasonry, of which Mozart was a member. The opera incorporates numerous Masonic symbols, such as the triangle, the number 3, and the use of light and darkness, which mirror the Masonic values of wisdom, understanding, and virtue. The number 3 is particularly prominent, with a deep connection to the

Juan Antonio Simarro at Anniversary Gala. Photos by Glo MacDonald St. Augustine, FL – February 3, 2025 – On February 1, First Coast...

Experience Amarga Dulce on YouTube to hear how Simarro captures the raw beauty of the human spirit through his composition: Dulce.

Designed for both seasoned opera lovers and newcomers alike, these talks provide a rich background on the history, context, and plot of each opera.

Stage Director Mark Freiman reflects on his time with Rossini's 'Il barbiere di Siviglia.'

Listen to the powerful Symphony for a Better World on YouTube and experience Simarro’s inspiring musical vision: Symphony for a Better World

In this Act I aria, the scheming music teacher Don Basilio describes how a slanderous rumor (calumny) starts as a whisper but can grow into

Juan Antonio Simarro is a celebrated Spanish composer, musician, and conductor known for his unique ability to blend classical and contempor