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News & Features
Inside 'Carmen': Reflections from our Stage Director
Stage Director Mark Freiman reflects on his personal connection with 'Carmen' and why it's endured for 150 years.
Dec 23, 2025
Hiring: Part-Time Development Director
First Coast Opera invites applications for a part-time Development Director. The successful candidate must reside in Northeast Florida and attend in-person events in St. Augustine. Key responsibilities include planning, overseeing, and executing an annual Development Plan to support company contributed income goals. Experience with non-profit fundraising and direct donor solicitation is strongly preferred. Experience with or interest in the performing arts is desirable.
Dec 19, 2025
Habanera: From the Stage to Your Screen
Over the decades, this melody has been adapted and reused across countless forms of media, often without the audience even realizing its operatic origins.
Dec 16, 2025
Ring in the New Year with Opera and Nights of Lights in Historic St. Augustine
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.
Aug 26, 2025
Who Are All These People?
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.
Jul 9, 2025
First Coast Opera Night at the Ballpark
Opera meets America’s favorite pastime on Friday, June 27 at the Jumbo Shrimp game - and we want you in the stands.
Jun 5, 2025
Heading to the Opera America Conference!
A preview of what Development Director, Torlef Borsting will be diving into at Opera Conference 2025.
May 21, 2025
Meet The Queen of the Night!
Get ready for a breathtaking musical journey as the Queen of the Night unleashes her most powerful and haunting aria - "Der Hölle Rache kocht in meinem Herzen"
Mar 19, 2025
Creating the Look for The Magic Flute: A Designer's Challenge
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.
Mar 12, 2025
A Singspiel for All Ages: The Magic Flute by Mozart
A Singspiel is a type of German opera that masterfully blends spoken dialogue with musical numbers, creating a unique theatrical experience.
Feb 27, 2025
Meet the Third Servant of the Queen: Regina Torres
Regina Torres is thrilled to return to FCO for their 25th season, where she began her operatic career as The Witch in Hansel and Gretel.
Feb 20, 2025
Meet the Second Servant of the Queen: Raquel Rubi
Cuban soprano Raquel Rubí holds a Master’s in Vocal Performance from FIU and a Doctorate in Musical Arts from the University of Miami.
Feb 20, 2025
Meet the First Servant of the Queen: Lisa Lockhart
St. Augustine resident Lisa Lockhart is a frequent performer with First Coast Opera, with past roles including Musetta in Pasta &...
Feb 17, 2025
Triumph of the Three: Masonic Symbolism in Mozart's The Magic Flute
In Mozart's The Magic Flute, Masonic symbolism plays a significant role, deeply intertwined with the themes of enlightenment and moral...
Feb 14, 2025
A Community Effort
Meet Torlef Borsting, the brand-new Development Director for First Coast Opera.
Feb 10, 2025
First Coast Opera Celebrates 25th Anniversary with Gala Performance by Juan Antonio Simarro
Juan Antonio Simarro at Anniversary Gala. Photos by Glo MacDonald St. Augustine, FL – February 3, 2025 – On February 1, First Coast...
Feb 5, 2025
A little holiday cheer!
Juan Antonio Simarro has also explored holiday music, bringing his signature warmth and creativity to compositions that capture the...
Dec 25, 2024
Experience the opera, Amarga Dulce
Experience Amarga Dulce on YouTube to hear how Simarro captures the raw beauty of the human spirit through his composition: Dulce.
Dec 18, 2024
Pre-Performance Talks for the 2024/25 Season
Designed for both seasoned opera lovers and newcomers alike, these talks provide a rich background on the history, context, and plot of each opera.
Dec 15, 2024
'The Barber of Seville': From The Director
Stage Director Mark Freiman reflects on his time with Rossini's 'Il barbiere di Siviglia.'
Dec 13, 2024
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