Opera Tampa will partner with The Florida Orchestra

Opera Tampa, the resident company of the David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts, has announced a partnership with the Florida Orchestra for the 2022 season.

The announcement was made by Judy Lisi, Straz Center CEO and Opera Tampa director, and Mark Cantrell, CEO of the Florida Orchestra.

The orchestra will provide live music in Ferguson Hall for the previously announced 2022 opera season, which includes Offenbach’s The Tales of Hoffmann and Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Pirates of Penzance. Michael Francis, the Florida Orchestra’s music director, will conduct the double bill of Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi and Mascagni’s Cavalleria Rusticana.

“We at Opera Tampa are thrilled to collaborate with the Florida Orchestra,” Lisi said in a news release. “The partnership between our two organizations makes so much sense — artistically, financially and from a community relations perspective.”

She went on to say that she was “elated” to have Francis conducting the double bill, which she said “promises to be a highlight of the season.”

Francis was equally effusive in his statement in the release.

“This partnership is a wonderful moment for the dynamic arts scene in Tampa Bay. Bringing together these two great institutions will further strengthen our desire to serve the vibrant Tampa Bay community through live music. I have always loved the operatic repertoire, and I cannot wait to bring the power of the Florida Orchestra to the dramatic excitement of these masterpieces.”

More creative team members and casting information for the 2022 season will be released at a later date.

Current Opera Tampa season ticket holders must renew by June 25 to guarantee their seats for the 2022 season. Patrons also can sign up now to become new season ticket holders. Prices for the three-show season package range from $90 to $331.62. For more information, call the Straz Center at 813-229-7827 or visit strazcenter.org. Individual opera tickets will go on sale at a later date.