Opera stars will take their place under the stars

WILKENSON Opera Naples opens its fifth season with the return of Opera Stars Under the Stars at Cambier Park. Performances take place at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 13 and 14.

Both evenings will feature Metropolitan Opera vocalists Ashley Howard Wilkenson, bass, and Heather Buck, soprano, performing highlights from the shows in Opera Naples’ 2009-2010 season: “Il Trovatore,” “Romeo & Juliet, Then & Now,” and “The Magic Flute.” The Opera Naples orchestra and chorus, along with other soloists, also will perform.

The outdoor concerts are casual and friendly. Refreshments will be available for purchase.

Tickets are $75 for front and center stage cushioned chairs, $35 for chairs in general admission and $20 for open lawn seating (folding chairs and blankets are welcome).

The complete Opera Naples season is as follows:

BUCK • Verdi’s “Il Trovatore,” Friday and Sunday, Jan. 22 and 24, featuring guest artists from the San Francisco Opera and New York City Opera. This production, described as “a good buy, a bad guy, a distraught noblewoman and a crazy gypsy caught in between,” will be staged at Gulf Coast High School. Tickets are $25-$95.

• “Romeo & Juliet, Then & Now,” Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 20 and 21, featuring the American operatic debut of acclaimed Irish tenor Anthony Kearns. This production will be staged at the International Design Center in Estero. Tickets are $75-$125.

• Mozart’s “The Magic Flute,” Friday and Saturday, March 5 and 6, with a cast of stars from the San Francisco Opera, Dallas Opera and Chicago Light Opera Works. The much-loved story of a young prince who must rescue a beautiful princess will be presented in Cambier Park. Tickets are $25-$95.

HOLLOWAY Individual performance and season tickets are available for purchase by calling (800) 771-1041 or by visiting Opera Naples online at www.operanaples.org. 
TAYLOR
SHANNON
PEARCE