top of page

About Us

Finding Inspiration in Every Turn

First Coast Opera (FCO) is thrilled to announce, Opera is Back!  North Florida’s premier opera company, FCO has been producing programs for over two decades, encompassing concerts, dinner shows, gala fundraisers to fully staged productions complete with beautiful sets, costumes and orchestra.  

First Coast Opera has received support from the Florida Department of Cultural Affairs, St. Johns County, and the National Endowment of the Arts. In addition, we welcome and thank all of you who have contributed to us so generously with your individual donations of time, enthusiasm, and financial support.
 

Empty Theater

Our Story

In January 2000, soprano Barbara Norris and her husband Anthony Fast produced a concert titled An Evening of Opera, leading to the formation of First Coast Opera in Saint Augustine.  Serving Northeast Florida’s First Coast region, the company began a series of concerts and staged productions of operas and operettas featuring local talent.  Before relocating to North Carolina, the founders hosted their final concert with the company, aptly titled Addio!, in May 2008.  

First Coast Opera continued under the leadership of Board Presidents Pamela Tsitos, Dulcy Freedman, Adam Mayo, and Nancy Perry, programming a wide variety of themed cabarets and concerts, as well as staged productions ranging from Weill’s Three Penny Opera to Puccini’s Turandot to Terrence McNally’s play Master Class.

In 2014, Curtis Tucker joined First Coast Opera as Artistic Director.  Under the leadership of Maestro Tucker and Board President Michele Bova, the company has expanded its programming and artistic reach through staged productions of both classic and new works, tribute concerts highlighting the careers of Marian Anderson, Leonard Bernstein, Mario Lanza, and Edith Piaf, and increased outreach to area schools.

The only producing opera company in Northeast Florida, First Coast Opera is a leading arts voice and active arts partner in the region.  In 2015, FCO partnered with other arts organizations to commemorate the City of Saint Augustine’s 450th Anniversary with a festive concert at the local Amphitheatre.  FCO has been a frequent collaborator with Flagler College, Stetson University Opera, University of North Florida Opera Theatre, Lightner Museum, A Classic Theatre, Romanza Festivale of the Arts, St. Augustine Orchestra, St. Augustine Community Chorus, St. Augustine Art Association, St. Augustine Youth Chorus, and Limelight Theatre.

Meet The Board

2024-05 Board Phototouched up.png

L to R  Front row, Steven Rich, Robert Dawkins, Kerry Fradley, Curtis Tucker.

 

Back row, Jean Rahner, Michele Bova, Maria Isabel Montoya , Kathy Schirmacher, Cathy Marshall

BOARD MEMBERS


Michele Bova

Robert Dawkins

Joanne Everett

Kerry Fradley
Julie Hammack

Maria Montoya

Patricia Nolton

Nancy Perry

Steve Rich

Dawn Russell
Paul Schilling

Kathy Schirmacher
Christopher Smith


PROFESSIONAL STAFF


Curtis TuckerGeneral and Artistic Director
Cathy Marshall, Administrative Director
Renee Unsworth, Marketing Consultant

ARTISTIC DIRECTORS CIRCLE

Bonnie & Scott Bartosch

Phyllis Bucsko

Michele Bova Chapman

Jane Collins

Laura Weiss & Robert Dawkins

Nancy & Raymond Frankle

Dr. Irwin Hall & Joann Rossi Hall

Susan & Dr. Patick Hale

Julie Hammack

Hal LaMott        

Joan & Al LeBeau

Nancy Perry

Steven Rich

Mona Rooker

James T Dutton, CPA, DVM & Paul J Schilling, MD

Kathryn & Andrew Schirmacher

Christopher Smith

Shirley Thompson

Andreea & Phillip Vineyard

Board
bottom of page