Regina Opera continued their 54th season of classical Italian opera with a free performance of Cavalleria Rusticana this Tuesday evening, February 27th. The production runs March 2-10th.
The Regina Opera is a professional opera company in Sunset Park whose mission is to bring world-class performances to music lovers at a price they can afford. Their goal is to make opera accessible to more people, with the hope that young audiences will fall in love with their craft, allowing it to live on to future audiences, too.
The entire production – orchestra, costumes, set design, lighting, cast, vocal performances – is Metropolitan Opera caliber for $25 or less, and in the intimacy of a small theater where there are no bad seats. The first performance of each opera series is always offered as free to the public. Join their mailing list to stay in the loop on the latest Regina Opera productions and offerings.
We live in such a talent-rich city, made clear by the high-quality production of these affordable shows. I spoke with the President of The Regina Opera, Fran Garber-Cohen, about the incredible caliber of their performances.
“We are never left wanting for talent in this community.” Garber-Cohen explained that the opera world is a small, but international one. Much of their cast and crew come from around the globe, having studied and performed at some of the most esteemed opera houses in the world.
The artistry is also clear in every stitch, seam, and set piece. Director Sabrina Palladino is quite the history buff, and takes great pleasure researching the history of each opera she directs – down to the historical gossip surrounding her characters and the artwork they may have owned.
I was lucky enough to see her production of Rigoletto this fall, which featured replicas of artwork from the real Duke of Mantua’s palace in 16th century Italy. On the love she has for her craft, Palladino said,
“When you look at a Van Gogh and you examine the brush strokes, you are there with the artist. You are looking at him. It’s the same with opera. When you look at the composer’s notes, you are spending time with them. You are hanging out with Verdi.”
Opera has been a part of Palladino’s life from the beginning, and Cavalleria Rusticana is particularly close to her heart. She sang it every Easter morning with her mother.
“I’ve watched it, I’ve sung it, I’ve performed it – that opera is a part of me.”
Cavalleria Rusticana is a decadent melodrama which tells the story of two unfaithful lovers played out on an Easter Sunday in late 19th century Sicily. And of course, the whole village is in their business. Don’t miss your opportunity to see Palladino’s production of this classic tale which will run March 2-10th.
Tickets to Cavalleria Rusticana can be purchased on Regina Opera’s website. General admission is $25, with discounts for seniors, students and teens who can go for as little as $5. Children under 12 are admitted for free.
The Regina Opera will also be presenting performances of Lucia Di Lammermoor in May 2024, as well as a few outdoor concert series to round out their 54th season.
Bronwen Crowe
Bronwen Crowe is a writer and product manager from the gulf coast of Alabama. She calls Park Slope home now and enjoys feeling a part of the community for its small-town meets big city energy. She graduated from Auburn University with a degree in Civil Engineering, and now works at Effie, an international marketing awards organization. She loves bopping around the neighborhood, meeting new people, cooking with her friends, classes at Pure Barre, and Survivor marathons.