Friends of First Coast Opera
The Friends of First Coast Opera provides volunteer support to the opera company through assistance with Box Office, Ushering, Membership, Publicity, Artist Hospitality, Fundraising Events, and other ways.
The Friends sponsor at least two fundraisers each season. One is a Fall luncheon at a local restaurant with First Coast Opera’s Artistic Director to discuss the upcoming season. The second is Evening of Arias, an annual Gala event at Marsh Creek Country Club. These events raise funds for FCO’s future productions.
Meetings are held every other month on Tuesday at 2:00 PM at Marsh Creek Country Club. We would love to have you join us!
Annual membership dues are $20 per person. If you would like an “operatunity” to join the Friends, please email us for a membership form.
2022 Season Kicked Off at the Purple Olive
45 people gathered at Purple Olive on the afternoon of Wednesday, September 21 to enjoy the annual Friends of First Coast Opera Guild luncheon and fashion show.
Suzanne Beck was on hand to donate a stunning black Victorian Opera Cape from the 1890s. See photos, right.
The program included a greeting from First Coast Opera’s General and Artistic Director, Curtis Tucker.
Curt welcomed several people who had never attended an opera event, and hoped they would take advantage of the program put together for this season.
Stunning Victorian Opera Cape from the 1890s donated to First Coast Opera.
Stunning Victorian Opera Cape from the 1890s donated to First Coast Opera.
Stunning Victorian Opera Cape from the 1890s donated to First Coast Opera.
Stunning Victorian Opera Cape from the 1890s donated to First Coast Opera.
"Our 2022/2023 season began in October with two one-act operas at Celebration Hall at St. Anastasia Church on the island. It is a combination of catered dinner and opera. You’ve heard of Dinner Theater? This is Dinner Opera.
“Many of you know Bizet from Carmen. Le Docteur Miracle is a short one-act comedy. It’s great fun and even has a food theme. Our second offering is the 20-minute-long opera by Hoiby. It features Julia Child in which she makes chocolate cake. All in all, a very fun evening with music, good food, wine and champagne!
"Our New Year’s production will be Die Fledermaus. The program is an operetta – a comedy, a practical joke -- but we won't go into it! We have musicians, chorus and cast members who are local and also travelling from out of state.
"Our final performances also feature 2 operas. The first is the séance-filled The Medium by Gian Carlo Menotti, who also wrote Amahl and the Night Visitors. The second piece is Gustav Holst’s Sāvitri, based on an episode from the Sanskrit epic Mahābhārata. Taking place in February at The Waterworks, this will be our debut at a wonderful new location that will allow us a smaller, intimate setting.
"We have a lot coming up and it's very exciting. Visit our website to learn more and order tickets."
Light and breezy fashions were provided by Cottonways, located at 56 Hypolita Street right behind the Columbia Restaurant in downtown St. Augustine. The clothes were all 100% cotton gauze, preshrunk, easy to wear, and easy to care for! Perfect for Florida living. Much of the colorful jewelry was made in Ecuador from togwa nut .
The Purple Olive is located in St Augustine Beach conveniently off A1A and is proud to support local farmers, products and businesses. The event menu began with a seafood bisque or salad, main course options included a seafood risotto, pan-seared salmon, grilled beef tips with brandy peppercorn, Chicken Marsala with mushrooms or grilled stuffed eggplant. And not to be missed was the chocolate pecan gateau for dessert!
Our volunteer models for the event included Laura Weiss, Annie Gaybis, Kathy Schirmacher, and Gail Hart. Click the images below to enjoy!
